Sustainable Practices and Conferences

As a higher proportion of the world's population attends university, we need to consider our impact on the environment. In this section, we are sharing some preliminary resources about sustainable futures for universities and those who organize conferences. If you should have more resources we can share, please reach out to Dr. Tim Brunet so that we can share them with the University and our team.

Reduce Waste

  • Use fabric or natural tote bags that can be reused, recycled, and laundered. If they are unbranded, their lifespan may increase.
  • Choose vendors and event partners that use sustainable practices
  • Use QR codes to share conference materials, digital brochures, contact information.
  • Promotional materials are often unnecessary. Consider providing gift certificates or charitable donations to organizations that have sustainable practices.

Sustainable Solutions for Food

  • Use mostly Vegan or Vegetarian options when possible.
  • Use compostable plates and cutlery
  • Sell fair trade coffee/tea and use large containers for milk and creamers
  • Ask conferencegoers to bring their reusable water bottles.
  • Prepare ahead of time to bring food leftovers to a local food bank and document the food consumed as a pattern for purchasing for upcoming events.
  • The Campus Community Garden "is dedicated to building healthy, interactive urban communities through the collective production of locally grown, organic food."

Transportation and Offsetting Emissions

  • Invite local keynote speakers to reduce emissions.
  • Consider having online options for those who can't afford to travel or that may want to present online to reduce their carbon footprint. Learn about Carbon Offsetting. 
  • Host a menu that uses seasonal foods.
  • Find and recommend greener transportation to and from the venue. Organize electric transportation, car pooling, and consider parking for bicycles, electric scooters, and recommendations for those who want to attend the event on foot.

Media Kit

The United Nations has provided a media kit for those promoting the Sustainable Development Goals.