SUSTAINIBILITY

We are working towards reducing environmental impacts caused by a conference of this size. However, with the number of onsite and online participants, there will be negative effects on the environment (CO2 emissions caused by travelling, more food, and rubbish).

The SOLAS OSC 2022 organising committees are giving consideration to the sustainable ideals during every aspect of our planning and organising, and always taking the 'green option' whenever possible.

 

The following measures apply to minimise the ecological footprint of the OSC:

  • Offered as a hybrid event, the OSC’s CO2 footprint is less than for an in person event.
  • In order to minimise our CO2 footprint, we will offset the conference emissions by supporting emission saving projects. This will be done in cooperation with Atmosfair, a German non-profit organisation.
  • Catering companies supporting the OSC avoid any plastic, such as disposable cutlery, dishes and unnecessary packaging and wrappings.
  • We tried to use as many local partners and regional products as possible. This also includes the food provided by the caterers, at the reception, and the dinner.
  • Posters and signs not used after the conference will be sponsored to local Kindergartens for arts and crafts.
  • We will not print any unnecessary posters and signs for the onsite event but use electronically ones.
  • To limit resources, we will only provide the following merchandise article: SOLAS stickers, which are certified as being printed climate-neutral with CO2 offset on corn-starch.
  • We will not print an abstract book but please use the Hubilo App or the online PDF.
  • The nametags will be made environmental friendly, with no plastic.

 

More information on the SOLAS OSC 2022 sustainability strategy will be published soon.

UCT  Sustainability Efforts

In 2001, the Environmental Management Working Group (EMWG) was formed, which guides Properties and Services in its operations on campus with regards to energy saving, grounds and gardens management, etc.

In 2008, the Green Campus Policy Framework was adopted, which is a framework for responsible resource use and environmental sustainability at the university. As a direct result, a Green Campus Action Plan was created in 2009.

In 2012, UTC became a signatory to the ISCN-GULF Sustainable Campus Charter. (The International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) is a global forum dedicated to sustainability best practices.)

In 2019, UCT developed its environmental sustainability strategy.

In 2020, the EMWG was converted into the formal ‘Environmental Management Committee’ (EMC) that reports into the University Building & Development Committee and into Council. This provides a governance structure when it comes to green campus issues at UTC.

In terms of responsible investment at UCT, the university established the University Panel for Responsible Investment (UPRI) in 2017 that sets policy and advises the university on responsible investment matters related to UCT's endowment fund.

Source: https://www.uct.ac.za/main/explore-uct/sustainability