The organisers of COP29, which took place in Azerbaijan, have said that last November’s conference was ‘one of the most sustainable global climate conferences ever organised’, with the publication of a sustainability report.
‘By integrating innovation, inclusivity, and operational excellence, COP29 has delivered sustainable global event management and inspired stronger climate action worldwide,’ the organisers noted.
Renewable energy
According to the report, COP29 was powered entirely by renewable energy, as well as offsetting unavoidable emissions, making it the first climate conference in Azerbaijan to achieve net zero.
In addition, the conference boasted a comprehensive sustainable mobility programme, with 160 electric vehicles serving more than 70,000 delegates, while a zero-waste-to-landfill policy was enforced throughout, with waste segregation, recycling, and composting implemented at scale.
Elsewhere, all strategic vendors were required to hold eco-certifications, with 95% of the food provided at the event sourced locally, reducing transport-related emissions.
Accessibility and inclusivity were also emphasised, with measures such as sign-language services and barrier-free infrastructure, while local capacity building was promoted by training over 3,000 volunteers, staff, and government representatives in sustainability practices.
COP29 earned a ISO 20121:2024 certification for sustainable event management, which proved that ‘even an event of this scale can align fully with international best practices’, the organisers said.
‘From a slogan into action’
“Our vision for COP29 was clear: to turn sustainability from a slogan into action,” commented Narmin Jarchalova, CEO of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company.
“From renewable energy powering every venue to eliminating landfill waste and creating a blueprint for future hosts, we proved that global climate conferences can walk the talk. This legacy belongs not only to Azerbaijan but to the entire international climate community.”
COP30 takes place in Belém, Brazil, this coming November. Read more here.
