Sustainability Policy -
'A Green Conference'
AORTIC 2013 has endeavoured to reduce its environmental footprint through the implementation of a green policy. Listed below are some of the policies that will be implemented at the Conference.
- Recycling - Paper, plastic, glass and tins will be recycled. Recycling centres will be set up around the Conference venue. Delegates will be encouraged to return their unwanted name tag pouches and lanyards for re-use. Unwanted stationery and delegate bags can be returned for redistribution to disadvantaged schoolchildren.
- Locally-sourced materials - Conference materials including the delegate bags and lanyards will be produced locally with an emphasis on local job creation in South Africa's disadvantaged communities.
- Delegate handbook and other printed materials - Where possible, all printed materials will be printed on "Triple Green" paper produced at the Sappi Stanger Mill in South Africa, one of only a few mills in the world using sugar cane fibre as its primary source of pulp. The pulp is a by-product of the local sugar production and is an annually-renewable resource as well as a recycled raw material.
- Online conference materials - All AORTIC 2013 presentations and abstracts will be available online at the conference website to prevent the unnecessary waste of printing. Alternatively, CDs can be produced with all conference materials pre-loaded (this is also a sponsorship opportunity).
- The menu - All AORTIC 2013 meals will be designed using local, seasonal produce. The ICC Durban grows its own culinary herbs and vegetables. Condiments such as sugars and sauces will be placed in glassware rather than individually pre-packaged. Water refreshment will be served from water jugs and cooled water dispensers instead of individual bottles. Cloth napkins will be used instead of disposable paper napkins. The ICC Durban will also be asked to make use of a food re-distribution programme for the duration of the conference to prevent any food wastage.
- The venue - The International Convention Centre Durban has eco-friendly policies in place, including an automated electricity-savings programme to prevent waste by lights, air conditioning and escalators; water-use minimisation systems using drip-flow irrigation and dual-flush toilets; an in-house recycling system; and the sourcing of local supplies to promote job creation and the sustainability.
- Accommodation - The official AORTIC 2013 conference hotels will be encouraged to follow a green policy for the duration of AORTIC 2013. Hotels that do follow greening practices will be listed on the conference website. Delegates will be encouraged to assist with this policy by only changing linen and towels on request and remembering to switch off their lights and air conditioning when they are not in their hotel rooms.
- Decor and flowers - The AORTIC 2013 organisers will request that all flower arrangements are all indigenous flowers, and provide living plants in conference venues.
- Delegate bag inserts - Exhibitors and sponsors will be encouraged to provide only sustainable giveaways and limits will be placed on the number of delegate bag inserts. The use of sustainable materials such as soy-based inks and recycled paper will be encouraged as well as limited packaging.
- Speaker gifts - Promotional and speaker gifts should be made from sustainable materials, use minimal packaging, and be sourced locally (e.g. beadwork, wire crafts, etc).
Delegates at AORTIC 2013 will be encouraged to adopt this policy for the duration of the conference.
