It’s great that you’re here, reading this page – it probably means that you care about sustainability just like we do! Have a read below to learn about our green initiatives and find out what to expect on site when you visit one of our training centres. We also welcome feedback and suggestions.
Making scientific training greener with EMBL Events
Both the Course and Conference Office at EMBL Heidelberg and EMBL-EBI Training in Hinxton are committed to managing our activities to promote sustainability, minimise the environmental impact of our events, ensure we provide an accessible and fair service, and bring about continual improvement in our environmental performance.
Our sustainability working group meets regularly to discuss ideas and introduce improvements. Whether it is about improving the eco-friendliness of our conference packed lunches or writing our EMBL Events Sustainability Pledge, our team is passionate about making positive changes towards lowering our carbon footprint.
We are working closely with the EMBL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Office and have adopted specific inclusivity criteria for our courses and conferences, too.
What to expect from our conferences and courses at EMBL Heidelberg?
Have you already noticed some of our green solutions while attending a conference or a course recently? Or you have never been to EMBL and are wondering what to expect on your next visit? Here’s a selected few sustainability highlights you will come across when planning your visit and coming to EMBL Heidelberg.
Before the event
- You will likely find out about our training offer from online resources! Our promotional activities are ‘digital first’ in order to reduce waste and minimise the impact of shipping.
- You don’t need to print anything out, our website includes all the information you need to know about the event and your registration confirmation is in our system.
- For anyone travelling locally within Europe, why not take the train? To help make your travel greener we’ve partnered with Deutsche Bahn so you can get discounted train tickets. Contact us at events@embl.de for more information.
- We also offer group transport to the airport after the conferences to reduce the number of individual pickups and so you don’t have to drive when visiting us.
- There are conference shuttle buses to pick you up from the hotel and drop you off again in the evening – it really is that easy!
During the event
- To reduce paper, we no longer produce printed abstract books for conferences – a digital abstract book is available on our conference platform along with the programme and other useful resources.
- We have revamped our name badges! The badge you pick up from our registration desk is made of recyclable paper without any plastic elements and has been printed in-house.
- Water fountains are available so bring your own refillable bottle!
- We have significantly reduced food packaging waste and you won’t see any single-use plates or cups on site.
- Our canteen offers a selection of delicious vegetarian and vegan food. We also have vegetarian days during many of our events!
- Our training labs are a proud holder of a gold LEAF certificate! You can find out more from the blog/webpage.
- All of our conferences offer virtual participation so you can limit your travel and attend from the comfort of your own home if that’s your preference. All talks are available online and you will be able to participate in live Q&A sessions as well as use our platform to network.
- Conference bags which used to be a standard item are still available to every participant but we encourage you to only pick up our bags, notebooks, and pens if you really need them so we can reduce waste together!
- EV charge points are available on campus if you have an electric vehicle.
After the event
- We will send you digital certificates of participation.The processing of travel and fellowships reimbursement also doesn’t require any hard copies.
- You are encouraged to take part in our sustainability survey and let us know how we did. We welcome suggestions so if you notice any inspiring green solutions in your home country or at other events, do let us know!
Want to know more?
Sustainability at EMBL reduces our environmental impact, finds solutions to the major global challenges and promotes sustainable science. Visit our Sustainability Office website to find information on our sustainability strategy, our green lab initiatives, how EMBL scientists are responding to global challenges, and more.
To find out more about EMBL Events sustainability initiatives, you can view the full Sustainability Pledge document.
Further reading
Contact
Drop the Sustainability Office a line for EMBL-wide enquiries
Tell us what you think by completing EMBL Events sustainability survey
Get in touch with us for conference enquiries at events@embl.de