Sustainable Conferences and Events - UNFCCC

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) promotes guidelines for organising sustainable conferences and events to reduce the environmental impact of its own summits (such as the COP) and of other international meetings. These guidelines act as a reference framework for governments, NGOs and the private sector.

Objectives

• Climate neutrality: measure, reduce and offset the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the event.
• Efficient use of resources: optimise energy, water and materials, and minimise waste.
• Inclusion and accessibility: ensure fair and safe participation for all attendees.

Key action areas

• Venue selection: choose facilities with recognised green building certifications and good public transport access.
• Mobility: encourage rail and bus travel, offset flight emissions and provide low-emission transport options.
• Sustainable catering: offer seasonal and plant-based menus and work with local suppliers.
• Waste reduction: remove single-use plastics and set up on-site separate collection and recycling.
• Digital-first communication: minimise printed materials and use apps for agendas, passes and information.

How it is implemented

1. Footprint assessment: calculate the event's emissions, using tools such as the UN Carbon Offset Platform.
2. Sustainability plan: set indicators and targets for energy, water, waste and carbon.
3. Delivery and monitoring: collect and track data throughout the event.
4. Reporting and offsetting: publish the results and offset residual emissions with verified carbon credits.

Examples

• COP25 (Madrid, 2019): placed strong emphasis on renewable energy, the circular economy and electromobility, and applied a range of sustainability measures across the venue.
• COP26 (Glasgow, 2021): certified to ISO 20121 (independently audited by BSI) and delivered as a carbon-neutral event, the first COP to obtain PAS 2060 validation on carbon neutrality.

Related tools and frameworks

• ISO 20121: management system standard for sustainable events.
• ISO 14064: standard for quantifying and verifying GHG emissions.
• 2030 Agenda: contributes to SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) and SDG 13 (climate action).

The UNFCCC's guidance on sustainable events sets a benchmark for good practice in event management, within and beyond the climate sector, promoting environmental responsibility, inclusion and transparency. At Manglai we help companies measure their carbon footprint and prepare their sustainability reporting. Discover how Manglai can help you.