Eco policy

The Resource Alliance is committed to making the International Fundraising Congress an environmentally friendly event.

"I was pleased to see less waste this year and better/more environmentally friendly resources. It's always good to know the IFC are always striving to do better" 
Louise Krzan, High Value Fundraiser, Greenpeace, UK

Here’s what we’ve done so far to reduce the impact of the event on the environment. If you have any comments or suggestions please contact us at ifc@resource-alliance.org

Reduce

We are looking at ways to reduce the amount of resources used to make the Congress happen.

• We have increased the use of email technology for marketing and communication for example by sending entrance tickets for the event and advance copies of the delegate programme electronically rather than by post
• Session slides are now available exclusively on line and not printed out by the Resource Alliance. Some speakers may choose to supply printed handouts but we would discourage this as far as possible
• We have carried out extensive research into sourcing items from more sustainable sources. So far, we have managed to source:
  - Sustainable conference bags, made from jute, a 100% biodegradable material
  - Lanyards made from PLA the world’s first man-made fibre derived from 100% annually renewable resources (corn) rather than oil
  - Vegetal pens made from biodegradable plan extracts (corn starch)
  - recycled paper for the marketing brochure, delegate programme and covering letters
  - Recycled plastic sleeves for mailing brochures
  - Recycled paper for use on site
• For the buffets during the congress, the hotel will ensure that condiments are served in bulk containers wherever possible to reduce waste
• Toiletries in bedrooms onsite are only changed when they are empty
• The conference hotel will be including seasonal and locally produced food in the menus and serving Douwe Egberts 'eco' coffee during the congress
• The conference centre is committed to reducing power use. Measures taken include installing solar panels on the Atrium roof to provide some power, housekeeping staff shutting blinds and turning down heating and air conditioning while bedrooms are empty and running a towel reuse programme so that towels are not changed unless guests request that they are
• At an international event such as the IFC, one of the largest areas of environmental impact surrounds travel. To attempt to combat this, we are encouraging all attendees to consider travelling overland, and would recommend visiting www.seat61.com for more information on alternative travel within Europe. The Resource Alliance staff have been travelling by train from London rather than flying for the past two years
• If flying cannot be avoided, we would encourage attendees to consider carbon neutralising their travel. Carbon emissions from your flights can be offset at www.climatecare.org 

Reuse

We are also looking at ways of reusing items needed each year.

• Name badge holders are collected at the end of the congress to reuse the following year. On average, almost half the badge holders are reused from previous events. Don't forget to return your badge holder at the end of the congress!

Recycle

Where it is not possible to reduce or reuse waste, we will seek to recycle.

• Waste on site will be recycled whenever possible. Clearly marked recycling bins will be available in all session rooms, the exhibition area and the secretariat
• In the conference centre kitchens, packaging is recycled and vegetable waste is composted
   
  

About the congress centre

• The NH Leeuwenhorst Hotel has received recognition for its environmental policies and practices: The hotel has been awarded "Golden Status" by TheGreenKey (http://www.green-key.org/). TheGreenKey is a diploma awarded to companies involved in tourism and to obtain TheGreenKey the destination has to fulfil a long list of environmental requirements, including demands on policy and action plans
• It was also awarded the European Ecolabel in 2004 (http://www.eco-label.com/default.htm) for limiting its energy and water consumption, reducing waste production and favouring the use of renewable resources and of substances which are less hazardous to the environment
• The NH chain recently launched its 2012 Environmental Plan, including as priorities energy efficiency, eco-design and waste management which will lead the company to reduce its CO2 emissions, waste production and consumption of water and energy by 20%. These targets are eight years ahead of those of the EU. For more information see http://corporate-information.nh-hotels.com/eng/environment.jsp 

Other useful links

We also recommend www.ppe.uk.net/ which provides useful information and advice on how to ensure paper-based fundraising is as green as possible.