RS2008

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A GREEN CONFERENCE

The RS2008 committee has engaged Trees For Life to help offset the likely greenhouse gas emissions produced as a result of this conference.

We expect the conference to generate around 300 tonnes of CO2, most of this as a result of air travel to and from the conference. For example, a return flight from Melbourne to Adelaide for a delegate generates approximately 500 kg of CO2. It is estimated that a eucalypt planted in the Mallee will absorb 233 kg in its first 30 years.

The site chosen to plant trees to offset the conference is in a higher rainfall area at Flaxley in the Adelaide Hills. Carbon offset plantings commenced on this site in 2007 using eucalypts and other species native to the area. A second planting will take place in 2008. The site will be protected from clearance for 100 years.

Revegetation in this area will be carried out in 2008 and 2009 on adjoining areas of the property. The species associations here include Eucalyptus obliqua (Messmate stringy bark) woodland and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) along the valley floor.

Site photos are at:

http://www.treesforlife.org.au/ourwork/carbonneutral/carbonoffsetplantings/flaxley/

Photos will be updated annually so that over the years you can watch the plants grow into a mature and healthy forest.

For more details visit: http://www.treesforlife.org.au/home/carbonneutral/

What else are we doing?

1. Session rooms will be powered with certified renewable electricity

2. 90% of the Adelaide Convention Centres produce is grown locally

3. Recycled materials used in all Conference handouts including notepads, pens, abstract book, name badge cards, social function tickets and more

4. Native Flowers used on all catering tables

5. KESAB recycle boxes available for delegates to recycle name badges and paper materials

Although we can't claim this to be a carbon neutral conference, we hope that we can get close.