Green ESCMID Global

Free/reduced use of public transport

Greater utilisation of public transport over personal vehicles is one of the best ways to reduce emissions and helps to save the environment. ESCMID is dedicated to doing what we can to offset our ESCMID global carbon footprint and hope that you will too!

As a part of this initiative, our colleagues at RENFE, the Spanish National Rail Network, are offering to allow ESCMID global attendees to travel with a 15% discount on AVE (high speed) and Renfe Long Distance trains within Spain, from their departure city to Barcelona. For a tutorial on how to book the discounted ticket, click here.

In addition, we provide each full registration with a 96h ticket. Therefore, to travel to and from the venue, you can use to your free public transportation pass, valid in Barcelona, including transportation to the airport. You can collect it at the Material Pick-up desk in the registration area.

Live-streamed hybrid option

After the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a transition of ECCMID 2021 to an online only format, it was decided to propose further ESCMID Global (formerly known as ECCMID) as a hybrid event. All sessions scheduled in Hall A to Hall P are broadcast in real-time via live-streaming. This affords international or remote participants the unique opportunity to engage directly with the session's speakers and moderators, irrespective of any impediments preventing them from attending the congress in person. Additionally, this option enables all participants to attend online if they prefer to minimise travel-related emissions.

Bonus: Sustainable activities in BCN

Discover the activities available in Barcelona to be enjoyed in a way that respects the environment and local traditions here.

Reduce printing

Conscious of the environmental impact of printing, we have, in the past years, progressively decreased the amount of printed material. As in 2023, you will find the complete and continuously updated scientific programme online as PDF document to download and on our congress app. Delegates will find all the news and necessary information through QR codes available throughout the venue and on our app, website and social media. If participants prefer to receive this information per email, the ESCMID team is at your disposal at all times.

Recycling and reducing waste

Throughout the course of the congress, attendees have access to recycling bins within the venue. In light of the substantial expected attendance, our aim is to mitigate the overall generation of waste. Recognising the diverse cultural backgrounds of our attendees, each bin also features informative guidelines regarding the correct methodologies for waste sorting and recycling in Barcelona. Small recycling stations for plastic packaging and cans, paper, and general waste are conveniently distributed across the venue. In addition, you can find five main recycling stations for plastic packaging and cans, paper, organic waste, and glass, where a hostess will be available to aid proper recyling.

Leftover food donation

Gastrofira, the catering company, demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing food waste and supporting those in need through active participation in food donation programs like "Barcelona shares food" in collaboration with Nutrition without Borders. They not only donate surplus food but also distribute unused food service materials to social organizations and recycle vegetable oils for social purposes. Their partnership with Fundació Espigoladors focuses on giving imperfect fruits and vegetables a second chance, promoting sustainability and inclusivity, especially for individuals at risk of exclusion.

Water stations     

Water stations (fountains and dispensers) are situated within the venue, offering fresh water to all ESCMID Global attendees. In our commitment to reducing plastic waste, disposable cups are not provided. Participants were encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles, which can be refilled at these designated water stations. Additionally, sponsored durable water bottles can be acquired upon request at the info desk next to the escalator to Hall 6 and 7.

Fira de Barcelona

The venue hosting ESCMID Global 2024, Fira de Barcelona, holds the ISO 14001 certification for its Environmental Management System, emphasizing sustainable development, environmental protection, and the fight against climate change. All venue facilities operate on 100% green energy from various renewable sources. Fira de Barcelona aligns its strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals promoting sustainability to exhibitors and visitors. Their commitment encompasses reducing food and materials waste, social initiatives, and environmental responsibility, all aimed at creating a positive social and environmental impact.

Sustainable stand building and temporary constructions     

A-Booth is in charge of building stands and temporary constructions. This company is active in applying sustainable practices in its business. With the mindset to strengthen its effort in developing an effective sustainability policy, in early 2023, a sustainability assessment was conducted within the company. Based on the assessment, A-Booth is building its sustainability policy further for the coming years, taking into account resources and waste, energy and water, and climate change with a road map to 0% emission in 2030. In addition, A-Booth uses sustainable materials in their stands, such as multiple types of aluminium frames. Aluminium is preferred due to its lightweight properties, reducing space requirements and CO2 emissions during transport. They currently have a large stock of ready-made walls and frames that they use time and time again, according to the needs of their clients. Find out more information reading the sustainability report of A-Booth here. 

Over the years, ESCMID is reusing material from previous ECCMIDs as much as possible. For instance, the photo booth, post card station, brochure rack and most of the TV studio furniture will be built reusing the material from last year. Moreover, for temporary structures like the prayer room, the clock room and the material desk, we chose the reusable shell scheme system. Carpet is every year reduced as much as possible and used only in essential areas. Recycled carpet will be used in most areas with carpet.

Environment-friendly catering

Gastrofira upholds sustainability through a multi-faceted approach. They reduce CO2 emissions by partnering with local suppliers for 80% of their food purchases, while promoting sustainability by requiring partners and suppliers to adhere to sustainable policies and adapt menus to seasonal offerings. Their commitment to sustainability encompasses practices such as plastic reduction, food surplus donation, local sourcing, and repurposing imperfect produce. Additionally, vegetarian and vegan options will be offered among the Food Trucks.

Sustainability / Climate change sessions

Discover the sessions of the scientific programme linked with sustainability and climate change, and join us there. The Keyword “Climate change and sustainability” will allow you to filter specifically for these sessions in the programme.

Please find an overview here:

Green Corner

Located on the upper floor, you'll discover our Green Corner: a small construction dedicated to sustainability. Here, you'll learn about sustainability initiatives, sessions of the programme, ESCMID's efforts, and how you can contribute to making our congress more sustainable. A place designed to captivate attention, inform, and initiate meaningful discussions. Equally important, a place where you can share your feedback and ideas with us.

Survey

Join our special 3-minute survey consisting of 6 questions only! We’re gathering information on participants' attendance, modes of travel, reasons for attending either onsite or online, and seeking your feedback on how we can improve! This survey aims to better understand participant preferences and collect feedback for potential enhancements or ways ESCMID can assist. 

By participating in our sustainability surveillance survey, you stand the chance to win a small prize! Simply pick it up every day at the ESCMID Booth in the ESCMID village. Your input is invaluable to us, and we appreciate your participation in shaping the future of ESCMID events!