Innovation Meets Sustainability
The ESO Sustainability Mission
ESO is dedicated to advancing the science of stroke care while also being mindful of its environmental impact. As part of this dual mission, we are committed to making our conferences accessible through green transportation and supporting carbon-offset initiatives like “Trees for All”.
Recognising the irreplaceable value of face-to-face connections, we prioritise in-person events like ESOC 2024, enhanced with curated eSTEP digital content. Dive into ESOC 2024, an experience that not only pushes the boundaries of stroke care but also operates under the principles of sustainability and heartfelt community engagement.
Swisstainable Destination
The city of Basel has made it a priority to increase its energy efficiency and promote the development of renewable energy and environmentally compatible mobility. As a testament to their dedication to sustainability, the city was awarded the European Energy Award Gold for the fifth time in 2022.
In line with this commitment, Basel Tourism has been honored with the Swisstainable Award, solidifying its role as a conscientious destination and a significant contributor to the promotion of sustainable tourism in Switzerland. This recognition highlights their commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Additionally, the Congress Center Basel has also been awarded this prestigious accolade, further emphasizing the city’s dedication to sustainability in the realm of tourism and business events.
Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
At ESOC 2024, our commitment to sustainability is strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have specifically chosen to focus on goals related to:
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Reduce inequality within and among countries.
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Our conference aims to be a melting pot of ideas and actions that directly or indirectly contribute to these global objectives. From prioritising the wellbeing of all participants and fostering an atmosphere of equitable learning to promoting clean energy and responsible consumption at the conference, each decision is made with these goals in mind.
Moreover, our initiatives on gender equality are targeted not just to meet, but to set new benchmarks for inclusivity in scientific conferences.
Our commitment to these SDGs doesn’t end with the conference; we aim to stimulate conversations and actions that have a long-lasting impact, thus contributing to global efforts to achieve these critical goals by 2030.
Core Pillars
Environmental Responsibility
- Sustainable Travel: We encourage participants to choose a sustainable travel option, like ground transportation whenever possible. In Basel we encourage the use of the BaselCard for free public transport within Basel or rent a bike
- Carbon Offset: We continue to partner up with the initiative “Trees for All” and encourage participants to donate to this project. 2023 Donation Certification for Trees for All
- Venue and Catering: We are making sustainable choices and ensure that the Basel Congress Centre is aligned with green standards, including recycling facilities, energy efficiency, and waste management
Social Responsibility
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Ensure a balanced and diverse list of speakers, presenters, and awardees to align with our Gender and Diversity Policy. Read more about our DEI mission
- Quality Education: Provide high-quality, accessible educational materials and experiences for all participants, including content that addresses sustainability in healthcare
- Community Engagement: We encourage you to get in touch and share your ideas with us
Financial Responsibility
- Financial Sustainability: Financial sustainability is not merely an operational goal but a crucial pillar that supports ESO’s mission to reduce the burden of stroke across Europe and beyond. By ensuring financial stability, the ESO can effectively continue its endeavors in harmonizing stroke management, advocating for policy changes, and enhancing stroke care quality.
Our Sustainability Initiatives for ESOC 2024
Sustainable Catering:
- Vegetarian Menu: Offering a fully vegetarian food & beverage selection throughout the conference
- Zero Food Waste: Together with a local food pantry, our caterer has created a suitable concept. The food pantry is active in different locations across Basel and provides food for the needy. This way, unwanted surplus production finds grateful recipients within close proximity.
- Eco-Friendly Dining: ESO encourages the use of reusable or biodegradable service ware for all meals to minimise waste.
- Recycling Centres: Onsite stations for recycling paper, bottles, and other recyclable waste.
- Hydration Stations: Bring your own water bottle and make use of the water refill stations in the conference centre
Sustainability Spotlight:
- Educational Course: Introduction of a special teaching course on Sustainability, scheduled for ESOC 2024.
- ESOC TV: Dedication of an ESOC TV session specifically to sustainability discussions
- Your Voice Matters: Featuring a Sustainability White Board where participants can share ideas, concerns, and feedback for future conferences
Sustainable Energy:
- The whole of Basel is powered with green electricity.
- The Congress Center also uses electricity from renewable energies. Solar cells on the green roof are additional electricity producers.
We invite you to join us in making ESOC 2024 a milestone event for sustainability in the medical conference sphere.
Get Involved
Your support and feedback are invaluable to us. We would love to hear from you
ESOC Sustainability Ambassador Programme
Contacts Dr. Antonio Ciacciarelli and Dr. Jelle Demeestere
