Our sustainability journey

In staging the 15th National Conference, the SSAT and all its partners committed to reducing the environmental impact of the event as much as possible, including setting some meaningful targets for energy reduction. We see this as in important step in the journey to being a sustainable organisation. Our event partners MMM, the International Convention Centre Birmingham and the British Educational Suppliers Association have worked with us to make changes across all event operations.

Reduction targets

• 66% reduction in mailing of print products
• 100% reduction in mailing for registration
• 100% reduction in mailing for evaluation
• 50% reduction in power for projection
• 60% reduction in power for lighting
• 10% reduction in power for data equipment
• 30% reduction in waste by conference crew
• Minimise vehicle use
• Reduce delegate and exhibitor waste
• Encourage recycling and re-use

Actions

Bags for delegates:

Environmentally-sustainable jute bags are being provided in favour of the traditional style bags, which are often made from petrochemical-based products. Also, delegates are  asked to re-use bags from previous conferences.

Catering:

• Fairtrade tea and coffee is being provided
• Jugs of tap water will be provided instead of bottles and we will provide water coolers with locally sourced water
• Reusable crockery and cutlery will be used for crew meals rather than disposable
• Every effort is being made to reduce ‘food miles’ by sourcing ingredients locally
• Efforts have been made to reduce excess packaging and biodegradable water cups are being provided.

Carbon offset:

£1 per day per delegate is being invested in Climate Care to offset the 0.14 tonnes of CO2 (approximately) you’ll use at the conference.

Our event partner MMM is working with Eventia (the events industry association) and The Carbon Consultancy to determine how they can continue to deliver more ‘carbon responsible’ events.

Exhibitors:

Exhibitors have been encouraged to reduce the impact of their involvement by:

• making sure the stand has sustainable features such as low energy bulbs
• minimising the amount of paper on the stands
• planning to take away any left over print materials to be used again
• considering where and how any corporate give-aways have been created.

Energy reduction:

• Lights, power, equipment and heating will be switched off in halls when not in use
• Presenters will be encouraged to rehearse on stage using minimal audio-visual and lighting equipment
• Light bulbs in the venue are progressively being replaced with energy-saving bulbs

Printed material:

This year we have published conference information electronically rather than in print wherever possible.

• 66% reduction in mailing of print products
• 100% electronic registration
• 100% electronic evaluation
• Exhibitors encouraged to minimise and/or re-use printed material
• Delegates supplied with USB stick to allow capture of electronic material.

Where printed materials have been produced we have considered:

• the type of inks, paper, printing process and finish to be used
• the practicability and economy of the print job
• whether the printer had any particular environmental accreditation.

SSAT stand:

The SSAT stand is re-used at multiple events during the year, with minimal re-printing of panels.

Waste management:

Exhibitors have been encouraged to use re-usable displays and stands.

Recycling bins will be provided at the venue - look out for these before throwing things away!