It feels like a lifetime since I last wrote to outline plans for a carbon measurement project as part of what was then the 2021 FCSI EAME Conference at the Hyatt Regency in Chantilly.
After the uncertainty of the last couple of years, the project has at times felt like a distant dream, but we are now in a position to revisit in earnest the work we began last summer with a view towards building a comprehensive picture of carbon output as we all come together in just a few months’ time.
The goal now, as then, is to provide a carbon emissions benchmark for this and other events in the FCSI universe – building in part on the legacy of Clara Ming Pi FFCSI and her work at the 2008 FCSI conference in Beijing – but also formalising a method and mindset for thinking about sustainable event delivery in the future.
However, as before, we need the help of members to make this project a true success.
Tracking data
We’re working closely with the team at Hyatt to make at-conference output and wastage trackable and accurate, but the great unknown is the impact each event delegate will have in travelling to the conference.
This is why we need you to provide as much information about your anticipated journey to and from Chantilly as possible – no detail or data point is too small.
Three information capture forms have been produced to accommodate different languages (English, French and German) – please do what you can to fill out your version as soon as possible. If there are any questions or if you believe that there are additional areas of output not covered in the form, please contact me directly (Cameron.sharpe@progressivecontent.com).
You may also see communication over the next few weeks encouraging a more sensible approach towards luggage and additional steps we’ll be taking to reduce our impact at the event. I met with Meiko specification director Mick Jary recently and there is a number of smart and exciting initiatives bubbling along to ensure that we put on a great, sustainable conference.
Looking beyond 2022
That said, while there will be efforts in play to try and limit the amount of carbon output we’re responsible for at this year’s conference, this project is as much about measurement in this first instance – with the major goal being a reduction in the impact the FCSI conference might have in years to come.
At the event in May we’ll also reveal our plans to offset conference carbon output – introducing long-term initiatives to ensure that we’re positively compensating for what we’re expelling.
I’m really excited to see you all at Chantilly in May – if there are any questions or thoughts ahead of the conference, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The FCSI EAME conference will take place 12-15 May 2022. For more information, visit: fcsi.eu/conference
