{"id":1246,"date":"2026-02-19T10:51:39","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T09:51:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/windeurope.org\/annual2026\/?page_id=1246"},"modified":"2026-04-07T18:01:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:01:28","slug":"sustainability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/windeurope.org\/annual2026\/information\/sustainability\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainability"},"content":{"rendered":"
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WindEurope Sustainable Events Commitment<\/h1>\r\n

At WindEurope, sustainability is not only what we promote, it is how we organise our events. As the voice of the European wind energy sector, we want every event we organise to reflect the clean energy transition we support. Our ambition is for WindEurope events to create a meaningful positive impact and become a reference for responsible and sustainable event management.\r\n We integrate sustainability into every stage of our events, in line with ISO 20121 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our aim is to reduce environmental impact, create positive experiences for people, and operate in a transparent and responsible way.\r\n <\/p>\r\n

Environmental responsibility:<\/b>We aim to minimise the environmental impact of our events by making informed and responsible choices throughout their planning cycle and delivery. <\/p>\r\n

Inclusive and respectful events:<\/b>We make our events accessible, encourage diverse participation and apply clear codes of conduct so everyone feels welcome and safe.<\/p>\r\n

Responsible operations:<\/b>We organise viable events that support the wind energy community and our wider mission, while upholding strong ethical and governance standards. Our events are created by the industry, for the industry, fostering collaboration and long-term value for all stakeholders.<\/p>\r\n

Read our Events Sustainability Policy<\/a>     Read our Events Code of Conduct<\/a><\/p>\r\n

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Travel<\/h2>\r\n

Did you know\u2026<\/b> Global transportation is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Taxis running on gasoline or diesel are major CO2 emitters \u2013 giving off about 250g per km! Public transport is more energy efficient, emitting just 100g for each passenger over the same distance.<\/p>\r\n

What are we doing about it?<\/b> WindEurope is committed to reducing the event\u2019s environmental footprint by encouraging low\u2011carbon travel choices for all delegates. Want to see the difference your travel choices make? Use our online carbon\u2011footprint calculator to compare your transport options and measure your positive impact!<\/p>\r\n

How can you help?<\/b> Take public transport whenever you can to reduce your carbon emissions and support sustainable travel options!<\/p>\r\n

Carbon\u2011footprint calculator<\/a><\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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Food<\/h2>\r\n

Did you know\u2026<\/b> The food industry has a major environmental footprint \u2013 responsible for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions<\/b>. Meat production is the big culprit here. It takes up large tracts of land \u2013 around 77% of all global agricultural areas. And it consumes lots of water too \u2013 around 15,000 liters for every kg of beef.<\/p>\r\n

What are we doing about it?<\/b> Our lunches this year are 70% vegetarian and plant-based menu\u2013 which cuts down significantly on the carbon footprint linked with meat and dairy produce. Our menu combines organic, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients as much as possible.<\/p>\r\n

How can you help?<\/b> Try out some of the sustainable dishes available at the Lunch Area! Mindful food choices are a great way to make a difference to the world around us!<\/p>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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Food waste<\/h2>\r\n

Did you know\u2026<\/b> Every year up to 1\/3 of food produced around the world ends up in refuse.This isn\u2019t just a waste of everything that goes into making food \u2013 water, energy, and labour. It also leads to more greenhouse gas emissions. As food waste decomposes in landfills, it gives off methane, one of the major drivers of global climate change.<\/p>\r\n

What are we doing about it?<\/b> We\u2019ve taken steps to minimise food waste, making careful use of food quantities onsite.Any leftover food is reused to ensure nothing goes to waste. Surplus food will be donated to olVIDAdos<\/b>, an NGO that distributes food to the most disadvantaged families.<\/p>\r\n

How can you help?<\/b>Make sure to only take what you know you will eat \u2013 and help us cut down on food waste! Every little effort helps!<\/p>\r\n Catering at the event<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n

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Waste and plastic pollution<\/h2>\r\n

Did you know\u2026<\/b> Our modern society produces 2bn metric tonnes of waste a year. And most of this waste ends up in landfills or dumped directly into the natural environment. Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.<\/p>\r\n

For plastic, it\u2019s even more alarming. Only 9% of the 9bn tonnes of plastic produced every year is recycled. The rest gathers in landfills, oceans, and other ecosystems, where it can take thousands of years to degrade. At this rate, by 2050, there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish \u2013 when measured by cumulative weight.<\/p>\r\n

What are we doing about it?<\/b>\r\n