FIS / HIS International 2020 sustainability policy
HIS recognises that conferences and events have a direct impact on the local, regional and global environment. As a Society we are dedicated to providing a high quality conference, whilst minimising the environmental impact of the events we organise where possible. The FIS/HIS International 2020 conference aims to reduce the environmental
impact in a number of ways.
Travel
The EICC is easily accessible by public transport, and the use of single-occupant taxis is discouraged. Full travel options are provided at here. The EICC is a short walk from Haymarket station, which has excellent public transport links from Waverly station and Edinburgh airport.
Promotional leaflets
Promotional leaflets (often included as inserts in delegate bags) are discouraged, and exhibitors and sponsors will not be offered the opportunity to supply delegate bag inserts. This is intended to negate the need for delegate bags. Exhibitors and delegates wishing to promote products or upcoming events may do so by displaying limited numbers of leaflets on tables provided throughout the venue.
Delegate bags
As delegate bags will not be provided, all participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags to carry any materials needed for the day.
Lanyards
Delegate badges will be printed on recyclable materials. Lanyards will be provided and branded with the Healthcare Infection Society logo to facilitate reuse at future events. Delegates will be encouraged to return lanyards as they depart the conference.
Abstract and programme book
A concise conference programme will be provided. All abstracts will be accessible via a conference app.
Water
All delegates will be provided with a reusable water bottle which they can refill at water stations located around the conference venue.
Posters
A recyclable point for unwanted posters will be provided in the exhibition hall.
EICC Sustainability Policy
Waste and recycling
Their current and proposed waste management and recycling ACTIVITY include:
Providing the following waste recycling facilities onsite and visible throughout the building:
• Glass and bottles
• Paper and cardboard
• Aluminium cans
Providing back of house recycling of the following materials and waste streams:
• Wood
• Set and exhibition material
• Food waste
• Cooking
• Delegate bags
• Stationery
Working with collaborative partners on a range of initiatives in the reuse of identified items and or as a resource as new products:
• Waste cooking oil is collected and converted into bio diesel and biogas for commercial use
• Food waste is collected and sent to an anaerobic digestion plan where it is converted into renewable
Energy and nutrient rich bio-fertiliser
• End of event waste that include delegate bags and stationery are collected by Marys Meals a charity which sets up school feeding programmes in some of the world's poorest communities, where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education
• meat products are delivered vacuum sealed and in reusable plastic containers resulting in a significant reduction of waste packaging to EICC premises
Ethical supply chain & Local sourcing
They have the following initiatives in place which each of their teams has made a commitment to pursuing:
• Establishment of a Green Team to adopt and implement earth-friendly practices in our businesses
• Sourcing and purchasing environmentally sensitive products and services locally, whenever possible
• Purchasing organic fresh and sustainable foods locally grown, whenever possible.
• Creating partnerships with other like-minded organisations which are committed to preserving the environment
• Encouraging our associates to apply eco-friendly practices in their daily operations
• Energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, as well as water-saving devices
• Implementing tools that allow us to continually measure the progress of their environmental operations