British Science Festival sustainability policy
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
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
