We are committed to making WCVD10 as green as possible. Climate change is a reality and its effects are happening around the world. Travelling for WCVD10 will emit damaging carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to the climate crisis. But staying home isn’t the answer. There are many ways to reduce your environmental impact. 

Getting to Boston

Attendees from the Northeastern United States

Short-haul flights are comparatively the worst polluters because most of the carbon emissions from fuel are emitted during take-off and landing. Travelling by train or bus instead can massively reduce your carbon footprint. According to the 2021 U.S. Department of Energy Data Book, Amtrak is 46% more energy efficient than traveling by car and 34% more energy efficient than domestic air travel. If you are traveling as a group, another option is to carpool with your colleagues.

Carbon emissions offsetting for air travel

Most WCVD10 attendees will have to fly to Boston. One of the ways attendees can reduce the environmental impact is through carbon offsetting their flights. Carbon offsets are voluntary programs where people pay to ‘offset’ or make up for the emissions their flights produce. The easiest option is to offset directly with the airline when you book your flights. You just pay an extra fee on top of the flight cost which is donated to a carbon offset program. If your airline does not offer offsets, you can offset directly. There are two main types of offset projects: forestry and energy projects. Check out the WCVD10 website for some options to consider. Another climate friendly choice is to choose non-stop economy flights if possible.

Once in Boston

Once you have arrived in Boston, you can make environmentally-friendly choices there too.

Stay at one of the host hotels, all located within walking distance to the ‘Hynes’.

Take public transportation.

Use Metro-Boston’s public bike share system.

Use a mobile device (phone, tablet or computer) for note-taking.