BNA’s commitment extends beyond words: after every Festival of Neuroscience, we conduct a detailed carbon assessment and publish a sustainability report that helps us measure impact, learn, and improve year after year.
A Sustainable Festival Home: ICC Belfast
We’re proud to host BNA2027 at International Convention Centre Belfast one of the most sustainable conference venues in the UK and Ireland. ICC Belfast isn’t just a world-class events space; it’s designed to minimise environmental impact at every turn.
Environmental Leadership
• Green Meetings Gold-Certified Venue: ICC Belfast is the first venue on the island of Ireland to achieve Green Tourism Gold certification - a mark of excellence in environmental performance for meetings and events.
• Climate-Smart Infrastructure: Over 60 % of the venue’s electricity comes from renewable sources, lighting is energy-efficient LED with smart motion controls, and solar films help regulate heating and cooling.
• Waste & Recycling: ICC Belfast operates advanced waste management systems that ensure zero waste goes to landfill, with over 85 % of waste recycled and more than 75 % of food sourced locally.
• Water & Single-Use Reduction: Hydration stations across the venue promote reusable bottles and reduce single-use plastics.
Sustainable Access & Location
Situated in the heart of Belfast’s vibrant, walkable city centre, ICC Belfast encourages low-carbon travel. The venue is well-served by public transport and active travel networks, and nearby facilities include bike racks and electric vehicle charging stations - making low-impact travel to the Festival easier for all delegates.
A City That Cares
Belfast itself is recognised among the world’s most sustainable visitor destinations in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Local partnerships with Visit Belfast and others help drive city-wide progress toward net-zero and a resilient, inclusive economy, and ICC Belfast plays a key role in this ecosystem.
What You Can Do
BNA delegates play a vital role in our sustainability journey. You can help by:
• Choosing low-carbon travel options (e.g., train over plane where practical)
• Reducing waste throughout the Festival
• Participating in sustainability sessions and activities
• Bringing reusable items like water bottles and bags
Together, we can ensure BNA2027 is not only a festival of extraordinary science but also a benchmark for environmentally responsible conferences worldwide.