For the 2016 QCBS symposium we have set a goal of producing less than 27 grams of pure waste – non-recyclable and non-compostable waste – per person, per day

Several measures will be implemented in order to reduce the environmental impacts at the event by a group of students of the QCBS in collaboration with the Conseil Quebecois des Evenements Responsables http://evenementecoresponsable.com/en/

MEASURES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ADOPTED FOR THE 2016 SYMPOSIUM:

  • Selection of suppliers;
    • Prioritization of local suppliers;
    • Prioritization of suppliers committed to sustainable development.
  • Management of materials, energy sources and water;
    • Reducing the usage of materials;
    • Renting materials available on-site;
    • Purchasing material that is recyclable or reusable each year;
    • Purchasing material that is local and/or certified organic and/or equitable;
    • Choosing non-hazardous materials;
    • Implementing energy efficiency measures;
    • Reducing water consumption and prioritizing solutions that leave a minimal environmental footprint;
    • Eliminating the use of water bottles;
    • Promoting suppliers who take measures to reduce water consumption.
  • Waste product management
    • Application of the 4RV  principle (rethinking, reducing, reusing, recycling, validating);
    • Recommending a minimal amount of packaging material;
    • Asking the participants to contribute to a sound waste management;
    • Organizing a green brigade to uphold healthy waste management principles;
    • Putting recycling and composting equipments on-site.
  • Selection of food supply
    • Using washable and reusable dishes;
    • Changing the menus towards local, biological and/or equitable food;
    • Prioritizing foods with a recognized certification (ex. Aliments Québec);
    • Offering a vegetarian menu;
    • Avoiding food surplus;
    • If necessary, redistributing the excess food without charge to organisations for people in need.
  • Selection of modes of transportation
    • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions;
    • Choosing a location accessible by public transportation;
    • Encouraging the participants to use public transit, active transportation or to carpool;
    • Suggesting hotels in proximity of the location of the event and/or easily accessible by public transit;
    • Compensating greenhouse gas emissions by the participants and the organizing committee in double.
  • Communication and awareness
    • Raising awareness among the participants to different eco-responsible actions implemented;
    • Encourage the visitors to participate in the achievement of the objectives of waste management;
    • Prioritize coherent communication methods (electronic);
    • If paper use is required, encourage the use of recycled paper, vegetable-based ink and/or two-sided printing;
    • Facilitating the participation of the QCBS student members to the event;
    • Organizing and raising awareness among the volunteers in the application of eco-responsible principles.

Following the symposium, an assessment of the measures implemented will confirm the attainment of objectives and quantify the avoided impacts.

DO YOUR PART:

Here are a few suggestions to contribute to the reduction of negative environmental impacts at the symposium:

  1. From the airport, use the shuttle service (bus 747);
  2. Use public transit, an active mode of transportation or carpool;
  3. Complete the questionnaire on your means of transportation;
  4. Minimize paper usage;
  5. Discard your waste in the appropriate containers (recycling, compost, waste);
  6. Bring and use a refillable bottle for water or coffee.

Thank you for your cooperation!