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Aligning with the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, UWTL strives for sustainability in its processes before, during, and after our conference days.Ìý

Venues and green transportation

We encourage attendees to use public transportation, carpool, or bike to the conference. Our venues are well serviced by trails and lay on a public transportation route.Ìý

The electric and autonomous WATonoBus is available for transit between the Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Federation (Fed) Hall, which helps to reduce carbon emissions while accommodating the physical needs of participants.Ìý

The online day provides an opportunity for attendees located far from campus to participate without contributing to carbon emissions.Ìý

Communications

All conference communications, including the program and daily schedules, are digital. We aim to reduce printing whenever possible.  

We have invested in durable and reusable signage to guide participants through the event.  

As part of our post-conference survey, we invite feedback from participants and welcome suggestions to make next year’s UWTL even better! 

Food and beverages

We have worked closely with Catering & Event Services to design an enjoyable and eco-friendly dining experience for all.Ìý 

• Ingredients are sourced locally, and coffee and tea are fair-trade 

• Lunch menu is accessible to numerous dietary restrictions, prioritizing vegetarian and vegan options 

  • For example, our meat-based main dish is chicken, as opposed to beef, which has a lower environmental impact and can be enjoyed by those who may not eat pork or beef.Ìý

Waste management

We want to make it easy for attendees to do their part when it comes to waste management at UWTL. We kindly ask that attendees bring their own water bottles, but there is no need to fret as directional signage to the water fountains/refill stations will be posted.Ìý

Our venues have appropriate bins to collect all waste, including organics, and feature clear and specific signage to make recycling easy as pie.Ìý

Lanyards from name tags will be collected, at multiple exit points, at the end of the day for recycling/repurposing.Ìý

 For details on how you can make your event sustainable, please visit the Sustainability Office’s Sustainable Events Checklist, which guided our efforts.Ìý