University of Edinburgh Business School Sustainability Statement for the 35th EGOS Colloquium

i.  Objective and Scope
The University of Edinburgh has promised to improve people’s lives and always protect our planet. We do this with our neighbours, partners, teachers, researchers, professional staff, technicians and students. That means that the University will work to fight climate change, uphold human rights, and improve access to education and jobs.This statement has been formulated for the EGOS Colloquium 2019 organised by the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS), and outlines our commitment towards integrating more sustainable practices into the entire life-cycle of our events. 

ii.  Rationale
UEBS recognise that the 2019 Colloquium has the potential to deliver significant environmental, economic and social impacts on our School, University and City.  This provides a framework and direction on how we manage this colloquium to deliver direct environmental, social and economic benefits. Incorporating sustainable practices into our operations is important to our staff, stakeholders and local community. With sustainable events, we can improve participant experience, generate additional value for our stakeholders and increase overall satisfaction.

iii.  Objective
The following overall objectives have been identified to guide the UEBS’s approach to events. Individual events will have additional and specific objectives based on the challenges and opportunities facing that market.


REDUCE
  • Waste: Switch to more sustainable materials, minimise waste and increase waste diversion.
  • Water usage: Through procurement choices and food & beverage.
  • Emissions: Reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, and offset.

RETHINK
  • Switch to more sustainable materials and design for lower event environmental footprint.
  • Offer healthy, local, culturally appropriate and responsibly sourced food and beverages.

RESPECT
  • Ensure a good working environment for the workers involved, ensuring regulatory compliance and appropriate safety conditions.
  • Create an environment that is diverse, open and accessible to all participants. 

iv.   What We Have Done
  • Eliminated the production and distribution of conference bags.
  • Reduced the production of printed conference materials; information and maps will be available through the colloquium website and colloquium app.
  • Exhibitors asked to bring the minimal amount of brochures and merchandising.
  • Proving all delegates with a reusable copper vacuum water bottle, which keeps water cold for 48 hours and hot for 12 hours – and access to water taps and fountains to fill them as required!
  • Worked with suppliers to reduce food waste by confirming in advance and reviewing catering numbers and dietary requirements, using compostable disposable catering items and at evening events ceramic crockery, cups and cutlery.
  • Selecting menus which include locally sourced and seasonable products.