1. Home

Actions to reduce the carbon footprint of the 2024 ISPE Annual Meeting: The global home for the science of real-world evidence at Berlin, Germany

ISPE is committed to support and promote environmental sustainability across all aspects of its operations internationally, nationally, and locally. This year, the recently established ISPE Sustainability Committee initiated its operation focussingfocusing on designing a roadmap to a greener future, including reducing carbonthe carbon footprint of ISPE’s conferencesmeetings and events.

Below, we list some of the actions and recommendations of the ISPE Sustainability Committee to reduce the carbon footprint of ICPE 2024 ISPE Annual Meeting in Berlin 2024.

Meeting registration

Participants have the option to join the conference Annual Meeting virtually, minimising travel carbon footprint while also increasing conference attendance.

Meeting venue

As Europe's largest hotel, congress, and entertainment center, the Estrel Berlin is strongly committed to driving sustainability and building a greener planet. A dedicated sustainability office leads Estrel in pursuing ecological, social, and economic sustainability goals.

Since 2022, Estrel Berlin has advanced its sustainability efforts by running on 100% green electricity with solar panels, enhancing energy efficiency, and upgrading 80% of hotel lighting to LEDs. Water conservation includes water-saving fixtures and a greywater recycling system. Waste management features comprehensive recycling and proper disposal, led by a waste management officer. Additional measures include wildlife protection, sustainable transport incentives, food waste reduction, and switching to multi-use cutlery. The venue also prioritizes regional and certified organic ingredients.

For more information on the Estrel Congress Center’s commitment to sustainability, please visit the links below.

Estrel Commitment to Sustainability: https://www.estrel.com/en/company/corporate-social-responsibility
Estrel Berlin Sustainability Strategy: Estrel Sustainability Strategy

Food and water 

Efforts are being made to increase vegetables, fish and chicken and reduce red meat at the conference catering, aiming for a 60/40 ratio of vegetables to meet-protein.

Water stations for people to refill their bottles will also be provided to reduce single-plastic use.

Travel recommendations 

For trips to Berlin, where feasible, train should be used instead of car, bus or plane. We recommend people to offset the carbon footprint of flights associated with their attendance at the conference.

In Berlin, travel by foot, bicycle or public transportation as much as possible. Where the latter is not available, arrange group pick-up from the hotel.

Accommodation recommendations

Contracted properties (The Estrel Berlin) are located at a walking distance from the conference venue and near public transportation. If staying elsewhere, consider choosing a hotel that is operated in an environmentally responsible manner.

Waste management 

Efforts are being made to reduce use of disposable items and paper consumption. In this context, participants and exhibitors are requested to print and distribute paper documents only if and where necessary and participants are encouraged to print posters on paper.

Badges/name tags will plastic free and recyclable and distributed conference bags will be reusable. We will also provide waste collectors during the conference to recycle items such as bottles, cans and paper.

Electronic dissemination of information

As an alternative to printed materials, we recommend the use of QR codes or similar mobile tags for the electronic dissemination of information to the extent possible.

The programme of the conference is available on the conference website and a limited number of printed copies will be provided.

Energy conservation

We recommend turning off room lights and IT equipment when not in use, enabling energy-saving features and reducing the use of air-conditioning.