Sustainability and inclusion
Our Commitment to a Greener Conference
ECIS 2027 is committed to minimising our environmental impact while delivering an exceptional conference experience. Luxembourg offers a unique setting for sustainable events: it became the first country in the world to make all public transport free, reflecting the nation’s leadership in sustainable mobility and climate action.
We are working toward obtaining the Green Business Events certification, awarded by the Luxembourg Ministry of Economy to events that meet rigorous eco-responsibility and inclusiveness standards. This page outlines our commitments across four key areas.
Venue Sustainability
A sustainability destination
Luxembourg consistently ranks among Europe’s leaders in environmental policy and sustainable development. The country has committed to ambitious climate targets and integrates sustainability across public services, infrastructure, and business practices.
Luxembourg’s environmental credentials include:
- Climate pact participation: Luxembourg municipalities actively participate in the national climate pact, committing to measurable sustainability targets.
- Fairtrade nation: Luxembourg City has held ‘Fairtrade Gemeng’ certification since 2011, renewed annually.
- Pesticide-free public spaces: The City of Luxembourg has eliminated pesticide use in all of municipal areas since 2011.
- FSC-certified forestry: Luxembourg’s forests are managed according to Forest Stewardship Council standards.
- Renewable energy leadership: the country is investing heavily in solar, wind, and sustainable building practices.
Conference Venue Selection
Our venue selection process prioritises facilities that demonstrate environmental responsibility:
- Accessibility for all participants
- Proximity to public transport hubs
- Digital signage to reduce printed materials
Green Business Events Certification
ECIS 2027 is pursuing the Green Business Events logo, Luxembourg’s official certification for eco-responsible business events. This certification, coordinated by Oekozenter Pafendall under the Ministry of Economy, evaluates events across seven themes:
- Sustainability communication practices
- Eco-friendly exhibition stands and furniture
- Promotion of sustainable mobility
- Responsible catering
- Waste reduction and management
- Water and energy efficiency
- Accessibility and inclusivity
By meeting the mandatory criteria and at least 50% of the optional criteria, ECIS 2027 will demonstrate our commitment to hosting a truly sustainable academic conference.
Food Policy
Our approach to sustainable catering
Food choices have significant environmental, health, and social impacts. ECIS 2027 adopts a comprehensive food policy that prioritises sustainability, nutrition, and inclusivity at every catered event.
Environmental Sustainability
Reducing our carbon footprint through food:
- Seasonal and local sourcing: We prioritize ingredients that are in season and sourced from Luxembourg and the Greater Region, reducing transportation emissions.
- Plant-forward menus: Every meal service features prominent vegetarian and vegan options, with reduced emphasis on red meat
- Certified products: We require suppliers to provide organic, fair trade, and certified sustainable products where available
Reducing Waste
Our zero-waste ambitions:
- Careful portion planning: working with caterers to minimise overproduction
- Reusable serviceware: eliminating single-use plastics in favor of reusable or compostable alternatives
- Water stations: providing water dispensers and encouraging reusable bottles instead of packaged drinks
Dietary Inclusivity
Ensuring everyone can participate fully, we recognise that our international community includes participants with diverse dietary needs and cultural practices. All catered events will offer:
- Vegetarian options at every meal
- Vegan options at every meal
Waste reduction initiatives
Our zero-waste vision
ECIS 2027 is committed to minimising waste at every stage of the conference – from planning, through execution and beyond.
Digital-first communication
We’re reducing paper before the conference begins through:
- Online registration and submission
- Electronic proceedings
- Digital programme
- Social media and email
At the conference
- No printed programmes: conference app provides all scheduling information.
- Digital signage: screens replace printed posters for wayfinding and announcements.
- Reusable name badges: badges designed for return and re-use at future events.
- No single-use plastics: water stations replace bottled water; reusable cups at coffee breaks.
How you can help
Every participant can contribute to making ECIS 2027 a sustainable event:
- Take the train to Luxembourg: significantly reduces travel emissions.
- Use free public transport: zero-cost, zero-emissions.
- Bring a reusable water bottle: eliminates single-use plastic.
- Choose eco-certified hotels: supports sustainable tourism.
Questions?
If you have any questions about our sustainability initiatives or suggestions for improvement, please contact the ECIS 2027 ESG Committee at: ecis2027.chairs.esg(at)uni.lu
Learn more
- Green Business Events Luxembourg: greenbusinessevents.lu
- Luxembourg Public Transport: mobiliteit.lu
- EcoLabel Luxembourg Hotels: ecolabel.lu
- Luxembourg Sustainability Initiatives: luxembourg.public.lu/sustainability
