The following guidelines are provided to facilitate departments and student bodies of The Education University of Hong Kong to integrate green practices into all events of the University, including Information Days, Registration Days, Orientation Days, Graduation Ceremonies, Sports Days, exhibitions, conferences and seminars, etc. The guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive but intend to give directions on the key action items which shall be applicable to event management in general. Innovative ideas implementing green practices that go beyond these guidelines are always welcome.

1. Reduce Paper Consumption

• Use electronic means (e.g. email, website) to communicate with participants and distribute information wherever possible.
• Encourage participants to access event information online by including QR codes and website address on posters to minimise the need for distributing event flyers.
• Avoid handing out hardcopies of information to participants, including map. If necessary, provide signage and helpers at the event to promote recycling.
• If flyers/handouts must be printed, reduce font size and margin size, and print on both sides of the page whenever possible and appropriate to minimise paper use.
• Where possible, design decorations, banners and publicity materials to enable reuse in future (e.g. dates or years can be inserted or stick on).

2. Encourage Reuse and Recycling

• Bring the locations of recycling facilities to the attention of participants by putting up signage at the venue, making public announcements during event, and if feasible, including appropriate messages on handouts or website in advance.
• If no recycling facility is nearby, set up one in prominent location for recycling at the event venue. (Contact Estates Office for the special arrangement.)
• Provide containers and guidance to collect unwanted publicity materials and souvenirs from participants for reuse/recycling.
• If feasible, reuse the remaining stock of publicity materials and souvenirs from previous years.

3. Minimise Free Souvenirs

• Avoid giving out free souvenirs. If souvenirs are necessary, explore greener products such as recycled plastic/paper products and products with minimal packaging.
• Avoid environmentally unfriendly items such as plastic/paper folders or souvenirs made of non-recycle materials such as pencils, memo pads, non-woven polypropylene bags.
• Avoid producing free T-shirts for volunteers. Use badges or other accessories that can be reused for future years instead.

4. Conserve Energy & Water

• Keep indoor temperature at 25.5oC ± 2 oC in summer months.
• Turn off lights, air conditioning and equipment after use.
• Do not play with fresh water as it is a precious resource.

5. Consider Green Catering

• Minimise disposable dishware and utensils. Avoid using foam/polystyrene containers.
• Plan ahead to avoid excessive food leftover.
• Avoid food items that contain marine species in the “AVOID” list of the WWF’s Sustainable Seafood Guide.
• Avoid single-serving bottled water and individually packed beverages where possible.

6. Purchase Green Products

• Purchase products with recycled content or reuse where possible.
• Choose products with minimal packaging.
• Support fair trade products and engage services of social enterprise where feasible.

7. Promote Environmental Awareness

• Make participants know about the green measures adopted by announcing during the event or providing information on website.
• Inform participants why free souvenirs and/or leaflets are omitted and spread green messages.
• Encourage participants to BYOB (Bring-Your-Own-Bag) for carrying leaflets and souvenirs.