Towards a sustainable future together
We understand that hosting our various congresses throughout the year is both an honour and an environmental responsibility. We are committed to minimising the event's environmental impact, and are taking unprecedented steps to reduce waste.
Several eco-friendly initiatives were implemented during EHRA Congresses.
While we're preparing for ESC Congress 2026 you can have a look back at initiatives taken during previous editions.
Our sustainable initiatives at EHRA 2025
EHRA 2025 obtained the Austrian Ecolabel
We are proud to announce that the Austrian Ecolabel for the EHRA Congress 2025 has been obtained. This prestigious certification reflects our dedication to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
By implementing eco-friendly practices across mobility, communication, and event management, we have hosted a Green Meeting that aligns with the highest standards of environmental protection.
Join us in making EHRA 2025 a model of sustainable excellence, where innovation meets eco-consciousness for a healthier planet.
Key initiatives
- Waste sorting
- High-quality tap water will be available as well as water fountains
- Bring your Bottle: all participants are encouraged to bring their reusable bottles.
- Edible cups versus disposable cups
- Limited Coffee Breaks (no CB in the afternoon)
- Veggie Monday
- Travels’ carbon footprint track (train)
Vienna - a sustainable city
Vienna is focused on sustainability, climate efficiency and resource conservation, and is regarded as a smart and innovative tourism and meeting destination.
Vienna skillfully combines tradition and modernity. In addition to excellent (meeting) infrastructure, pleasant locality, and an outstanding range of art and cultural offerings,
Vienna also inspires as a green city, although not exclusively because of its many parks and green spaces. Vienna's outstanding public transportation, top quality drinking water, and civil social responsibility are just some of the things that make Vienna a city for everyone, and what distinctively embody Vienna's quality of life.
Together with limited-resource urban agriculture, the steady increase in environmentally certified hotels, venues, and service providers, as well as the wide range of (social) sustainability programs, choosing Vienna is quite an easy decision.
Sustainability Tips
Go digital and limit paper usage
The ESC has drastically reduced the number of documents it prints. To help reduce paper usage,
we encourage you to access congress materials and schedules through the programme platform and the congress mobile app, which will be available in the coming months.
Water, water everywhere
Bring your own reusable water bottle to refill at the local tap water stations located opposite the EHRA TV Studio. If you don’t have one, stop by the EHRA Corner to purchase your EHRA bottle to take home and keep using.
Avoid traffic while you take the cleaner option
Save time and reduce your impact on the environment by getting to the congress venue by public transport, the fastest, most cost-efficient and environmentally friendly option.
If public transport is not a viable option for you, we encourage you to use low-emission vehicles.
Learn more about the various ways to reach the venue.
Leave a smaller footprint when you travel
If you must travel by plane, choose direct flights when possible to limit the carbon emissions.
Consult our transport page. A discount code is available for those opting for train to come to Vienna.
Make your stay more sustainable by choosing a Green Certified hotel* and benefit from negotiated rates.
Consult our hotel page.
*To be certified, hotels must fulfil internationally defined criteria specially adapted for establishments within the tourism sector. They must make considerable environmental efforts across areas such as food and beverage, energy, waste, and water. They should also calculate their carbon footprint and set targets to reduce it.
Watts happening
Save energy by turning off computers, laptops and other electronic devices when not in use. Recharge them only when needed. Turn off the AC and switch off the lights when leaving your hotel room.
Eat with the planet in mind
Reduce your impact on the environment by choosing locally sourced and/or vegetarian food provided by our caterers. You are also encouraged to avoid single-use plastic cutlery, dishes and cups.
Recycling made easy
Use the designated recycling bins throughout the congress centre to help us get your waste where it needs to go.
Your badge holder and lanyard will live again
Racks will be installed at the exit where you can deposit your badge holder and lanyard when you leave so they can be recycled. Whenever possible reuse your old lanyard.
Reduce, reuse, recycle, review?
We want to hear from you! Please share your thoughts and suggestions about how we did and how we can improve our sustainability efforts for future events. Please contact us at sustainability@escardio.org
As a not-for-profit medical society, the ESC’s impact on the world is encompassed in its mission to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. We understand we have an especially relevant calling when it comes to environmental sustainability, given its impact on cardiovascular health 
Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.