CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

UNIVERSITY OF PERADENIYA

Eco Guidelines for Events

When organizing events such as, convocations, conferences, cultural event, get-togethers, parties, etc., you are encouraged to practice the following eco guidelines.

> Mode of participation

Check the possibility of joining proportion of the participants via online (social media, Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.,) to minimize the in-person attendance.

> Venue

Select an on campus venue appropriate for the number of attendees.
Select outdoor venues if possible.

> Décor and promotional materials

Use minimum amount of decorations.
Use decorations made out of reusable, recyclable or compostable materials.
Use locally sourced natural floral arrangements. Contact the Landscape Division for assistance.
Use linen for table covering.
Use reusable banners, flags and sign boards. Dot not use single use plastic banners, which ends up in garbage.
Use electronic and social media to publicize your event.

> Invitations, instructions, presentations, proceedings, etc.,

Use emails and social media to invite guests.
DO NOT print meeting agendas and minutes, unless absolutely necessary.
If you are to distribute any documents (conference proceedings, presentations, instructions, agendas, minutes, etc.,) share them electronically.
Print only the absolutely required materials.
Share documents online with the participants and encourage them not to print the materials.

> Energy

Organize the event during daytime to reduce the energy consumption.
Try to avoid the use of air-conditioning. Use air conditioners, only if they are necessary.
For thermal comfort, use ceiling fans or portable fans. Keep the doors and windows open for proper ventilation.
If windows to outside are available, open the windows and curtains to increase natural lighting.
Use energy efficient lighting for the venue.
Turn on only the required number of lights.
Switch devices off/unplug when not in use

> Waste Management

During the organization stage, contact the Health Center to prepare a waste management plan. They will provide the garbage bins for the event an collect them on a regular basis.
Inform the attendees to dispose garbage in proper bins.

> Transportation

Encourage attendees to participate online (If available).
Encourage attendees to attend the event using public transport, bicycle or by foot.
Encourage attendees to carpool to avoid single occupancy vehicles.
Provide shuttle services to transport attendees within the campus, when organizing large events.

> Food & Beverages

Request attendees to RSVP, for accurate estimate of food and beverage requirement, thus reducing food wastage.
Request attendees to inform their meal preference. Always have a vegetarian option.
Use re-usable dishes, glasses, and cutlery to serve refreshments, tea and meals. Say NO to single use/disposable plasticware.
Provide water dispensers. DO NOT serve single use plastic water bottles. Encourage the participants to bring their own re-usable water bottles.
If meals are catered, ask the caterers to bring the meals in compostable containers/liners. Say NO to Styraform containers.
Order only the minimum quantities and number of items of food to minimize wastage.