“Crises and Transformations” is the theme of the GERA Congress 2024 at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. The handling of crisis(es) must always be thought of in the context of far-reaching transformation processes, which manifest themselves decisively in the necessity of changing thinking and acting. One characteristic of current crisis phenomena is their global conditionality and interconnectedness. Against this background, right from the start of the organisation of the GERA Congress, it was important to consider sustainability as a cross-cutting theme in the organisation of the congress. The emphasis on sustainability offers the opportunity to focus not only on environmental and climate issues, but also on improving living and working conditions. This formulation of a sustainable claim is thus also connected to the demands of a longer-term and comprehensive (socio-ecological) transformation.
The Local Organising Committee is therefore pursuing the following central sustainability goals in the planning and implementation of the DGfE Congress. We will document the individual steps, implementation paths and obstacles in dealing with the topic of ‘sustainability’ within the framework of the congress in a report (available in advance from 04/2024).
Our sustainability goals
Conserving resources
When it comes to resource conservation, we focus on questions of material use.
When dealing with resources in a resource-saving manner, we make sure that we first consistently check whether printed products need to be created. If this is the case, they will be printed climate-neutrally, environmentally friendly and, if necessary, reusable in a certified print shop. The reusability of the materials produced is designed in such a way that they can also be used for other congresses (e.g. banners, signposting). However, communication before and during the congress is mainly paperless via the homepage and an app. The programme is accessible via the homepage, app and Conftool.
Saving energy
When it comes to ways to save energy, our focus is on mobility.
In the area of energy-saving mobility, we make sure to keep the distances between the individual venues as short as possible. The central venue of the congress is the Francke Foundations. The distances between the individual venues can be covered on foot and in the shortest possible time. Events taking place outside the Francke Foundations can be easily reached by public transport. Participants can use a free public transport ticket during the congress days. In addition, we are in the process of organising special tram and bus services for the transfer from the general meeting to the social evening and from the foundations to the GEW evening.
Breaking down barriers
We think of low barriers in a multidimensional way. In addition to the difference line ‘Ability’, not only the classic difference lines but also, for example, parenthood play an important role.
On the one hand, we try to achieve as few barriers as possible through the basic organisation and provision of specific resources:
For example, the event rooms are accessible without barriers as far as possible, the distances that have to be covered between the venues are kept deliberately short almost throughout, and we have purchased a mobile ramp.
The central events (opening and closing as well as the eight parallel lectures) are interpreted in sign language if required. There are quiet and breastfeeding rooms, a guidance system for people with visual impairments and an awareness hotline in case of experienced discrimination. All central documents are designed to be as barrier-free as possible.
In addition, we ask for further requirements when registering, e.g. regarding necessary/desired childcare, further sign language interpreting as well as lecture slides in simple language for specific events.
The participation fee is staggered. There are also special rates for students.
Meatless daily meals
When it comes to food, we manage without meat.
Easily accessible and tasty catering is the lubricant for every congress. We have agreed with all caterers and suppliers that you will not use meat in the preparation of the food. Furthermore, we pay attention to the use of regional, organic and fair products. This applies to the food trucks during the lunch break as well as to the break catering and the congress banquet.
How are these sustainability goals implemented?
In order to achieve these goals, our WGs have dealt intensively with their topics. Over the last few months, each WG has defined its own measures and goals and consistently pursued them from planning to implementation. The following gallery gives a brief overview of our 10 most important measures. For further information, please contact our central email address (dgfe2024@uni-halle.de).
1. Printed matter & advertising material
One example of a resource-saving use of all materials is the consistent questioning of the basic need as well as a detailed research for the suitable product. During the congress, therefore, as much printed and promotional material as possible is dispensed with. For example, there will only be a digital programme booklet and an app via which the congress programme can be accessed. Necessary print products, such as the participant passes, will be printed by a printing company with an environmental certificate. As far as possible, recycled materials will be used for printing. Of course, the badges will not be stored in plastic boxes, but in reusable paper boxes.
2. Presents for guests
One example of a resource-saving use of all materials is dealing with the various guest gifts that are usually given out at a congress. Our Local Organising Committee decided to give out a reusable cup as a guest gift to the participants, which can be used for drinks throughout the congress, but also as a drinking vessel beyond the congress. In addition, we have prepared an edible surprise for everyone for the way home, which will be handed out on the last day. We have deliberately dispensed with bags, pens, pads and the like.
3. Orientation on the site
A resource-saving use of all materials also applies to the signage and labelling of the event area. Since the Francke Foundations are a very extensive and at the same time small area, experience has shown that it is rather difficult for new visitors to find their way around. The required beach flags, displays and signs will therefore be designed in such a way that they can be used by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities even after the congress, for example by removing all congress-related information in a few simple steps and replacing it with other information. For the material itself, only recycled materials such as recycled polyester fabric made from SEAQUAL® YARN are used.
4. Free drinking water supply
A resource-saving use of all materials as well as the topic of “saving energy” also applies to the beverage supply for the participants. On the congress site, a total of 46 water dispensers will provide drinking water from the tap for all visitors. There will be no need to transport water bottles. The containers can be used after the congress for other meetings of the faculty and the university.
5. Cooperation with local service providers with organic, regional and fair trade products.
In addition to the focus on a vegetarian / vegan offer, the origin as well as the production conditions of the offered food are an important concern for us. The congress should also have added value for the region. We are working together with a fruit farmer from Saxony-Anhalt, an organic caterer from Halle and a coffee roasting company from Halle, as well as four food trucks from Halle and Leipzig. Fair payment and minimum purchase quantities are just as important to us as the satisfaction of the congress guests for the suppliers.
For more information, click here.
6. Decoration
A sustainable and resource-saving use of materials refers not least to purely decorative elements of the conference. Therefore, plant decorations used will be borrowed from the Halle botanical garden as well as the foundations’ plant garden and returned after the conference. Any additional plants purchased will be donated at the end of the conference. When purchasing, attention will be paid to natural seasonal flowering.
7. Room supervision
In order to save as much energy as possible, especially in terms of the consumption of energy sources, student assistants will regulate the temperature in the event rooms. Where necessary, we use electronic radiator thermostats to ensure that the rooms are heated efficiently. Regular ventilation during breaks will ensure a sufficient supply of fresh air. To ensure that as little heat as possible is lost, we make sure that the rooms are ventilated at regular intervals.
8. Barrier-free access
As the Francke Foundations are a historic, listed site, unfortunately not all buildings are barrier-free. In order to provide access to as many events as possible for all participants, we have decided to purchase a mobile ramp. The ramp weighs about 20kg and can be transported by hand from one place to another. At the destination, the ramp is unfolded and placed over the steps leading into the building. In this way, height differences of up to 40cm can be bridged. The ramp remains in the faculty’s inventory and thus creates sustainable added value beyond the congress.