Congress of the European Society of
Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
ESCMID acknowledges the significant environmental impact that events such as ESCMID Global have on the planet, including strain on resources and energy, as well as the production of waste. To address this, the ESCMID Green Team was established in 2023 to enhance the sustainability practices of the congress and explore new global initiatives that reinforce ESCMID’s mission.
Established in 2023 the ESCMID Green Team is a dedicated commission for promoting sustainability and eco-consciousness within ESCMID and the fields of clinical microbiology and infectious diseases. The team drives sustainability through collaboration, education, advocacy and awareness, resource sharing and reducing the environmental impact of ESCMID activities. You can find more details in the dedicated SOP.
To finalise the composition of the ESCMID Green Team, a call will be opened soon looking for passionate members to join this important initiative and create new activities and projects together. More information about the application process will come and the Green Team will be present at ESCMID Global.
To ensure that ESCMID is aligned with scientifically accepted global sustainability goals, the Society sought independent guidance. As a result, based on the values of ESCMID and in line with its activities, ESCMID’s sustainability priorities align with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals.
ESCMID Global has partnered with WaterAid, an international non-profit organisation committed to working towards a world where everyone has access to clean water, toilets, and hygiene facilities.
Each year, WaterAid reaches millions of people living in the world’s poorest communities, providing them with clean water, toilets, and hygiene education. WaterAid collaborates with local partners to implement sustainable and long-term solutions and work locally, nationally and internationally to influence change on a large scale and empower communities to call on decision-makers to prioritise investments in clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. Operating in 22 countries, WaterAid has made significant strides since its inception in 1981, enabling over 28.5 million people to gain access to clean water and 29 million to toilets through its impactful work.
The ESCMID Green Team and Executive Committee understand that full sustainability for ESCMID Global is idealistic but are dedicated to implementing sustainable approaches and creating a more environmentally friendly event. Your participation is key to this effort, and here you can see how ESCMID is taking action and how you can help.
ESCMID is planning measures that aim to reduce the carbon footprint generated by running an event at the magnitude of ESCMID Global and promoting environmental responsibility. Online access, transportation support, sustainable venue, construction and catering while encouraging practical solutions are all major priorities for ESCMID to tackle to bring the congress towards a more environmentally friendly position
Offer live streaming option
All sessions scheduled in Halls 1 - 16 are broadcast in real-time via live streaming. This allows remote participants to engage directly with speakers and moderators while also giving all attendees the option to reduce travel-related emissions.
Provide and encourage public transport use
To reduce CO2 emissions related to transportation, ESCMID promotes eco-friendly travel by offering public transportation tickets for all full registrations valid from 12 to 15 April 2025 in Vienna.
Selection of sustainable venues
ESCMID Global will take place in the Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, a sustainable certified venue since 2024 holding the eco-label “Environmental label for Conference & Event Locations” (UZ200). The Austrian Ecolabel for “tourism, gastronomy and cultural businesses” recognises companies for their commitment to environmentally friendly management and social responsibility. Notably, the venue operates entirely on 100% green/eco energy. Learn more here.
Use sustainable construction material
A-Booth in charge of building stands and temporary constructions is active in applying sustainable practices in its business. Find out more information reading their sustainability report here. Additionally, over the years, ESCMID reuses material from previous congresses as much as possible and chooses to use reusable shell scheme system for temporary structures.
Offer eco-friendly catering
Gerstner, the official catering partner, is committed to sustainability through energy and water conservation, CO2 reduction, and eco-friendly purchasing. The company minimises food waste, separates waste, and uses regional, seasonal, and FAIRTRADE products. With the Austrian Eco-Label and regular audits, Gerstner continuously improves its environmental impact. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available.
Inform and raise awareness
ESCMID aims to raise awareness and foster discussion on the health impacts of climate change, particularly its link to ID and CM. To support this, ESCMID conducted a survey in 2024, kept integrating climate-related sessions into the programme, and newly introduced a dedicated guidance to encourage participant involvement.
As an ESCMID Global participant, you have the opportunity to actively contribute to the sustainability of the event. For that, ESCMID has created this simple guide to find out how to participate in our efforts by using your free public transport ticket, bringing your own water bottle, recycling your waste responsibly and attending climate change sessions to learn more and engage in meaningful discussions.
Become a member of the ESCMID Green Team
By joining the ESCMID Green Team, you can play a key role in promoting sustainability at the event and help implement global eco-friendly initiatives. It’s a great opportunity to be part of a collective effort that makes a positive difference for the planet and global health.
Use your free public transport ticket in Vienna
Reduce your CO2 emission while being in Vienna by using the free public transport ticket offered with each full registration valid from 12-15 April 2025. The ticket will be directly printed on your badge.
Bring your water bottle
Free fresh water will be available at water stations throughout the venue, and Vienna’s tap water is also safe to drink. To reduce plastic waste, no disposable cups will be provided, so bring your reusable bottle to refill. Sponsored durable water bottles can be collected upon request.
Help us sort and recycle waste
To minimise the total unrecycled waste generated by the consequent amount of ESCMID Global participants, recycling bins will be situated at strategic locations in the venue. Considering the different cultural backgrounds of the participants, information on the correct way of sorting and recycling in Vienna will be displayed on the bins as shown in the image.
Join sessions related to climate change
Attending sessions on climate change is a great opportunity to get informed about one of the world’s most urgent issues. It is also a chance to start important discussions and explore how everyone can contribute to a more sustainable future.
Session title: How to understand infectious disease risks in changing climates and create discussion
Session Type: Meet-the-expert
Date/time/room: 11 April 2025, 11:00-12:00 CEST, Hall 9
Session title: Climate impact and one health approaches against infectious diseases
Session type: 1-hour oral session
Date/time/room: 12 April 2025, 11:00-12:00 CEST, Hall 15
Session title: Climate Change: changing risks and adaptation strategies for a world on the move
Session type: 2-hour symposium
Date/time/room: 14 April 2025, 08:30-10:30 CEST, Hall 15
The ESCMID Green Team wants to hear from you and is glad to receive your ideas on how to improve.