The British Science Festival is committed to reducing the effect that it has on the local and global environment. We have drawn up a list of ways we will endeavour to achieve this.

1. Registration and accreditation

• Electronic event registration
• Lanyards made from recycled materials. Asking participants to return them after the event
• Use recycled paper and vegetable-based inks for badges.

2. Venue selection & service provision

• Where possible, choose venues that employ energy- and water-efficient equipment and practices, and schedule heating, ventilating and air conditioning resources around event requirements
• Eliminate disposable containers, plates, bowls, cups and cutlery.

3. Food and beverages

• Request organic, locally produced food and beverages to cut transportation emissions.
• Donate leftover food to local charities
• Ensure that any seafood served is harvested responsibly
• Insist on biodegradable food packaging from caterers.

4. Accommodation

• Provide guests with information about accommodation with environmental certification or with environmental policies and practices
• Negotiate room blocks with hotels that are within walking distance of the event venue and/or have green policies
• Ask guests to participate in linen reuse programmes at their hotels. Ask them to switch off lights, televisions and air conditioners or heaters when they leave their rooms
• Use local accommodation.

5. Transport

• Encourage people to come to the Festival by public transport, on foot or by bicycle
• Provide plenty of secure bicycle parking and minimal parking for cars (ensuring there is adequate provision for people with accessibility needs)
• Use local contractors for equipment for e.g. exhibitions to minimise transportation
• Explore free/reduced rate passes for public transport.

6. Waste and litter

• Reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible
• Recruit a team of green volunteers who will help manage the recycling during and after the events
• Ensure there are adequate and clearly labelled recycling bins which are regularly emptied
• Ensure Festival stewards check venues have been left clean and tidy after events
• Minimise harmful emissions at venues from vehicles, generators, cooling units etc.

7. Community

• Ensure events do not leave a trace or cause distress to neighbours
• Get neighbours on-board by consulting with them in advance, inviting them or giving them reduced price tickets
• Consider all of our target audiences and make sure communications appeal to all members of the community by using culturally sensitive language and photos
• Create programmes which celebrate diversity, culture and heritage.

8. Use the power of others

• Invite local or national green organisations to take part in the Festival
• Use and promote the local authority guidelines on recycling or sustainable homes, and provide free materials raising awareness of green initiatives in the locality
• Encourage organisers/partners to give away freebies such as low-energy light bulbs.

9. Marketing and communications

• Use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, processed chlorine free and made from 100% post-consumer recycled content
• Make good use of electronic or paperless communications
• Include our eco-credentials in all our communications
• Communicate that the programme and leaflets are printed on 100% recycled paper
• Give Festival attendees directions to Festival events by public transport, bicycle and foot.