A greener Gathering

SCVO is committed to making this year’s Gathering greener, so to help us reduce our carbon footprint, here are some things you might find useful and ways you can play your part too.

On the day

SCVO's printed information, promotional materials and signage

We'll only have one paper guide for the Gathering this year. It will be printed with environmentally friendly paper and ink, and we’ll only print the number we need. SCVO will also produce just one other item of printed promotional material. All other information will be displayed on screens and on reusable signage around the venue.

You'll also be able to access more information via QR codes, so make sure you connect to the free WiFi available at the EICC. Of course, you'll also find lots of friendly faces from the SCVO team to help you with information too.

Where possible, we'll be re-using or re-purposing stands, banners and signage from previous events and the majority of our venue dressing will be hired and re-usable to avoid buying single-use items, where we can.

Recycling

There will be recycling bins located around the EICC, so please use these to dispose of any recyclable waste. We are encouraging you to avoid single-use plastics.

Food and drinks

Another easy way to help us create a greener Gathering is by bringing your own reusable cup for tea and coffee, and a water bottle. There will be water stations you can use around the venue.

In line with our commitment to encourage more plant-based diets, we have asked the venue to offer vegetarian-only catering options, and all the ingredients will be sourced from within 200 miles of Edinburgh. You are also very welcome to bring your own food and snacks if you prefer.

The exhibition

A greener exhibition

SCVO is committed to making this year’s Gathering greener, so to help reduce our carbon footprint, we are asking all exhibitors to make careful considerations on what materials and merchandise are used within exhibition spaces.

We have opted for tables and chairs this year, without a metal stand build. This reduces the transportation of materials to the EICC and means you can reuse existing banner stands from other events. It should also make it easier for you to get out from behind your table, to say hello to the delegates.

Thinking about making your stand more environmentally friendly

Instead of handing out flyers and freebies that will get thrown away, why not invite visitors to scan a QR code that links to an online form or webpage or use a tablet for them to fill out their email address. If you do need to print anything, please aim to use recycled paper or paper from sustainable forests.

Think about how you get your materials to and from the venue. Is there a way you could share a courier with another exhibitor? Check our exhibitor listing to see who else is coming along.

We ask that you avoid using single-use plastic and other non-recyclable materials within your exhibition space and carefully consider the volume of materials required for the duration of the Gathering to help reduce waste.

Why not focus on the experience people get at your stand by having something interactive and visual? In previous years people have enjoyed lego, Scalextric, puzzles and free food!

Our other commitments

We will work with the EICC to create an event impact report at the end of the Gathering. This will include information about energy consumption, waste management and plastic use. This will be considered along with our wider feedback and evaluation to help us learn and plan future events.

To help all voluntary sector organisations get to grips with the climate and nature emergencies, we have developed Growing Climate Confidence, a website packed with tips and ideas to help you think beyond the Gathering, and get help to reduce emissions and engage your community.