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The SportAccord Convention is working in partnership with CH2M HILL, the leading global and sustainable engineering consultancy and programme management company, to develop our annual Convention as a sustainable event. The SportAccord Convention brings together some of the most influential people in world sport, including the rights holders of international sport, to network, learn and share knowledge. Through the sustainable event management programme the Convention aims to raise awareness of what sustainability is and why it should be integrated into sport, touching those whose ongoing actions and global reach will have a far greater impact on people that engage with sport worldwide. A Sustainable Event:  one which encourages people to realise their potential to help improve their quality of life in ways which protect natural and human resources for the future. The principles that the SportAccord Convention has committed to as part of this initiative include: - Raising awareness and education around sport and global citizenship - Bringing positive benefits for the environment and society - Creating a positive legacy, both socially and physically Our focus on sustainability will start in Dubai in 2010 in three ways: Sustainable Event Management The SportAccord International Convention and CH2M HILL are working to encourage a more sustainable approach to the event in Dubai as part of a continuing effort to leave behind a legacy of good practice and social benefits. As organisers, we have introduced a number of sustainable initiatives for the upcoming eighth edition of the SportAccord International Convention which can be found below. Sustainability on the Convention Agenda When planned properly, sport events can create significant legacy benefits for local communities after the games, with regard to health, improved infrastructure and sports facilities.  With this in mind, we have introduced a conference session on Wednesday 28th April focused on sustainability in sport. Wednesday 28 April: Sport`s Role As A Leader In Sustainable Development: How can the sporting community lead the way as a catalyst for change to create more responsible and sustainable projects and events? A panel of experts explain the opportunities and challenges that federations, sponsors, organizing committees, host cities and events face, and the real environmental, social and economic contributions to society that can result. CH2M HILL would also like to share their 10 Golden Rules for Building a Sustainable Sporting Event – DOWNLOAD HERE Sustainability of Participants We are encouraging all participants at this year’s event to create (or continue) their own sustainability initiatives and join us on the journey of building more sustainable events. We invite all of our participants to take part, to share with us their own sustainability best practices, and to find ways to reduce their impact by using less, reusing or recycling what is used, conserving energy and cutting emissions during the lead-up to and duration of the event. REDUCE – do you need it? REUSE – if you do, can it be reused? RECYCLE – if not then make sure it can be recycled SOCIAL BENEFIT – do you have items you could donate to local schools (USBs, pens) at the end of event? SOCIAL AWARENESS – how can you integrate sustainable thinking into your organisation? The table below highlights some of the initiatives the SportAccord Convention has introduced to make the Dubai 2010 event more sustainable.  We hope to build on these each year, and welcome ideas and suggestions from the international sports community.  THE EVENT  • The SportAccord International Convention and CH2M HILL will be working with Atlantis, ‘The Palm’ to encourage a sustainable approach to the event. PAPER  • Responsible content (recycled & FSC paper) • Paperless media office (USB sticks handed out to media instead of paper) • Printing procedures (double-sided, b&w, re-use the back, etc.) • Put more information online ENERGY  • Turn off appliances, lights and electrical equipment completely when not in use (do not leave appliances on stand-by mode) LANYARDS  • Lanyards made of bamboo fibres • Sustainable delegate tips in lanyards DELEGATE BAGS  • Bags made from 100% recycled content (PET bottles) PENS  • Pens made of bio-degradable material H2O  • Glass water decanters for speakers • Drinking fountains with glasses for delegates • Minimum use of bottled water, purchase as local as possible • Use real glasses • Ensure water quality TRAVEL  • The SportAccord Convention and CH2M HILL will work with the Local Organising Committee to manage transport solutions in and around Dubai, encouraging a sustainable approach. • Encourage vehicle sharing when travelling around Dubai (e.g. in taxi) • All social activities during the week have been organised to minimise the need for travel across Dubai. • Encourage business meetings during the SportAccord Convention in order to minimise travel across the year.