Fitwise Management Ltd runs first net zero carbon emissions event

At the end of September, Professional Conference Organiser Fitwise Management Ltd held Infection 360 in Birmingham.  This inaugural 2-day event featured renowned speakers within infection prevention who discussed technology and its part in combatting new and existing pathogens.

Infection 360 was the first event to go through the Fitwise sustainability initiative; Your event’s route to net zero. Fitwise Director of Events, Jenny Elliot said: “We are delighted to have run our first net zero carbon emission event. Our ‘route to net zero’ initiative provides a mechanism to help us to deliver on The Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge. This is just the start and we look forward to publishing more details on our pathway to achieve net zero.”

Net zero carbon emissions were achieved for Infection 360 by a dual approach; firstly, examining the event and reducing carbon emissions where possible, and then offsetting the carbon generated at the end. 

How Fitwise reduced carbon emissions: Throughout the event planning process, Fitwise worked with a carbon consultant to work out the emissions for the event.  The consultant helped to provide solutions that educate, create behavioural change, and deliver a reduction of emissions at the event.  Some of the changes that were made at Infection 360 included; moving to a largely vegan lunch menu (which helped reduce the footprint of the event by 81%), utilising virtual delegate bags, and choosing for international speakers to join virtually.  

How Fitwise offset carbon emission: When you carbon offset, you compensate for your emissions by funding equivalent carbon dioxide saving measures elsewhere in the world. This is done by purchasing carbon credits from a scheme that works to reduce or absorb carbon emissions.

Following Infection 360 a questionnaire was sent to all attendees to capture travel information, which, in conjunction with a thorough analysis of the event, helped determine the emissions generated. Fitwise paid £441 to offset the carbon footprint for Infection 360, thus ensuring that the event was net carbon zero emissions.

Read more about how Fitwise can help you make your event more sustainable: https://fitwise.co.uk/sustainable-events/

Fitwise are delighted to announce that the second Infection 360, which is being held from 8-9 November 2023 at the Manchester Conference Centre will also be run as a net zero emission event. Read more about it at www.infection360.co.uk.