Towards a Sustainable Event

Green meetings are based on a sustainability framework which balances environmental, economic and social impacts. COMPLEX NETWORKS is working towards having a limited impact on the environment and climate and delivering value to the community. 

These guidelines are provided for attendees, committees and contractors to reduce COMPLEX NETWORKS direct and indirect environmental impacts that occur through its supply chain and partnerships

Our Objectives

 

Key environmental objectives for COMPLEX NETWORKS include:

  • Reducing Energy & Water Consumption
  • Reduce the amount of waste
  • Increasing the quantity of waste recycled
  • Reducing travel environmental impacts
  • Reduce purchase environmental impacts
  • Increasing environmental awareness
  • Drive behavior change

 

Our Actions

The icons of relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) illustrate how our actions contributes to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

They include:

Venue

  • Sustainability is one of Binghamton University's top priorities. The University is committed to sustainable practices, as represented by its campus landscape, built environment, curriculum offerings, and the myriad of clubs and organizations around the theme. The University is working to help restore the global ecosystem, foster healthy living, and reduce our impact on the environment. Binghamton University is part of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) and has a Gold Rank through The Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) AASHE.
  • Binghamton University has a motto «Green is more than our school color.».
  • The main campus, Johnson City, and downtown Binghamton locations are easily accessible. Depending on where people are coming from, public transport is a good option. If people come from the City of Binghamton, they can take Broome County Transit (Public Transportation Facility).
  • The sites and buildings are accessible to people with reduced mobility. The signage for disabled access to the premises is clear and accurate. Signage is present for parking and door access.
  • The staff is involved with sustainable event planning and management in the venue.

Energy management

  • Energy used is monitored and managed. Energy efficient fixtures and lighting are part of all new constructions and renovations. Automatic light sensors are used for offices.
  • During high temperature/high energy demand days, the Campus will adjust building temperatures to reduce demand.
  • Equipment and practices are used to minimize energy use.
  • Staff are given guidance on minimizing energy use. For instance, all computer purchases are to meet Energy Star or EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool ecolabel) Gold standard

Water management

  • Water used in the venue is monitored and managed.
  • Goals for reducing water consumption are in place.
  • Equipment and practices are used to minimize water consumption.
  • Staff and guests are given guidance on minimizing water use.

Food and drinking water

  • We privilege pro-sustainable local suppliers.
  • We use seasonal foods transported in environmentally sound ways. In Binghamton University, Executive Order (EO) requires a percentage of food purchased on campus to be locally produced and processed in NY.
  • We do not use products from heated greenhouses or foods transported by air.
  • We offer vegan and vegetarian dishes.
  • Meat and/or fish is based on environmental considerations.
  • We use reusable crockery, cutlery and glasses.
  • Servers restock the buffet only when necessary.
  • We donate surplus food. Binghamton University caterer provides safe food to the Good Neighbors network. This is a local organization that will come to the kitchens and pick up left over food and serve at local food pantries
  • Water dispensers at the venue may be used with reusable bottles distributed to all participants.
  • We have a non-plastic bottle policy.
  • “BIG 9” allergens are listed on our food labels on the buffet
  • Compare the carbon footprint of various ingredients with this CO2 calculator

Waste Management & Recycling

  • The amount of solid waste is monitored and managed.
  • Every effort is made to avoid waste generation in the first place.
  • All unavoidable waste is strictly separated at the source to achieve the highest possible recycling quality.
  • Posters explaining how to properly sort waste are throughout the conference venue.
  • Pictograms provide orientation on which bin should be used
  • Back packaging is conjointly managed by the University caterer and by the University itself.
  • Participants are invited to leave leftover food on the table after finishing their meal or to through it in the appropriate container.
  • Catering staff separates unavoidable food waste. Waste that is not fit for human consumption is going to a local pig farmer who feeds it to his pigs.
  • Please follow the waste separation instructions at the venue and your accommodations when available.

Accommodation

Local Transportation

Paper use

  • We avoid printouts
  • We use printing materials recycled and certified by an eco-label.
  • To reduce paper consumption COMPLEX NETWORKS :
    • Use digital event management systems.
    • Send documents electronically.
    • Make use of the conference website.
    • Display information on screens at the venue.
    • Use QR codes to distribute program

Conference Swag & Giveaways

  • We try to minimize conference swag and giveaways.
  • We select environmentally sound swag and giveaways produced in a socially responsible way.
  • We ask exhibitors to choose swag and giveaways awarded the Blue Angel environmental label or the EU Ecolabel.
  • We choose bags made of environmentally compatible materials.
  • If food items are purchased for gifts, we choose seasonal, organic products that are transported in an environmentally sound way, or that are fairtrade

Eco-Friendly Purchasing Policy

  • Any purchase should be crucial to the successful implementation of the event.
  • Check wheter the need can be met by acquiring used products or hiring products.
  • Purchasing policies favor environmentally sustainable suppliers and products, including food, beverages, and consumables.
  • Purchasing favors reusable, returnable and recycled goods.
  • Purchasing and use of consumable and disposable goods are monitored and managed.

Dissemination of Information

  • The sustainability chair handles the organization with due regard for sustainability concerns.
  • She provides expert support on specific questions related to sustainability to attendees and suppliers.
  • She informs staff at the venue about sustainability-related measures and get them involved in implementing those measures.
  • She informs participants about sustainability issues at the event.
  • She determines the effects of measures that were taken in terms of quality and quantity.
  • She communicates the analyzed data.
  • She determines potential improvements for future editions.
  • Sustainability policies and actions are reported in external and internal communication material.
  • Communications contain messages inviting consumer and stakeholder support.
  • An attendee feedback system is in place, together with an analysis of the results.
  • Negative feedback and responses made to this are recorded.
  • COMPLEX NETWORKS strongly encourages the electronic dissemination of information.
  • In line with the objectives of the paper-reduction initiative, participants are encouraged to rely on digital versions of official documents, which can be downloaded from the website
  • To further facilitate access, QR codes for selected official documents are displayed on poster boards close to the Registration Desk and in the session rooms.
  • The Daily Program for the conference is available in electronic form only. The daily program is available on the webiste
  • To reduce paper usage and waste at the conference, participants are asked to refrain from distributing any printed material, such as publications and information related to side events and exhibits, other meetings, or future conferences. 

Positive Local Impact

  • We try to foster a positive impact by getting the local community involved.
  • Local scientific community is invited to get involved in satellite events.
  • Scientists from the region are involved in the event organization
  • When purchasing goods and services, the organization gives priority to local suppliers whenever these are available and of sufficient quality.
  • Remaining goods are donated to the local community.
  • Volunteers are recruited locally if possible.
  • We ensure the venue is accessible (barrier-free) to all peoples, including those of physical disability.
  • We publish COMPLEX NETWORKS code of conduct.