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Governance

BERA and Environmental Sustainability

We are trying to make all our activities more sustainable in a variety of ways. In this we are guided by the key principles of a sustainability programme – eliminate, reduce, reuse, recycle and disposal. There is always more that can be done, and we aim to get better – but this is a key commitment from BERA. For further information, or if you have any feedback, please contact admin@bera.ac.uk.

The following are some of the ways in which we have endeavoured to reduce the ecological footprint of our activities and demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Conference and Events

  • We have introduced an assessment of a venue’s environmental policy and sustainable practices as part of our decision-making process.
  • A shift to a primarily virtual events programme has lowered carbon emissions.
  • Sourcing venues and social venues closer to transport links to reduce the need for driving and taxis to the conference.
  • Introduced the conference app for delegates on the day reducing the need for a printed programme. We have been reducing our catering numbers, looking at trends of attendance to reduce food wastage. 
  • Delegate packs – You can now purchase a delegate pack, which will include a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, zipped bag and much more.
  • Catering – Where possible, the university buys in local free range produce, including eggs, milk and organic vegetables.
  • Drinking Water – There are drinking fountains on every floor of the buildings we are using that you can refill your water bottles.
  • Waste – The venue will have multiple points around the building for recycling waste. These will include batteries, cans, cardboard, coffee cups, glass, paper and plastics.  

Publications

  • Reduced the journal print run, new members must now ‘opt in’ to receive paper copies of the journal. 
  • Compostable wrap is used for Research Intelligence, and it is printed on recyclable paper. It is possible for members to ‘opt out’ of the physical copy of Research Intelligence.
  • Reports are digitally published, with only print-on-demand as required.
  • Working closely with our publishing partners, Wiley, to highlight the importance of sustainability. They have recently moved printing of BERJ back to the UK and are moving to compostable packing.
  • Optimising the design and layout of publications to reduce paper waste through the use efficient formatting, appropriate margins, and font sizes that ensure readability without excessive page length.
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Office/ Meetings

  • Office lights are on timers to switch off when vacant.
  • Recycling bins have been installed in the office building.
  • Minimisation of single-use items such as plastic cups, cutlery, and paper plates – the BERA office purchases sustainable and recyclable items where possible.
  • Old electronic items are securely wiped and donated for re-use to those in need.
  • Cloud-based storage to eliminate the need for physical documents/ files.
  • Printing and photocopying of documents is undertaken only when necessary.
  • A hybrid governance meeting schedule is in place which reduces carbon emission and costs.
  • No printed documents are provided for meetings.
  • Meeting venues are booked with due consideration for their energy-efficient facilities, waste reduction programs, and a commitment to recycling.
  • Meeting locations are all accessible by public transport.

Projects and Activities

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