Sustainability measures for the 2026 IOER Conference
Sustainable event management is close to our hearts. That is why we have compiled a wide range of possible measures and assess which ones are relevant to each event. In doing so, we draw on public guidelines (e.g. by the ‘Blue Angel’, the Federal Ministry for the Environment and the German Environment Agency), scientific papers, and many of our own ideas. We aim to make a significant contribution to a sustainable scientific culture.
Attractive events are essential for a well-connected scientific landscape and successful collaboration. Our goal is therefore to focus on high impact whilst acting as sustainably as possible for the environment and people. When planning events, we are often dependent on external factors such as external requirements, stakeholders or availability. This means that whilst we can influence some of these aspects, we cannot always guarantee them.
Where we have direct influence, we can define reliable standards, the IOER core criteria:
IOER core criteria for sustainable events = aspects which we can always guarantee because we have direct control over them.
Realised aspects which go beyond the core criteria.
Aspects that could not be realised at this event.
Our Sustainability Criteria for Events
Mobility
Information on eco-friendly travel
Tracking of travel emissions
Bicycle parking spaces
Accessibility by public transport
Incentive for train travel through DB Event Ticket
Location
Wheelchair accessible
Renewable energy
“Green” certified
Gender-neutral toilets
Nursing room / place of retreat
Childcare available
Procurement
Minimal printing (recycled paper)
No tablecloths
Sustainable roll-ups, etc.
Environmental & social criteria for products and services
Green hotel recommendations for participants
Waste
Collection and reuse of lanyards
Reuse of signage (generic design)
No floral decorations
Seperate collection and disposal of waste generated at the venue
Communication
Gender-neutral language
Various public holidays considered when setting the date
All documents & websites fulfil accessibility requirements
Query of special needs during registration
Conference travel grant
Programme
Opportunities for formal and informal exchanges
Career development, training for early-career researchers
Diversity of speakers (primarily gender)
Opportunities for digital networking
Pre-event gathering
Catering
Strictly vegetarian food
Strictly reusable crockery and cutlery
Cancellation policy
No (small) packaging
Allergy information
Option to take home leftovers
Awareness
Highlighting implemented measures before and during the event
Analysis of travel emissions
Sharing best practices for sustainable event management
Contact our sustainability coordinator
E-mail: nachhaltigkeitsmanagement@ioer.de