Promoting our Sustainability Measures for Conferences and Events

Queen's University is committed to environmental sustainability and to becoming a net zero university by 2040. Our Conference and Events operations have a vital part to play in this, and we also know that sustainability is an important factor for our event attendees.

Please familiarise yourself with some of our sustainability measures listed below, and discover what you can promote in regard to Belfast as a sustainable destination.

Eco-friendly experiences in and around Belfast

Belfast is a city dedicated to a net zero carbon future, and has been ranked 11th out of 100 destinations in the 2023 Global Destination Sustainability Movement Index. There is a multitude of eco-friendly things to discover for delegates in the city.

Visit Belfast has put together a guide on sustainability-accredited visitor attractions and art venues, as well as green spaces like parks and various outdoor tours. Here you can also find restaurants offering plant-based options and locally sourced ingredients, shops offering ethical and vintage products, as well as design and gifts by local artists. The Sustainable Belfast Guide can be found here and gives useful tips for event and conference delegates.

Environmentally responsible catering solutions

Our Campus Food and Drink team provide catering for events and conferences, and have a vast amount of sustainability measures in place. This includes, among other things, reducing the use of plastic and single-use and disposable cups as well as cutlery and crockery, using local suppliers as much as possible, offering Fairtrade-certified products and offering seasonal and plant-based menus. You can find more information on the team's sustainability work here.

The team have also partnered with Visit Belfast on the campaign “Changing the Menu. For Good”. We encourage all our conference organisers to get involved with this project, which helps those experiencing food poverty via fundraising for local food banks. It can also help reducing food waste from events. Read more about getting involved here. 

Travel sustainably to Queen's University and around Belfast

Belfast is a compact city and can conveniently be explored by foot, bike or via zero or low emission public transport. Queen's University is easily accessible from the city centre via sustainable modes of transport, and delegates should be encouraged to use these when making their way to us. There are downloadable PDFs with information on travelling by bus, foot, train and bike to the main Campus and to Riddel Hall on this page.

Visit Belfast has also put together a guide to sustainable transport when discovering Belfast which delegates can be directed to for any questions on getting around the city.

Eco-friendly wellbeing activities

Queen's University is in the perfect location to be able to enjoy green spaces, such as Botanic Gardens. Other than savouring the fresh air, delegates can also visit the historic Palm House or learn about the plant conversation work in the Tropical Ravine. Information and opening hours for Botanic Gardens can be found here.

Belfast Bikes can also be promoted for active sightseeing and for getting to and from Queen's University. These are available for hire at over 40 docking stations around the city. The closest pick-up points are are on University Road, opposite the Lanyon Building and in front of the McClay Library, at the back of the main campus. More information on Belfast Bikes here.

Sustainable conference material and merchandise

For branded merchandise or marketing needs for your event or conference, please contact the Queen’s Welcome Centre.

Our goods are eco-friendly and in line with the sustainability goals of the University. All products are ethically sourced, are chosen to reduce the amount of single use products in circulation and are supplied in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The Centre works alongside the University’s supplier of merchandise to ensure that the best costs are obtained and that all branding is correct in line with Queen’s branding guidelines. Turnaround time for all orders is three to four weeks from approval of final artwork.

Environmentally friendly accommodation for overnight stays

There are many sustainability-conscious options for places to stay in and around Belfast. Delegates can be directed to finding their preferred accommodation which holds sustainability accreditations, via the Belfast Accommodation Guide and the Visit Belfast Hotel Search Tool.

Hybrid conferences and events

Offering hybrid delegate participation can be one way to make your event more sustainable. If you wish to explore the options and available platforms for delegates to attend the event virtually, please contact the Events team for more information.

Other activities, policies and strategies

Queen’s University has an action plan in place for the management of energy and carbon and how we will achieve net zero emissions by 2040. We are also committed to sustainable waste management and recycling, enhancing biodiversity on and around campus, as well as sustainable construction and building development. Discover more about what we are doing here.