UK Stroke Forum 2027

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Image shows steps leading down to Riverside Entrance at ICC Belfast with balconies and the curved glass Waterfron Hall building in view.

Pledge one

Designing out carbon

By working alongside the organisation committee, we will actively design out as much carbon (or equivalent) emissions as possible. This would involve:

- Promoting low carbon travel options such as car sharing and ferry to travel to Belfast, and active travel or public transport during the event. Visit Belfast can secure an exclusive 10% discount code for UK Stroke delegates travelling by ferry with Stenaline.

- Careful menu design to ensure use of local, fresh produce and/or plant based meals. We will also work to minimise food waste through our Changing The Menu. For Good initiative.

- Conduct an operational review to reduce waste and minimise any virgin resources used during the event. This review would also ensure any leftover usable materials are donated through our partnership with International Synergies.

Pledge two

Carbon offsetting

Visit Belfast will produce a report on the travel emissions of delegates attending the event. We will then either fully offset this carbon using accredited offsetting schemes (approx. £10 a tonne) or work with UK Stroke to plan a portfolio of offsetting and draw down initiatives that reflect UK Strokes core sustainability values.

For example this may mean 50% offset through accredited schemes and 50% invested into Northern Ireland carbon sequestration schemes such as Farming Carbon or the One Million Trees Belfast Project.

Using delegate data from the 2022 conference, we estimate the travel emissions to be in the region of 395 - 400 tonnes and therefore will cost approximately £4000 to offset.

Pledge three

Understanding carbon

From pre event marketing, to post event evaluation, we will work with UK Stroke Forum to help attending delegates understand the impact UK Stroke Forum’s actions have in relatable language.

For example we can discuss the impact a meat free lunch has by calculating the equivalent in miles driven in a petrol car or iphone charges etc. to help delegates better understand the large impact small changes can make.

Pledge one

Minimising Environmental Impact through Innovation and Accountability

We commit to significantly reducing our environmental footprint by improving energy efficiency, advancing waste management, and sourcing sustainable materials for delivering the UK Stroke Forum. By leveraging innovative tools for Carbon Reporting and working closely with our supply chain, we will consistently measure, manage, and reduce carbon emissions, supporting the UK Stroke Forum’s own journey toward net zero.

We already hold our suppliers to their own sustainability commitments however pledge to work closely with the UK Stroke Forum and our local suppliers to set clear sustainability standards, encouraging eco-friendly practices, and support suppliers in aligning with our and the UK Stroke Forum sustainability goals fostering a partnership-driven approach to reducing environmental impact. Together, we will promote local sourcing, reduce carbon emissions, and champion innovation, ensuring that our suppliers contribute meaningfully to our shared commitment to sustainability.

We have set up a Venue Sustainability Forum of venue to support collaboration across the entertainment sector to address shared sustainability challenges, starting with eliminating single use plastic throughout entertainment venues across Belfast and will continue this work with your event.

Pledge two

Leading in Sustainability for Our Venues and City

We promise to exceed sustainability expectations across all aspects of our operations for sustainable event delivery of the UK Stroke Forum. By engaging with local communities and suppliers, promoting best practices, and continually enhancing our sustainability initiatives, we will ensure that our venue, and the city of Belfast, are positioned at the forefront of sustainable business and event delivery for the UK Stroke Forum.

We already have reduced our Carbon Emissions in the venue by:

- Over 60% of electricity consumed in the venue is generated from renewable sources
- Solar Film (to reduce heat loss when it’s cold and solar gain when it’s hot)
- LED Lighting, energy efficient which significantly reduces our carbon emissions
- We recycle over 85% of our waste and over 75% of our food is sourced from local suppliers.

ICC Belfast is due to pilot Turntide motor systems in early 2025 which are 33% more efficient, saving on energy consumption and carbon output. With a full roll out this has the potential to offset 63 tons of carbon which is equivalent to an estimated 217 domestic flights.

Pledge three

Empowering Delegates with Sustainable Choices

We promise to provide delegates with the knowledge and tools to make informed, sustainable choices during their event in our venue.

Through a dedicated Delegate Toolkit, we will showcase the sustainability features of our venues, highlight eco-friendly options, and offer practical guidance on reducing environmental impact. From waste segregation to energy-saving initiatives and sourcing local, sustainable food, we aim to empower every delegate to contribute to our shared sustainability goals.

Venue Enquiry Form