What’s your role in the ESCRS sustainability journey?

“It takes a village to raise a child” – African Yoruba proverb

Sustainability only works if we are all involved and working together.

It’s on each of us to find ways to take action in our own sphere of control, whilst using our influence, as small as it may be, to encourage, or demand, those with power to do something about it.

We propose seven key actions below where you can create a more sustainable congress experience.

1. Exhibit sustainably

We’re asking our partners and exhibitors to champion social and environmental responsibility at ESCRS. From ordering sustainable catering to offsetting your emissions, your commitment will help us to create a congress that supports both people and the planet.  To support you, we have produced a free ‘sustainable exhibition guide’ and a consulting support package to help you bring your corporate and personal sustainability values to life.

2. Travel more sustainably

Let the train take the strain and don’t take a plane. Milano is well connected with excellent high-speed rail transport options. Look for options here.

When in Milano walk or cycle to reduce reliance on taxis. The UK Department of Health recommends ‘brisk walking’ for at least 10 minutes per day or ideally 10,000 good-paced steps (around 8km per day) for optimum health. Not only it is good for your health, but soft mobility also provides better value as it is free, less stressful and will allow you to better explore Milano. Milano has an excellent city-cycle scheme and public transport options.

3. Choose a sustainable hotel

When looking for your hotel, add the sustainability criteria to your search. Try and book a hotel that has a sustainable certification for example the Echo Milano, which has the Green Globe label. Booking.com has a sustainability option in their search engine.

4. Eat more sustainably and healthily

We are working with the caterers to offer you healthier and climate-friendlier food and drink options for official and private events. We aim to eliminate red meat and serve at least 50% of scrumptious vegetarian and vegan options.

5. BYO (Bring Your Own)

We are working to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles and focus on water stations at the congress. Almost all of us now have a reusable coffee cup or bottle, and the prevalence of cutlery kits is growing. BYO is a solid way to reduce your waste not only in your daily life, but also at an event.

6. Recycle

We are working with MiCo (Allianz MiCo) – Milano Convention Centre to implement an advanced recycling system for the congress. However, this will only work if you do your part and recycle properly by putting waste into the right container. Popping food and or general waste in a recycling bin can contaminate a whole bag, which means it will head to landfill or incineration, not to recycling facilities like it should!

7. Share your success!

What we see, we can try to emulate. Sharing your successes will encourage others to do the same – and that goes for you and your corporate partners!

Use the congress social media channels to share: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn