Green initiatives
At Aarhus University we aim at making our conferences more sustainable by making greener choices. Here are some of the ones, you can experience during the MatchPoints Seminar 2023:
Reusable AU bottles
On average, a conference participant drinks two bottles of water every day, so over the three days of the MatchPoints conference, that would add up to 1,500–2,100 disposable plastic bottles. To avoid this, we provide conference participants with a reusable water bottle instead.
Danish tap water is pure, clean and delicious, so there is no reason to drink bottled water in Aarhus. The reusable bottles also eliminate the use of plastic cups and the water and energy that would go into washing up glasses. Please bring it home with you after the conference and keep filling it.
Conference materials
We have replaced the usual conference tote bag with a “buffet” of conference materials, so that participants can choose what they need. The name tags used are made of FSC-certified paper, and the complimentary key lanyard is made of recycled plastic bottles. Printed material is kept at a minimum and we only use FSE-certified paper.
Meat free catering
On Thursday and Friday, lunch will be provided by Jespers Torvekøkken, a catering service that uses organic, seasonal and local ingredients whenever possible. All lunches are meat-free. Jespers Torvekøkken are constantly working to improve the sustainability of their operations. The kitchen has replaced all single-use packaging with biodegradable packing, and is now focused on reducing food waste and on converting unavoidable waste into sustainable energy.
The dinner on Thursday will be provided by Den Gamle By. The food at Den Gamle By is mainly produced from local and seasonal ingredients. The chefs take pride in processing their own products by smoking fish, pickling seasonal vegetables and curing meats. They also harvest herbs, fruits and vegetables throughout the year from Den Gamle By’s historical gardens. Den Gamle By has its own bakers, who deliver the freshly baked bread and cakes – using the same recipes and processes as the old masters.
The dinner on Friday evening at Convert Hall Aarhus will be provided by eateries johan r/Maestro, who are serious about reducing food waste and optimising organic resources. They partner with Daka Refood, which recycles organic waste into valuable new products like biodiesel, fertilizer and biogas. Sustainable practices like this contribute to conserving the Earth’s organic resources and producing sustainable, carbon-neutral energy sources. johan r/Mæstro are constantly working to refine their sustainable approach to catering, and take pride in creating delicious meat-free meals.
Walking to the venue
The hotels of MatchPoints 2023 are within easy walking distance of the conference venue. If you want to avoid motorized transportation, we invite you to take a morning stroll through the city and follow these maps:
Walk from Scandic Aarhus City (approx. 25 min.)
Walk from Cabinn Aarhus (approx. 20-25 min.)
Alternatively, we recommend that you travel to the venue by public transportation in Aarhus or carpool. See parking options at the venue
Walking buses on Thursday evening
On Thursday evening guests staying at Scandic City and Cabinn can "jump on" the walking bus when returning from the Time Travel event in Den Gamle By to their hotels. Students helpers will guide them home by foot. The evening stroll takes about 20 minutes.
Buses with GTL fuel
The buses used for the evening events at MatchPoints 2023 will run on Shell GTL (gas-to-liquids), an alternative diesel fuel derived from natural gas, which burns more cleanly than conventional crude oil-based diesel and produces fewer local emissions and less particulate matter. According to EU legislation, Shell GTL Fuel is classified as 'readily biodegradable' due in part to its near zero aromatic level.