Sustainable Conferences and Events – UNFCCC

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) promotes guidelines for organizing sustainable conferences and conventions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its own summits (such as the COP) and other international meetings. These guidelines serve as a global reference framework for governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Objectives

• Climate neutrality: Measure, reduce, and offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the event.
• Efficient resource management: Optimize the use of energy, water, materials, and waste.
• Inclusion and accessibility: Ensure equal participation and safety for all attendees.

Key Action Areas

• Venue selection: Choose facilities with green building certifications and good public transport access.
• Mobility: Encourage the use of trains and buses, offset flight emissions, and provide electric transport options.
• Sustainable catering: Offer seasonal menus, plant-based options, and work with local suppliers.
• Waste reduction: Eliminate single-use plastics and implement on-site recycling systems.
• Digital communication: Minimize printed materials and promote mobile apps for agendas, tickets, and information.

Implementation Process

1. Footprint assessment: Use tools such as the UN Carbon Offset Platform to calculate event emissions.
2. Sustainability plan: Define indicators and goals for energy, water, waste, and carbon reduction.
3. Execution and monitoring: Collect and track data throughout the event.
4. Reporting and compensation: Publish results and purchase verified carbon credits to offset remaining emissions.

Notable Results

• COP25 (Madrid, 2019): 100% renewable energy use, full carbon compensation, and a strong waste recycling program.
• COP26 (Glasgow, 2021): Achieved ISO 20121 certification and partnered with local food suppliers.

Related Tools and Frameworks

• ISO 20121: Sustainable event management system standard.
• ISO 14064: Standard for GHG emissions quantification and verification.
• 2030 Agenda: Contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

The UNFCCC’s sustainable conference guidelines set a benchmark for best practices in event organization—both within and beyond the climate sector—promoting environmental responsibility, inclusivity, and transparency in global event management.