Greening the EPH Conference

EPH Conference is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the conference and finding ways to be more environmentally responsible. These are our initiatives we have taken together with The CCL, venue of the EPH Conference 2024, to minimize the impact of the conference on the environment./

Food and drinks

We have chosen a variety of healthy options provided throughout the event:

  • Fresh vegetables and fruit are the basis of all our meals. The CCD takes care to ensure that all their products are eco-friendly. The vast majority of our food produce is locally sourced. This ensures our meals are fresh and in season whilst also supporting local farmers. In addition, all chocolate, tea and coffee supplies are fair trade. 
  • We encourage the choice for vegetarian lunch and dinner options.
  • We have chosen leaner meats and sea food, rather than beef meat. 
  • We do not offer alcohol at the conference. Water from water dispensers is available throughout The CCD.

Reduced material use

We have adopted eco-friendly practices in communicating with delegates:

  • Abstract submission, registration and invoicing are fully web-based. The full programme is available in the EPH Conference App.
  • Printouts of conference materials are avoided. By switching to ePosters printing of poster materials by delegates is avoided.
  • The printed Programme Book is only available on request and against payment of a fee. It’s printed on FSC Mix paper. FSC Mix means at least 70% of the wood in the product is from FSC-certified material or recycled material; and 30% is controlled wood from responsible sources.

Sustainability

The CCL is convinced that we all need to care for our planet and our future generations and has therefore been committed to the values of sustainability and quality for a long time. Since 2003, a Quality Management System has been in place to meet customer expectations, and to guarantee a sustainable approach of its activities. The CCL obtained ISO 9001 Certification and is currently updating its Environmental Management System, as well as the Occupational Safety and Health Management System. The Environmental Management System aims to incorporate environmental issues in the work processes, to promote environmental protection, to reduce pollution and minimize the impact of the activity on the environment.

Recycling and waste management

The CCL recycles paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, electrical wiring, metal, batteries, lamps and ink cartridges. Equipment no longer used is delivered for convenient disposal. Waste materials are conveyed to a sorting unit, which is responsible for selection, recovery and recycling. The CCL reuses materials whenever is possible, and also recycled materials and products for graphic production, signage, decoration and promotional gifts.

Electricity and water

Recently, the CCL replaced the old hydro-sanitary equipment for new equipment using less water. The CCL uses exclusively water from the public water supply network on its premises. The halogen lamps have been replaced with new LED lamps, being more efficient. With the installation of LED lamps, it managed to reduce its electricity consumption considerably. 

Public transport

The CCL is conveniently located in the city of Lisbon, offering a vast variety of public transport. We actively promote the use of train, metro and bus by our delegates The CCL can also be reached by more eco-friendly individual transport, such as rented bikes.

Local produce

The CCL prefers to work directly with local suppliers and agencies, in order to incentive the local community and economy, contributing also to reducing the impact of transport and the use of fossil energy.

Food served at the CCL is mostly sourced locally. Our catering partner has a programme in place to donate food that is not consumed to local charities: 		  

Sustainable travel

  • We encourage our delegates to reduce the climate impact of their flight by flying CO2 neutral with the CO2 Impact Programme of their airline.

EUPHA's Green Club

EPH Conference Foundation is advised by EUPHA's Green Club in its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the conference. The Green Club is a EUPHA working group of environmental experts and environment-conscious colleagues. The Green Club meets annually at the EPH Conference.