Sustainability at SSEE 2007

The 2007 Society for Sustainability and Environmental Engineering International Conference on Engineering Sustainability (SSEE-07) provides an opportunity to share knowledge and ideas on sustainability and aims to be a showcase for the role of engineering and science in delivering sustainable outcomes.

As a broad objective, the SSEE-07 Organising Committee is aiming to incorporate the ideals of sustainability into the conference planning, thus allowing the conference itself to provide delegates with ideas and examples for the sustainable management of large events. More specific objectives being examined by the Committee cover the three traditional components of sustainability – environment, economy and society. These are summarised below but are covered in more detail in the Conference Sustainability Guide which is currently being finalised.

Western Australia’s position as the first Australian state to officially recognise the importance of sustainability with the publication of the State Sustainability Strategy in 2003 makes Perth an ideal city to host this conference. In addition to its other themes and goals, the SSEE-07 conference provides an opportunity for professionals and academics to learn about Western Australia’s progress towards sustainability. The Western Australian State Government, local governments, and private and academic sectors have all contributed significantly to further the implementation of sustainability objectives within the State.

Environmental Opportunities

Large events such as conferences can have significant environmental impacts if not managed in a way to avoid this. SSEE-07 will be looking at several key environmental initiatives, covering:

  • Mechanisms to reduce or offset carbon emissions

  • Minimising and recycling solid waste, thus reducing the volume to landfill

  • Minimising water and energy use
     
252 kb Download the SSEE Carbon Offsetting Approach document here.
posted 9 July 2007
     

Social Opportunities

The social opportunities for the conference are focused on accessibility and social justice.

The accessibility of the conference includes both the accessibility of the information presented (not wanting to widen the knowledge gap) and the physical accessibility of the conference for those with disabilities or who may find it difficult to travel due to financial, health or family reasons. Suggested initiatives include a lecture or debate that is open to the public to open the knowledge shared to a wider audience, and conference scholarships for selected individuals who may otherwise find the cost of the conference prohibitive to attend.

In terms of social justice, SSEE-07 is aiming to ensure that no-one is harmed through practices which may be directly or indirectly linked to the conference. As an example, these practices may include such things as exploitative labour for the production of conference giveaways and satchels.

Economic Opportunities

The economic sustainability of the conference will be assured though sound financial management. The organising committee will define both an acceptable and desirable economic budget for the conference up front and work towards achieving this.

Economic benefits for delegates can be assured by providing an exciting, informative and innovative conference that offers excellent value for money.

The link between the three

Sustainability recognises that economy, society and environment are linked. Some examples of this crossover relating to the conference include:

  • Aiming to donate a portion of profits to a suitable community or environmental charity

  • Aiming to eliminate unnecessary transport, which can have a health benefit by reducing urban smog as well as the environmental benefit of reduced greenhouse gas outputs

  • Aiming to use local produce where possible, thus increasing employment opportunities for the local community, avoiding energy wastage due to transport, and reducing the bulk waste created from packaging

Such practices, however, need to be considered carefully as there may be adverse effects which are not immediately obvious. For this reason, the SSEE-07 organising committee has formed a Sustainability Subcommittee for the sole purpose of ensuring that we host the most sustainable conference possible. The Sustainability Subcommittee is also looking to involve the conference sponsors and host venues in these initiatives, and to promote individual sustainability to delegates during the conference itself.

Sustainability Subcommittee

Alice Micenko
Environmental Engineer,
Sinclair Knight Merz Perth 

Alice Turnbull
Consultant,
Enesar Consulting Pty Ltd

Karen Lane
Principal,
ENV Australia Pty Ltd

Emma Samson
Environmental Consultant
RPS Ecos

Dr. Stewart Dallas
Director, ETC
Murdoch University