We recognise that organising the world’s largest cardiology congress for more than 30,000 healthcare professionals is an honour as well as an environmental responsibility.

It is our responsability to make the congress’s impact on the planet as small as possible, so we are taking steps to reduce our emissions.

Sustainability tips for delegates

Go digital and limit paper usage 

We have significantly cut back on printed materials to reduce our environmental footprint. What you do see in print has been produced locally, using recycled and recyclable paper. To further minimise paper use, we’ve made it easier than ever to stay informed digitally.

• Scan the QR codes displayed throughout the congress centre to access ESC Congress News directly on your mobile device.
• Access congress materials and schedules through the programme platform and the congress mobile app.

Water, water everywhere 

Bring your own reusable water bottle to refill at the water stations located throughout the congress centre. If you don’t have one, stop by the ESC Shop and buy an ESC bottle to take home and keep using. 

Avoid traffic while you take the cleaner option 

Traveling by public transport is the fastest, most cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly way to reach the congress venue.

The ESC will provide registered healthcare professionals a four-day Madrid metro pass - available at the Registration Area.  It is valid for four days after activation and usable throughout the entire city – including transfers to the airport. 

If public transport isn't a viable option for you, we kindly encourage the use of low-emission vehicles.

Leave a smaller footprint when you travel 

If you must travel by plane, choose direct flights when possible to limit the carbon emissions. 

Make your stay more sustainable by choosing a Green Certified hotel* and benefit from negotiated rates. 

*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. Join us on Sunday, 31 August for our veggie day at IFEMA Madrid. 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.  

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 

Additional initiatives

• Reduction of carpeting  
• Journal articles available online (no printed copies)  
• Green hotels promotion  
• Most of our documents are locally printed with recycled paper

ESC Exchange Area

The ESC Exchange Area features an eco-friendly reusable structure. Used last year, it will be reassembled for ESC Congress 2025 and ESC Congress 2026, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. We have carefully selected materials that are mindful of the environment, reinforcing our dedication to responsible event management.

IFEMA Madrid

ESC Congress 2025 will take place at the IFEMA Madrid. The convention centre is strongly committed to sustainability, aligning its strategy with the United Nations sustainable development goals. Through its sustainability master plan, it has set clear targets to advance environmental responsibility across its activities by 2026. Find out more on the IFEMA Madrid sustainability.

The ESC and sustainability 

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 

Environmental sustainability is one of the six strategic aims in the ESC Strategic Plan for 2023–2028. Each objective in the plan is designed to guide the ESC, and the wider cardiovascular healthcare community, through a dynamic and changing landscape over the next three years.

The ESC Task Force on Environment and Sustainability was created to reinforce our scientific and advocacy efforts in this critical area. This multidisciplinary group of cardiologists, environmental scientists, prevention specialists, and public health advocates is working together to better understand the complex relationship between environmental factors and cardiovascular disease.

We are proud to work alongside partners who share our commitment to sustainability. Together, we embrace responsible practices across four key areas: travel and accommodation, production and waste, food and food waste, and energy use. These pillars guide our collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions and embed sustainability into the core of our event planning and delivery.

Sustainability engagement is included in our Requests for Proposals from event venues and suppliers. We work with partners engaged in limiting their carbon footprint and who have already adopted sustainable measures in their daily practice. Only by working in partnership within the events industry will we make significant steps forward to reach our key strategic aim of environmental sustainability.