While there is a huge amount of debate about the causes and realities of climate change, many scientists agree there are things that we can do that will make a difference.

There are lots of simple things that you can do that reduce your conference’s ‘carbon footprint’. You might even save some money and get some good PR too!

Take a look at our Conference Organisers Fact Sheet for some ideas of ways to reduce the negative environmental impact of your event.

If you have any good tips to add, email us at conventionbureau@ngi.org.uk and we’ll add your suggestions to our list.

If you want to do more, then consider make your event 'carbon neutral'. NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau is working with CarbonNeutral newcastle help you do this.

Read on to find out what this means, what the benefits are and how you can achieve CarbonNeutral status...

What is a CarbonNeutral conference?

Even if you follow all the tips suggested in our fact sheet, your event will still create a ‘carbon footprint’. This is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the combustion of fossil fuels.

Your carbon footprint can be neutralised if you make your event CarbonNeutral. This means that you are offsetting (balancing out) these carbon emissions by supporting projects that leave a green legacy (like supporting the development renewable energy, insulating houses and planting trees).

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau is one of the first UK Convention Bureaux to actively promote Carbon Neutral Conferencing. We want you to bring your conference to NewcastleGateshead and to help you do it in a way that minimises the impact on our environment and supports our local communities.

We are working with CarbonNeutral Newcastle, a local charity, to help you achieve this.

What are the benefits of making your event CarbonNeutral?

•  Positive action against climate change
•  Good press coverage and public relations opportunities
•  Doing something positive for NewcastleGateshead and North East England
•  Enhance your reputation as a socially responsible organisation
•  Differentiate your event from others in the same field
•  Help to achive your corporate social responsibility objectives

How does it work?

It's easy to make your event CarbonNeutral with NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau and CarbonNeutral Newcastle.

Step 1 – Get in Touch!
Call NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau on +44 (0)191 243 8819 and let us know that you'd like to make your event CarbonNeutral.

Step 2 – Calculating your event’s carbon footprint
We’ll put you in touch with our partners at CarbonNeutral Newcastle who will undertake a ‘carbon audit’ of your event.

This information will be used to calculate the offset fees required to make your event CarbonNeutral.

You may wish to add a small supplement to your registration fee to cover the costs, or identify a sponsor who would benefit from association with your ‘green’ activities.

Click here to see how the fees are calculated.

Step 3 – Promote Your CarbonNeutral Status
We will provide you with a flyer (printed on recycled paper, of course) and a small gift for inclusion in your delegate packs promoting your CarbonNeutral status. We will also provide information that you can include in your conference handbook, on your website and a PowerPoint slide for use during the conference.

You can also use selected CarbonNeutral branding on your promotional materials and we can help prepare a press release for you. We may also help arrange a photo opportunity at your chosen CarbonNeutral project (see below for details of projects).

Step 4 – Making your CarbonNeutral Contribution
CarbonNeutral newcastle will invoice you after your event for your offset fees.

Your contribution will provide funding for projects in and around NewcastleGateshead which reduce carbon emissions and improve the local environment.

Click here for current projects.

Funds are administered and distributed by CarbonNeutral newcastle's registered charity CarbonNeutral North East (charity number 1113310).

What's next?

If you're keen to reduce the negative environmental impact of your NewcastleGateshead conference, contact NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau on +44 (0)191 243 8819 or email us at conventionbureau@ngi.org.uk and we'll discuss the best way to proceed based on your individual requirements.