How are we achieving U.N. Sustainable Development Goals?
The British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) strive to secure the future of soils by promoting an enhanced understanding of the critical importance of soils in delivering the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals and supplying knowledge, through our science, to support efforts to halt and repair soil degradation.
1. No Poverty
- We provided bursaries via WCSS22, £10,000 via our supporters Macaulay Development Trust and £10,250 via BSSS
- The Congress will be streamed to provide those unable to travel to Glasgow with the opportunity to access the programme.
2. Zero Hunger
- During the Congress we will be doing our bit to avoid food waste, highlighting to delegates the previous day’s wastage to encourage lower wastage
3. Good Health and Well Being
- We will be offering a range of nutritious food at the Congress, including plant-based options
- We will be offering a number of social activities aimed to get delegates moving during the Congress
4. Quality Education
- The Congress outreach activities will see us work with the Glasgow Science Centre and the Centre for Contemporary Arts to highlight soils’ importance to a wider audience. Activities will be available for all to download via the BSSS website
- The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) will be gifting copies of its latest children’s book to Glasgow City Council
- Delegates from World Bank classified Low Income Countries are eligible for concessionary registration rates
5. Gender Equality
- Three out of four Plenary Speakers presenting at the World Congress of Soil Science 2022 identify as women
- The Working Group steering the development of the World Congress of Soil Science has a balanced gender split.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
- Water stations will be available throughout the Congress venue and delegates will be encouraged to refill their own bottles
- Reusable coffee cups will be available for delegates to purchase and using one will result in a discount for each coffee purchased in the SEC
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
- The SEC has a Green Tourism Award and is committed to using renewable energy with 100% of its energy currently from renewable sources
- The main accommodation provider for the Congress, IHG Crowne Plaza, uses the IHG Green Engage System to monitor, measure, and manage their impact on the environment
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- BSSS, our Congress organiser Speakeasy and the SEC all promote fair wage and equal opportunities
9. Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure
- We will be working with local organisations and charities to repurpose and reuse as much as possible from the Congress and associated events. This will include donating the activities developed for families at the Glasgow Science Centre to local educational charities
10. Reduced Inequalities
- We provided bursaries via WCSS22, £10,000 via our supporters Macaulay Development Trust and £10,250 via BSSS
- The Congress will be streamed to provide those unable to travel to Glasgow with the opportunity to access the programme
- The Congress programme will be available via Congress app and online portal, with paper copies available for those who require it
- Wherever possible, we aim to accommodate the specific needs of delegates planning to attend face to face
- Delegates from World Bank classified Low Income Countries are eligible for concessionary registration rates
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Delegates will be encouraged to walk or use public transport whilst visiting Glasgow
- City travel passes will be available from ScotRail for £5. Available here.
12. Responsible Consumption and Protection
- The Congress app and online portal will provide delegates with information at their fingertips, reducing the need for printing
- Recycling points will be available throughout the SEC
- Delegates are encouraged to purchase reusable water bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste
- We have limited carpeting in the exhibition hall to reduce waste
- Those tendering for services are encouraged to commit to our Environmental Statement.
13. Climate Action
- Plant-based options will be available for lunches, with all menus clearly setting out their carbon impact
- Delegates are encouraged to purchase reusable water bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste
- All items available from the Congress shop are either made from recycled materials or otherwise sustainably sourced
- Delegates are encouraged to walk in Glasgow where possible, and use the city travel pass which is available to purchase for £5 from ScotRail. Available here.
- We have commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment of the Congress, which will consider how the impacts of the event can be offset further
14. Life Below Water
- Delegates are encouraged to purchase reusable water bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste
- Recycling points will be available throughout the SEC
15. Life on Land
- Created a leaflet setting out how to grow a wildflower garden. Delegates are encouraged to work with their local community to offset their attendance at the congress, by creating a local community garden
- The Congress app and online portal will provide delegates with information at their fingertips, reducing the need for printing
16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- We will continue to support international soil scientists who wish to further their scientific knowledge in a peaceful and respectful manner
