That’s why we are committed to reducing our footprint and encouraging all participants to join us in making the ECNP Congress 2026 in Munich as sustainable as possible.
Our commitment
ECNP supports the European Commission’s Fit for 55 initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region by 55% by 2030. We are actively implementing measures to lower our carbon footprint and move toward carbon neutrality—both as an organisation and within the Congress itself.
Sustainable travel
To and from Munich
- We strongly encourage faculty and participants to travel by train whenever possible—one of the most sustainable modes of transport.
- If train travel isn’t feasible, we recommend booking direct flights to help reduce overall emissions.
Getting around Munich
- Munich’s public transportation system is efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly.
- Cycling is a popular and sustainable way to get around Munich. While Messe München does not offer bike rental services and availability around the venue cannot be guaranteed, bike rentals are available throughout the city via public bike‑sharing systems and private providers.
Conscious catering
Water
- We encourage participants to bring reusable water bottles.
- Water refill stations will be available throughout the venue. Tap water in Munich is of excellent quality and safe to drink.
Vegetarian meals
- All catering at the congress will be 100% vegetarian, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Meals will be served using sustainable tableware, including only recyclable or compostable materials.
Food waste
- Due to strict German food‑donation regulations, unused food cannot be donated externally, but all safe leftovers are shared with onsite staff.
- Any remaining food waste is collected separately and repurposed as animal feed, preventing disposal and supporting circular use.
Eco-friendly venue practices
Printed materials and give aways
We continue to reduce printed materials. All Congress information will be available via the ECNP Congress app.
Carpeting
Carpeting will be kept to a minimum, and when used, it consists of 100% recyclable materials produced with latex‑free needle felt technology. This innovative method significantly reduces energy use and minimises water consumption.
Signage
- Additional printed signage will only be used if digital signage and existing venue signage are insufficient.
- ECNP has invested in reusable self-standing signage, with frames designed for repeated use and fabrics that can be reused or recycled.
Furniture
- The ECNP Plaza makes use of the resource-efficient wood system, with its components sourced directly from the Munich trade fair site, ensuring short transportation paths.
- The rented Bloxibit construction for this year's Hubs is crafted from eco-friendly, recyclable material.
- Furniture is fully rented locally to reduce transport emissions.
- The fabric from last year's congress signage has been repurposed into beanbags, now placed as comfortable seating in Munich.
Choosing a responsible venue
ECNP carefully selects congress venues that align with our sustainability goals. The ICM – International Congress Center Messe München, our host for ECNP 2026, is recognised for its commitment to sustainable event management. As part of Messe München’s sustainability strategy, the venue promotes resource-efficient operations, renewable energy use, responsible waste management, and environmentally conscious logistics—supporting Munich’s broader climate and sustainability ambitions.
Working with industry partners
We ask our industry partners to adopt sustainable production practices that minimise waste and reduce the use of materials, energy, and personnel.
Together, we can make a meaningful difference
Thank you for helping us create a more sustainable ECNP Congress.