SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

1. Purpose

The  Student Accommodation Conference and Awards team is committed to minimising our environmental impact and promoting sustainability. This policy outlines our dedication to organising and delivering events in an environmentally responsible manner.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all aspects of the Student Accommodation Conference and Awards, including planning, delivering, and post-event activities.

3. Key Objectives

• Reduce Carbon Footprint : Strive to minimise the carbon footprint associated with our event.
• Waste Reduction: Minimise waste generation and encourage responsible waste disposal including recycling and composting. 
• Energy Efficiency: Optimise energy consumption during the event. ·
• Sustainable Sourcing: Prioritise the use of environmentally friendly and locally sourced materials and products.
• Community Engagement: Encourage and engage the local community in sustainable practices.

4. Implementation

4.1 Planning Phase

• Venue Selection: Choose venues with strong sustainability practices or those willing to adopt them for the event. 
• Transportation: Encourage the use of public transportation and carpooling. Provide information on eco-friendly transportation options.
• Materials and Supplies: Prioritise reusable and recyclable materials. Minimise single-use items – plastic water bottles, disposable coffee cups, printed event programmes.
• Suppliers: Use suppliers who align with sustainability goals.

4.2 Event Execution 

• Waste Management: Provide clearly marked recycling and composting bins. Minimise single-use plastics. 
• Energy Conservation: Use energy-efficient equipment. Encourage sponsors and exhibitors to use eco-friendly lighting and displays. 
• Water Usage: Implement water conservation measures. 
• Sustainable Catering: Implement sustainable catering practices, including the use of organic, locally sourced food, vegetarian, and vegan options, and minimising food waste. 
• Inclusive Participation: Ensure that sustainability efforts also consider the accessibility for people with disabilities, promoting an inclusive environment for all attendees. 

4.3 Post-Event 

• Evaluation: Assess the environmental impact of the event and identify areas for improvement. 
• Documentation: Keep records of sustainability efforts, successes, and areas for improvement.
• Communication: Share the sustainability achievements with stakeholders and encourage their feedback.

5. Stakeholder Engagement 

• Participants: Encourage attendees to adopt sustainable practices during the event. 
• Sponsors and Exhibitors: Promote sustainability practices and encourage the use of eco-friendly products and displays.
  

6. Continuous Improvement 

• Feedback Mechanism: Establish a system for gathering feedback from stakeholders to continuously improve sustainability practices.
• Innovation: Stay informed about new technologies and practices that can further enhance the sustainability of the  Student Accommodation Conference and Awards.
• Sustainability Certification: Aim to achieve sustainability certification for our event from recognised organisations, which can serve as a benchmark for our sustainability efforts.

7. Review and Updates

This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.