Towards a sustainable future together.
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 five years.
The ESC Sustainability Focus Group has been created to foster sustainable congress practices and address the interconnected challenges of climate change. Our mission is to define a framework that promotes a resilient future for ESC congresses through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative solutions.
Sustainability is fundamental to our operations and aligns with our commitment to responsible event management. We proudly collaborate with partners dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint and embracing sustainable practices across four key pillars: Travel & accommodation, Production & waste, Food & food waste, and Energy.
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.
At ESC Congress
You would think ESC red would be our colour of choice, but 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. We have an obligation to make the congress’s impact on the planet as small as possible, so we are taking steps to reduce waste like never before.
Discover our sustainable initiatives at ESC Congress 2024
ESC Congress 2024 took place at the ExCeL London, a carbon-neutral venue. No waste from the centre goes to a landfill and food waste is broken down in an on-site wormery. The centre has signed up to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, committing to a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and to become net zero by 2050.
Key initiatives
Most of our documents were locally printed with recycled paper
- Reduction of carpeting
- Water fountains available throughout the congress centre
- Most of the food locally produced
- Recycled badge holder
- Journal family articles available online (no more printed copies)
- Promotion of the use of public transport
- Green hotels promotion
- Vegetarian day
Exchange Area
The Exchange area featured a reusable structure designed to last for the next three years. This eco-friendly setup will be reassembled for ESC Congress in 2025, and 2026, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability. We have carefully selected materials that are mindful of the environment, reinforcing our dedication to responsible event management.
Sustainability tips were sent to attendees both before and during the congress
Go digital and limit paper usage
The ESC has drastically reduced the number of documents it prints. What has been printed has been printed locally on recycled and recyclable paper. To help reduce paper usage, you will find QR codes on signs throughout the congress centre so you can scan them to access ESC Congress News on your mobile device.
We encourage you to access congress materials and schedules through the programme platform and the congress mobile app available in the coming months
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
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..
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. 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
Stay tuned for ESC Congress with WCC in Madrid!
Our mission: To reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.