As part of our corporate social responsibility policy, we would like to offer delegates the opportunity to offset some of the carbon footprint that you create, attending the conference. 

When you register for the conference you will have the opportunity to make a donation,  based on the distance you will travel. (figures calculated on http://www.gco2.ie/). 

Short Haul Return Flight - Estimated Distance 400km each way - 0.27 tones of CO2 - €3.28

Medium Haul Return Flight - Estimated Distance 1500km each way - 0.72 tones of CO2 - €8.62 

Long Haul Return Flight - Estimated Distance 5000km each way - 2.09 tones of CO2 - €25.08 

All funds collected will be donated to our selected charity Vita (www.vita.ie) to purchase fuel efficient stoves, which not only reduce the release of greenhouse gases but also have tremendous livelihood and health benefits for some of the poorest people on the planet - people taking the brunt of the impacts of climate change.

Traditional wood burning stoves have fuel efficiencies of around 10%. In addition, they release a lot of smoke in the kitchen making the kitchen a health hazard. Continued exposure to smoke makes women susceptible to respiratory and eye illness.

The smokeless, fuel efficient wood burning stove reduces fuel consumption by over 30%; releases smoke outside the kitchen and makes kitchens a safer place. The time that women spend  collecting fuel and carrying head loads over long distances is reduced. As the women are no longer exposed to the poisonous smoke, the impact of the stove on the health of the women is also significant. The improved stove also brings significant benefits for the whole family.

The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development tells us that investing in cleaner household fuels can yield a seven fold economic benefit in health and productivity gains.

To date Vita has supported the installation of over 10,000 improved stoves in Eritrea. The demand from women for improved stoves outstrips Vita’s resources. For example in Gash Barka region the plan was to assist the installation of 5,000 stoves over a four year period. However in two years 8,000 stoves were installed – already surpassing the target by 160%!

In the local language the stoves have been nicknamed by women as ‘Adhanet’ meaning saviour.

For more information see https://secure.go2.ie/vita/Main/3steps.htm