Sustainability thrives when everyone is engaged and collaborating.
It’s up to each of us to take action within our own spheres of influence, using our influence — no matter how small — to encourage or demand that those in power take meaningful steps towards it.
Remember to bring your reusable bottles with to #ESCRS2024 and refill them at the dedicated water stations to cut down on single-use plastic!
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean."
Food plays a crucial role in making our Congress more sustainable.
Our commitment to a healthier, climate-friendly approach to catering is rooted in our sustainability strategy. To achieve the goals set for the 2024 Congress, we collaborated closely with the catering company, Gastrofira.
Gastrofira is committed to sustainable practices aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The company focuses on sourcing local food to lessen their carbon footprint and prioritises bulk supplies, recycling, and compostable materials to reduce waste. Additionally, Gastrofira works with organisations to address global malnutrition through public health initiatives and fair food distribution.
The 42nd Congress of the ESCRS will aim to serve food that is:
- more than 50% vegan/vegetarian
- 70% locally-sourced (within less than 160km)
- eliminating red meat from all menus
Got a taste for sustainable food? We encourage you to continue this practice throughout your time in Barcelona and back home. Join us in our “Mission Zero” to reduce our environmental footprint together.
Barcelona primarily sources its water from the Llobregat River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea south of the city. Before reaching residents and tourists, the water undergoes rigorous sanitation and desalination processes to ensure high-quality standards for public consumption throughout the city.
Rainfall in Spain has been decreasing annually by about 3–11 mm per decade since the 1950s. Given Barcelona’s semi-arid climate and geographic constraints, intermittent water scarcity is not surprising. In response to the water crisis exacerbated by climate change, Barcelona has implemented innovative solutions such as reservoirs, aqueducts, and desalination plants to enhance its water supply.
Currently, the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, home to over five million residents, faces water restrictions due to a prolonged drought, marked by nearly three years of below-average rainfall. These restrictions affect urban residents and place a significant strain on Catalonia’s basins, which are vital for ecosystems and agriculture. To address this, crucial actions are needed: sustainable water management, infrastructure investment, and water reuse. By learning from its past, Barcelona continues to secure its water future amid climate uncertainty.
Our partner, Alcon, will install 30 water stations during 2024 ESCRS Congress at the venue Fira Barcelona. Participants are encouraged to bring reusable bottles and refill them at the dedicated water stations to cut single-use plastic, and to lessen environmental impacts due to reduced production. Responsible water use isn’t just about protecting our resources – it’s a commitment to environmental and social sustainability.
Stay hydrated and embrace “Mission Zero” for a water-wise future!
Catch a low-carbon ride to town!
We encourage you to use public transport between El Prat Airport and Fira Barcelona to reduce carbon emission.
One of the easiest and quickest ways is to use the Aerobus (A1 or A2) from the airport directly to Plaça Espanya. From there, it’s a short walk to Fira Barcelona. On your return journey you can either catch the bus from Plaça Espanya or Plaça Catalunya. Tickets can be purchased at the airport, bus, metro or train stations, and online.
While in Barcelona, you can conveniently navigate the city using its extensive metro and bus network. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations or online by downloading the T-mobilitat app.
The TMB (Barcelona Metropolitan Transport) app is also a useful tool for planning routes and purchasing tickets.
Top tip: The best ticket to purchase during your stay is the Hola BCN! Card, which provides you with unlimited travel on public transport for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days and other discounts for sightseeing.
Fancy a cycle? Barcelona is a bike-friendly city and offers 24/7 bike rentals directly from the street. See Donkey Republic for more information. Simply download the app, unlock your bike and explore the city at your own pace.
Arrive in Barcelona by train in comfort with a cleaner conscience!
Did you know it’s incredibly convenient to reach Barcelona by train?
When we say convenient, we mean it’s both comfortable and environmentally friendly. Shared public transit emits significantly less carbon, which helps mitigate climate change, compared to private transportation.
Rail travel to Barcelona is much more sustainable than flying. By opting for a train journey to Barcelona, you also support ESCRS Congress’ goal of having 25% of delegates arrive via climate-friendlier transport!
So, how does it work? There are numerous international and national train services offering routes to Barcelona from other cities.
Here are some common routes:
Within Spain
For all below routes, you can check schedules and book tickets on the Renfe website.
- Madrid to Barcelona:
- AVE High-Speed Train: Enjoy a speedy journey of approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Perfect for those who want to get to the heart of Catalonia in no time.
- Mission Zero tip: Bring a book or simply gaze out the window as the picturesque Spanish countryside whizzes by.
- Zaragoza to Barcelona:
- AVE High-Speed Train: This quick trip takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it an easy and convenient way to get to Barcelona.
- Mission Zero tip: Enjoy some tapas on board or at the station before you depart.
- Valencia to Barcelona:
- Euromed and Talgo Trains: Travel in style for around 3 to 3.5 hours. An excellent option for beach lovers moving from one beautiful coast to another.
- Mission Zero tip: Snack on some local oranges as you travel between these two lively cities.
- Alicante to Barcelona:
- Euromed and Talgo Trains: Sit back and relax for approximately 4.5 to 5 hours on this scenic route along the Mediterranean coast.
- Mission Zero tip: Have your camera ready for some stunning sea views along the way.
From France:
Hop on the high-speed TGV (SNCF) from bustling cities like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille straight to Barcelona! Enjoy comfy seats and picturesque views along the way. Check out SNCF for tickets and schedules.
Mission Zero tip: To plan your journey, visit the railway’s website to check schedules and ticket availability. Booking in advance often ensures the best fares and allows you to plan any connections or transfers smoothly.
Sort your waste correctly to make a big impact!
Effective waste management is a cornerstone of our commitment to sustainability. By carefully separating your waste into the designated bins, you play a crucial role in helping us achieve our collective goal of reducing our environmental impact. We have placed separate bins throughout the venue for different types of waste:
- Plastic Packaging and Cans
- Organic and Compostable materials
- Paper
- General Waste
- Glass
Each bin is essential for ensuring that recyclable and compostable materials are properly processed, minimising the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Your efforts in sorting waste help us create a cleaner future. Join us in making a difference – every small action counts!