Sustainability
ADEIT, the conference host, as a Sustainability Guide for Conferences, which outlines a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of university events, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The guide is structured around five key areas: venue, transport, production, catering, and accommodation. It is designed to be applied throughout all phases of the event—before, during, and after—culminating in a final self-assessment to promote continuous improvement.
Regarding the venue, the guide recommends selecting accessible locations close to lodging and dining options to minimize transportation needs. Preference should be given to venues with natural lighting, energy-efficient equipment, digital signage, and recyclable materials. Environmental awareness messages and sustainability-related questions are encouraged in post-event evaluation forms.
In terms of transport, the guide promotes sustainable mobility options such as walking, cycling, and public transportation, with information made available on the conference website. A satisfaction survey includes specific questions about transport and other sustainability measures.
For production, the guide emphasizes the “3 Rs”: reduce, reuse, and recycle. It prioritizes digital formats, recycled paper, and eco-friendly merchandise. Attendees should be allowed to choose which materials they want to keep, and collection points can be provided for returning reusable items. Preference is given to fair trade and socially responsible products.
Finally, in the areas of catering and accommodation, the guide suggests adjusting food services based on confirmed attendance to avoid waste, offering vegetarian and vegan options, and prioritizing local and seasonal products. Recommended accommodations should be located near the venue, hold sustainability and accessibility certifications, and promote the responsible use of resources or participate in social initiatives.
All these practices are assessed through a final survey for attendees, which helps measure the adoption of sustainable actions and guides future event planning.