Sustainability Certification

IMRP 2024 Blue Flag Sustainability Event Certification Goal

Sustainability Certification

IMRP 2024 Blue Flag Sustainability Event Certification Goal

IMRP 2024 is proud to announce its goal of achieving the Blue Flag Sustainability Certification, awarded by the Costa Rican organization “Bandera Azul Ecológica-Categoría: Eventos Especiales” (Blue Flag Program-Category: Special Events). This certification represents our commitment to reducing the environmental impact of the conference while promoting sustainability in all aspects of event planning and execution.

The certification efforts are sponsored by Wuxi El Pont, who share our dedication to sustainable practices.

Theme: Irradiation Technologies – Available, Sustainable, and Growing
As part of the event’s theme, sustainability has been embedded in many details of IMRP 2024. We aim to inspire participants to reflect on their role in promoting eco-friendly practices.

Importance of the Blue Flag Program

The “Blue Flag” program is an international certification, born in Costa Rica, that meet high standards in various environmental and safety criteria. The “Blue Flag” program includes a category called “Special Events” which focuses on recognizing events that are organized in an environmentally responsible manner.

This category encourages organizers of events that adhere to strict environmental criteria, such as minimizing waste, reducing the use of single-use plastics, promoting recycling, and ensuring sustainable practices as reducing the food waste, protection of endangered species, compensation of CO2 footprint of the event, among others.

Events that meet these standards are awarded the Blue Flag certification, highlighting their commitment to environmental stewardship. The goal is to promote eco-friendly practices in event planning and execution, ensuring that large gatherings or activities contribute positively to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Thus, the IMRP 2024 will be participating on this certification and your actions will be more than helpful to reach this goal.

Implemented Sustainability Measures to Date

1. Eco-Friendly Venue

  • Certified Sustainable Venue: Our venue meets stringent environmental standards, including LEED certification, efficient water conservation systems, and comprehensive waste management initiatives.
  • Location Benefits: Both the conference venue and accommodations are conveniently close to the airport, reducing the carbon footprint associated with local travel at the destination.
  • Water Stations: The venue offers drinkable water fountains, helping to minimize plastic waste while promoting sustainable hydration.

2. Sustainable Conference Materials

  • Eco-Friendly Swag: All conference bags, notepads, and pens are made from certified sustainable materials, designed for long-term use. Shipping-related emissions will also be offset.
  • Pocket Guide: We have reduced the size of our printed materials, using eco-conscious printing techniques and minimizing ink usage.
  • Signage and Booth Materials: Signage is printed on recyclable materials, and exhibitors are encouraged to use our pre-packaged booth systems to minimize the environmental impact of shipping.

3. Catering and Waste Reduction

  • Locally-Sourced Ingredients: Wherever possible, we will be using local, sustainably-sourced ingredients for meals.
  • Waste Prevention: Quantities will be carefully planned to avoid food waste, and any leftover food will be donated to local food banks.
  • Eliminating Single-Use Plastics: Our event is committed to avoiding single-use plastics, aligning with global waste reduction goals.

4. Energy Efficiency

  • Efficient Lighting and Power: The venue is equipped with energy-efficient lighting systems, such as LEDs, and encourages the use of low-power appliances. All electrical equipment and lighting will be powered down when not in use.

5. Waste Management and Minimal Signage

  • Minimal Paper Use: Attendees and exhibitors are encouraged to reduce printed materials and opt for digital solutions, such as QR codes for sharing contact and company information.
  • Recycling and Sorting: Dedicated recycling stations will be available throughout the venue, and staff will ensure proper waste sorting behind the scenes.
  • Biodegradable Cleaning: The venue will exclusively use biodegradable cleaning products to reduce environmental harm.

6. Carbon Offsetting Initiatives

  • Tree Planting and Beach Clean-Up: As part of our sustainability compensation initiatives, 50 trees will be planted in Cachi, Cartago, and a shoreline clean-up will be conducted at Playa Ganado, a testament to our commitment to offsetting the event’s carbon footprint.

We invite all participants to actively engage in our sustainability initiatives. The venue will have clearly identified waste and recycling stations, and we ask that everyone does their part to use them properly.

Please know that every effort counts, and evaluators will be on-site during the event to ensure that we stay on track to earn the Blue Flag certification.

By following these guidelines, you will be contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious conference experience. Thank you for your cooperation and support in making IMRP 2024 a green success!