Sustainability

Minimising the Environmental Impact of TechTides

1. Inclusive & Ethical Conference Content

• Feature talks and panels on ethical AI, and tech’s environmental / tech for good impact
  
  

• Aiming for 50% female representation in the speaker lineup
  
  

• Highlight sustainability actions in conference communications whilst setting expectations that we’re learning and trying our best.
  
  

2. Sustainable Planning & Logistics

• Promote a digital registration process

• Conference passes on recycled paper
  
  

• Evaluate and reduce the website’s carbon footprint. This tool allows you to measure a website’s carbon output – https://www.websitecarbon.com/ highlighting the main page achieves a carbon rating of B
  
  

• Encourage car sharing, cycling, and public transport (noting limitations in Derry such as lack of train structure)

• Check available bikes at Millennium Forum and level of EV charging access at nearby car parks

• Avoid plastic-based merchandise where possible; instead, provide sustainable alternatives such as:
  
  

  • Reusable coffee cups
    
    

  • Recycled notebooks
    
    

  • Seed-paper name badges
    
    

3. Low-Impact On-the-Day Operations

Reduce Water and Plastic Waste

• Provide refillable water stations
  
  

• Offer bulk food options (e.g. pastry trays) instead of plastic-wrapped items
  
  

Minimise Food Waste

• Ensure 50% of lunch offerings are vegetarian or vegan

• Use local suppliers and vendors where possible to reduce transport emissions

4. Food & Waste Responsibility

• Use compostable or reusable cutlery/plates
  
  

• Promote a zero-to-landfill goal for waste
  
  

• Include clearly labelled bins for compost, recycling, and general waste and check with Millennium Forum on recycling and waste policies

• Use local suppliers and vendors where possible to reduce transport emissions

5. Wellbeing & Connection to Place

• Encourage attendees to get outdoors over lunch by walking the walls 

• Suggest local sustainable cafés or spots to explore during breaks
  
  

• Offer a quiet, tech-free space for reflection or mindful breaks
  
  

6. Encourage Vendors and Exhibitors to follow best practices

• Encourage all exhibitors and food vendors to:
  
  

  • Use compostable or recyclable materials
    
    

  • Take away what they bring (e.g. banners)

• Avoid printed flyers or use of recycled materials
  
  

• Avoid single-use plastic giveaways