As international Education is now the largest service export in Australia and the third largest export overall, we decided it was time to set an example to the industry by minimising the impact the conference has on the environment. In our first year we have looked at ways to reduce waste and to improve our practices. Below are some details on what we are doing and how you can contribute to helping AIEC go green!

What we are doing:

• IDP Education, with the support of our Green Sponsor, IELTS, are using 100% Green Power supplied by Country Energy to power to conference and exhibition. This is an estimated saving of 224 tonnes of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to taking 47 cars off the road or powering 32 houses for a full year. (Based on information from the BCEC and the Department of Environment and Climate Change)

• IDP Education have offset all flights for IDP Education, IELTS and Epic Attractions staff to travel to and from the conference. By offsetting the estimated 525,788 Kilometers travelled (producing 117 tonnes of CO2), we are enabling the plantation of more than 200 Mallee Eucalypts which will remove Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere and helps to reduce levels of greenhouse gases (Statistics and calculations based on information provided by CO2 Australia). [This information has been updated 2 October]

• The conference registration brochure was reduced from a 24 page booklet down to 8 pages. By doing this, we have saved 160,000 printed pages* from being produced.

• The conference registration brochure was produced on 100% recycled, unbleached and uncoated paper. The conference program and all other printed materials will be produced on similar paper.

• The registration brochure was mailed in recycled envelopes instead of plastic wrap.

• We have not produced a printed delegate list - saving 24,000 printed pages. This is now available electronically on the conference website.

• The conference satchel is produced using fully natural, lighter and biodegradable products - with thanks to our Green Sponsor, IELTS

• We have limited the number of inserts in this year's satchel as well as limiting the size allowed. This will save an estimated 57,000 printed pages. We have encouraged all sponsors and exhibitors to only use recycled paper with all their materials.

• The number of site visits and meetings in planning the conference that require flights have been reduced. All flights for personnel in planning and running the conference staff will be offset with carbon credits by IDP Education.

What you can do:

• If travelling to Brisbane, offset your flights with carbon credits. Most airlines offer this as an option and you can offset your flights at any time, even after you have travelled. From Sydney to Brisbane, it will cost approximately $2 for a return trip. From London to Brisbane it will cost approximately $30 Australian dollars. (Based on calculations provided by Qantas).

• When in Brisbane, travel to and from the airport using Brisbane's Airtrain (www.airtrain.com.au). This is a quick and convenient way to travel and you will avoid the 15km trip in a cab and beat the traffic which can often be very congested. The Airtrain stops in the CBD and just outside the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre at South Brisbane Station.

• Walk to and from the Convention Centre from your hotel. If half of all delegates decided to walk instead of catch a cab each day, we would save well over 4,000 cab journeys. To help, we will open the cloak room every day so that you can wear your walking shoes or even different clothing, and check them in before the conference. The cloak room is provided by our Green Sponsor - IELTS.

• Catch a train to the Convention Centre. Central Station and Roma Street Station is near many of the conference hotels, and only minutes by train to South Brisbane Station at the Convention Centre.

• Stay for a drink between the end of the conference and the beginning of the Dinner. We will keep the Convention Centre's bar open so you don't need to catch a cab to your hotel and back. Use this opportunity to meet and network informally with your colleagues and we will also put on some light nibbles - with thanks to our Green Sponsor - IELTS

• We encourage you to join us at all social events, however, if you are not planning to attend, please hand in your tickets. This will help our catering numbers and prevent food waste. We will provide you with an opportunity at registration to do this.

• Make suggestions on how we can make this and future conferences even greener - write to us at aiec@epicattractions.com

What the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) are doing:

The BCEC are a founding member of Australia's Greenhouse Challenge and have developed initiatives to achieve sustainable practices. Achievements have included:

• Reduction of energy consumption by 6.5%

• Reduction in water consumption by 21%

• An average of 34.5% of all waste recycled

• Collection and management of compost and organic waste

• Unused packaged food is sent to Foodbank for distribution to those in need

• Purchase of Green Power for the Administration Offices

• Undertaking of an Environmental Audit

^{* Note that a printed page refers to a single side of a printed page.}