Sustainability is one of four interrelated foundational values underpinning C2020. While this value comprises more than environmental considerations, they certainly are a priority, given that the annual conference is CES’ largest and most resource-consumptive event.

With a rubric developed by the CES Sustainability Working Group and implementation leadership from greening champions, C2020’s aim is to minimize the conference’s environmental footprint and enhance its positive “handprint”. For example, C2020 is partnering with ViaRail to offer 10% off on train travel to the conference (discount code #14054). To offset the footprint of delegates who must fly, a small portion of the conference registration fee, $25, will go towards purchasing carbon credits. We encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottle or travel mug. As in previous years, the conference program and other documents will be available electronically to reduce the use of paper; in fact, we will not produce the conference handbook on paper, nor will we distribute paper-based documents to delegates. Vegetarian cuisine will figure prominently on the conference menus. As part of our commitment to avoid plastic and reduce waste, we will be reusing bamboo lanyards from last year’s conference and we will be re-re-collecting them for use in 2021! 

 We chose the conference venue, the Shaw Centre in downtown Ottawa, with sustainability and accessibility in mind. For example, energy efficiency, waste management, and use of local and sustainable food sources were among the criteria used in selecting the venue.

 When planning to eat out at restaurants, choose ones if you can that use local produce, and consider opting for vegetarian fare. The ByWard Market, within easy walking distance of the Shaw Centre, is home to a great variety of restaurants. If you enjoy beer, opt for an on-tap brew instead of going with a single-serving bottle. Our social committee has planned our “Dine Around Town” and catered events with these considerations in mind. 

Following the conference, the organizers will reflect and report on the sustainability efforts undertaken and lessons learned, to contribute to enhancing future conferences.

For additional information and calculators to manage your own plastic, carbon, or food footprint, visit C2020’s sustainability values webpage. 

If you have some ideas or comments you would like to share regarding sustainability, please send an email to c2020@evaluationcanada.ca and include ‘Sustainability’ in the subject line.