Following the success and ISO 20121 sustainability certification that was achieved by the 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress, France and IUCN have set high standards in terms of sustainability and are dedicated to leading by example. They decided to engage once again in the ISO 20121 certification of the Congress to secure the implementation of a sustainable management system to design, plan and produce the event.
A Congress Sustainability Policy has been defined with all the parties involved and identifies 4 Strategic Goals and 21 objectives:
- Environmental Goal => Minimize the carbon footprint of the event
- Economic & Social Goal => Maximize the engagement and benefits for the local territories
- Legacy Goal => Reinforce and value local sustainable practices
- Inclusion Goal => Host all audiences, in total security and with respect to each one
The Sustainable Action Plan integrates 115 initiatives, which will be implemented by the organisation, the local territories, and the main suppliers and partners. Among the main initiatives:
- Eco-design of all spaces and rooms, maximising rental and reemployment of materials
- 100% electricity of the Congress will be covered by renewable energy produced locally
- All carbon emissions of the Congress, including transportation of all participants will be offset in several projects throughout the world (view more details on the My Green Congress page)
- Use of common transportation is facilitated leveraging Marseille’s large transport network and negotiated offers for the different types of participants
- Restaurants have been selected to respect a strict sustainable food charter with 100% seasonal products, 70% bio and/or local products and at least 1 vegetarian option. They are audited and accompanied by the Ecotable label.
- Waste-sorting including organic waste & 100% compostable tableware, interactive cigarette butt collector
- Minimisation of paper use and zero-plastic bottles
- Water fountains and reusable cups & bottles
Please view the Sustainability Guide for Participants.
For more information check out the My Green Congress page and view the Congress Sustainability Policy
