Enviromental Policy 2025
Commitment from ESPA
At ESPA, we aim to ensure that our activities, including meetings and educational services, leave the lowest footprint possible in order to contribute to a sustainable society. By integrating environmentally conscious practices into everything we do, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainable development.
- Environmental Commitments
- Environmental Protection
ESPA will actively protect the environment, prevent pollution, and responsibly manage its operations to minimize impact. - Sustainable Planning
Environmental considerations will guide future planning and investment decisions to align with this policy. - Resource Efficiency
ESPA is committed to reducing resource consumption, eliminating waste, and preventing pollution in all its activities. - Low-Carbon Travel
ESPA will prioritize locations for meetings and events that are easily accessible by low-carbon transportation, such as railways, to reduce travel emissions. - Virtual Accessibility
We will expand online educational activities such as webinars.
- Environmental Protection
- Compliance
We pledge to comply with or exceed environmental obligations, including anticipating and adapting to relevant environmental legislation. - Targets
The ESPA Executive Board is tasked with setting clear, measurable targets to drive continuous improvement in environmental sustainability. - Audit
The ESPA Executive Board will audit organizational practices annually to ensure compliance with the policy and identify opportunities for further improvement. The audit should be ready for presentation at the general assembly.
Environmental Audit 2025
Audit of compliance to Environmental policy 2025
ESPA EXBO meetings
In accordance with current policy, 90% of the Executive Board meetings were held through the virtual platform. One live meeting was held in conjunction with the annual congress, minimizing environmental impact since the members are already on site for the congress.
In addition, one live meeting was held in Prague in April (March?) at the Guarant office, so the Guarant support team does not have to travel. In our vision, a two-yearly meeting in-person is justified as it is superior to online meetings in supporting the efficiency and teambuilding of the ExBo team.
Targets have hitherto not been formalized. The latter could be considered for 2025.
ESPA Annual Congress 2025, Berlin
Positive
- Paperless Congress: All event materials, including programs and schedules, were provided digitally.
- Reusable Lanyards: Delegates used lanyards designed for multiple events to reduce waste.
- Public Transportation: All outside-congress activities were coordinated with local public transport systems to minimize emissions.
- Eliminating Plastic: No plastic items were used during the event, from decorations to materials.
- No Disposable Tableware: Durable, reusable tableware was employed for all meals and refreshments.
- Sustainable Catering: Meals featured local, seasonal produce, supporting regional farmers and reducing transportation emissions.
- Zero Catering Waste: Leftover food was minimized by precise planning and distribution, ensuring nothing went to waste.
- Berlin is easily accessible via direct flights and trains from most European countries.
Room for Improvement