Sustainability

Sustainability at the EAN Congress 2027, Gothenburg

As a leading neurology association, we are not only advancing the frontiers of knowledge but also reimagining how we come together to share it—more sustainably and responsibly.
Environmental challenges call for meaningful action. That’s why we are committed to minimizing our ecological impact by rethinking how we use resources. Through conscious efforts to reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle wherever possible, we aim to lead by example and inspire lasting change - within our field and beyond.

With Gothia Towers in Gothenburg, we have a partner who shares our commitment to sustainability. The congress venue actively pursues environmental goals and has been awarded several certifications, including ISO 20121 for sustainable event management.

You can read more about Gothia Towers’ sustainability initiatives here.

       

      Join the cause!

      Help contribute to our sustainability efforts! As organisers committed to sustainability, we invite you to join us in fostering environmentally friendly practices throughout our event.

      1. Embrace Digital Solutions: Access congress materials, including programmes, schedules, and abstracts, through our digital platforms to minimize paper waste and promote a paperless experience.
      2. Bring Your Own Reusables: Bring your reusable water bottle, as Gothenburg has great drinkable tab water, and use your own headphones to re-watch presentations.
      3. Mindful Transportation: If possible, travel to the congress destination by train. While at the event, opt for eco-friendly transport options such as public transportation or walking to the congress venue.
      4. Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Select accommodations that prioritise sustainability practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling programmes, and water-saving measures.
      5. Mindful food consumption: Practice mindful consumption during meals and breaks by taking only what you need to help minimize food waste.
        Why No Meat? By offering only vegan and vegetarian food, we’re reducing our environmental impact. A meal with meat generates 3,5 kg CO2 per participant, while a plant-based option only produces 0,8 kg CO2 per participant. Together, we can lower our carbon footprint. Thank you for understanding!
      6. Educate and Advocate: Share your commitment to sustainability with fellow participants and encourage them to spark conversations. Furthermore, the knowledge you have gained throughout the congress can be shared with other people in your environment.
      7. Provide Feedback: Help us improve our sustainability efforts! Your input is valuable in shaping our environmental initiatives and advancing our sustainability goals.

      Congress Materials

      Below is only a brief overview of the actions EAN takes. If you are interested to know more about the sustainability actions of EAN click here.

      • Care is taken to ensure that the congress items are produced sustainably and that they are made of sustainable materials.
      •  Congress materials such as Giveaways, Congress Bags, Badges, etc. are no longer produced in excess. Instead, participants are asked what they would like to receive in order to help gauge demand.
      • Green print - The print materials of this congress have been printed on paper that is PEFC approved. PEFC is an organisation that certifies paper manufacturers who are in accordance with sustainable forest management criteria.
      • We would like to reuse as many fabrics and carpets as possible while taking into consideration whether storage and logistics (i.e. transports to other countries) are more sustainable than recycling them in other ways.
      • For our booths, we use reusable materials like cardboard. Our partner, Papplab, is local and innovative.
      • We reduce the use of plastic and material in general. We ask participants to consider bringing their own reusables, such as water bottles and headphones, and to use our digital platforms to access programmes, schedules, and abstracts.
      • Reducing print - The printed programme has been replaced with the Pocket Programme available for all onsite congress participants.
      • Congress Bags on demand - To reduce unnecessary waste, EAN asks individual congress participants and Registration Group Leaders if they want to receive congress bag(s). This year's congress bags are produced in Vienna by Wörkerei, reusing textiles from our last congress.