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INTO YOUR EVENT
Danielle
ICC Wales
Bounds , sales director , ICC Wales , explains how making use of green spaces has more benefits than you think
Making the most of the indoors make the country a low carbon economy , it has also set a target of generating 70 per cent of its electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030 . The Well-being of Future Generations ( Wales ) Act 2015 requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions , to work better with people , communities , and each other , and to prevent persistent problems such as poverty , health inequalities and climate change .
These are not just policies ; there is real action being taken across Wales to look after the environment for future generations . The great outdoors is more than just an area for leisure , recreation , and conservation . It is at the core of the country ’ s strategic direction .
How to embrace nature in your event
ICC Wales opened just before the pandemic , in September 2019 , but we were thinking about how to incorporate nature into the venue in the planning stages .
ICC Wales is flanked by an ancient woodland known as Coldra Woods . As well as views on to the woodland from inside the venue , there is an opportunity to integrate an experience in nature for attendees , with outdoor meeting spaces including a 2,500sqm outdoor plaza . Delegates can also head out on to our running and walking trails , which are accessed from a bridge which links directly from the venue to the woodland . l Use natural sounds ( birdsong , waves , waterfalls ) and smells ( fresh flowers , grass , forests ) throughout the event footprint .
l Make sure there are images of greenery and nature or that there is access to views of nature outside .
l Look for natural elements and materials that can be integrated into the event – wood , ice , stone , earth and fire .
l Check the venue ’ s sustainability credentials – what do they do with their food waste , do they have energy efficient lighting , what is their recycling policy , are they well connected with public transport ?
l Make sure your event giveaways are eco-friendly – plants and seed packets , recycled mugs , reusable tote bags and recycled notebooks and journals are all good options
For venues and organisers who are unsure how to get started , here are a few of our favourite tips on how to incorporate nature and sustainability into events . Remember , it is often the little touches that make the difference . CN www . conference-news . co . uk