EnviroCon Code of Ethics & Conduct

EnviroCon is an annual conference open to all people interested in research and community work in the field of environment and sustainability. Embracing the interdisciplinary nature of this field, EnviroCon provides an inclusive forum for a broad range of topics in the Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business, Policy, and Management.

The primary goals of EnviroCon are to: (1) open the dialogue on environmental issues tackled through research and community efforts, and (2) engage the Western and London community in environment and sustainability efforts. By doing so we hope to strengthen interest in environmental issues, disseminate knowledge of their potential solutions, and support a movement toward sustainability. Delegates of EnviroCon 2020 are expected to exhibit the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Each delegate participating in EnviroCon activities are bound by this Code* and should:

  • Conduct themselves responsibly, objectively, lawfully, and in a civil and non-discriminatory manner.
  • Ensure that presentations during EnviroCon are restricted to, and based on, scientific principles and made in a respectful manner.
  • Respect the rights, interests, and contributions of professional colleagues.
  • Respect intellectual property and provide appropriate attribution to sources of all intellectual property.
  • Declare and avoid conflicts of interest (professional, personal, financial).
  • Not knowingly make false or misleading statement(s), or engage in activities that could be viewed as defamatory to a professional colleague or an organization.
  • Recognize and respect confidentiality while being honest and forthcoming in all issues of public record.
  • Objectively and clearly communicate scientific methods, understanding and knowledge in a professional manner.

EnviroCon is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all meeting participants. All participants including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, booth exhibitors, staff member, service providers, and others are expected to abide by EnviroCon’s Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to all EnviroCon events held in public or private facilities.

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Harassment, intimidation or discrimination in any form.
  • Physical or verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, booth exhibitor, faculty, staff, service provider, or other meeting guest.
  • Recording or taking photography of another individual’s presentation without the explicit permission.
  • Disruption of presentations at oral sessions or workshops organized by EnviroCon at the conference venue or other contracted facilities.
  • Verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, etc.
  • Inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations.

Anyone requested to stop unacceptable behavior is expected to comply immediately. The EnviroCon Planning Committee, CES faculty, or CES staff may take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the conference without warning.

If you are the subject of unacceptable behavior or have witnessed any such behavior, please immediately notify a member of the EnviroCon Planning Committee, Centre of Environment and Sustainability (CES) faculty, or (CES) staff. Notification should be done on-site by contacting an EnviroCon Planning Committee member. Alternatively, you can email your concern(s) to ces.envirocon@gmail.com. Anyone experiencing or witnessing behavior that constitutes an immediate or serious threat to public safety at EnviroCon at the International and Graduate Affairs Building and Talbot College Building on Western University campus is advised to locate a phone and ask for security.

*Adapted from the International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Code of Ethics, and the Code of Conduct for meetings of the Ecological Society of America.