Sustainability conferences in Austria and Switzerland in 2026

Austrian World Summit

Here’s SustainabilityOnline’s guide to the top sustainability conferences and events taking place in Austria and Switzerland over the coming year. This guide will be updated as and when new events are announced – check back regularly for updates. Other events taking place around Europe can be found here.

Sustainability conferences in Austria

Event: Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Congress 2026 (DECARBON 2026)
Date(s): 9-10 February 2026
Location: Vösendorf
Website: https://sh.bgs.group/3o7

The Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Congress is a networking and knowledge-sharing event for the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry, focusing on decarbonisation strategies such as low-carbon hydrogen, sustainable fuels, energy efficiency, CCUS, and digital tools. The event will bring together industry experts, companies, and service providers to share case studies, technologies, and approaches for achieving net-zero goals.

Event: World Sustainable Energy Days 2026 (WSED 2026)
Date(s): 24–27 February 2026
Location: Wels
Website: https://www.wsed.at/

WSED 2026 is an annual conference focused on energy transition, climate neutrality, and sustainable energy solutions. The event will include multiple conferences covering energy efficiency, industrial energy transition, and smart e-mobility, along with a sustainable energy trade show. It will bring together policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals to share knowledge, present policies and innovations, and discuss strategies for achieving climate-neutral energy systems.

Event: 9th Sustainable Investor Summit (SIS 9) – DACH 2026
Date(s): 18–19 March (Vienna), 22 April (Zurich), 12–13 May (Frankfurt) 2026
Location: Vienna / Zurich / Frankfurt
Website: https://ic-icf.com/sis9_home/

The 9th Sustainable Investor Summit (SIS 9) is a leading conference series on sustainable, responsible, and impact investing across the DACH region. Taking place across three events, in Vienna, Zurich and Frankfurt, it will gather institutional investors, asset managers, corporations, policymakers, academics, and NGOs to exchange insights, discuss strategies for sustainable finance, and foster collaboration.

Event: RENEXPO 2026
Date(s): 19–20 March 2026
Location: Salzburg
Website: https://www.renexpo.at/en/

RENEXPO 2026 will focus on the energy of the future, focusing on renewable energy systems, hydropower, energy storage, and innovative sustainable technologies. The event will bring together experts from business, politics, construction, and engineering to exchange knowledge, discuss innovations and regulatory frameworks, and promote collaboration for Austria’s energy transition.

Event: International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF) 2026
Date(s): 9-10 April 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://iiasa.ac.at/events/apr-2026/international-vienna-energy-and-climate-forum-ivecf-2026

The International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum (IVECF) 2026 is a high-level international forum focused on sustainable energy, climate security, and green industrialisation. Co-organised by United Nations Industrial Development Organization, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, and Austrian government partners, the event will convene global leaders from government, academia, industry, and civil society under the theme “Powering Prosperity, Security and Stability”. The programme will examine topics including just energy transition, climate action, industrial decarbonisation, sustainable infrastructure, policy implementation, and green economic development through high-level sessions, side events, and collaborative discussions.

Event: 4th International Sustainable Energy Conference (ISEC 2026)
Date(s): 14–16 April 2026
Location: Graz
Website: https://isec-conference.at/frontend/index.php

ISEC 2026 will focus on renewable heating and cooling within integrated urban and industrial energy systems. The conference will welcome researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss energy sovereignty, the transition to circular economies, fossil fuel phase-out, sector coupling, energy storage, and smart electrification. Organised in collaboration with UNIDO and the IEA, it will emphasise sustainable energy solutions and resource efficiency, including applications for developing and emerging economies.

Event: BIOEM – BIO.ENERGY.FAIR 2026
Date(s): 4-7 June 2026
Location: Großschönau
Website: https://www.bioem.at/

BIOEM – BIO.ENERGY.FAIR 2026 is an annual sustainability and renewable energy fair focused on sustainable living, regional energy security, and low-carbon technologies. Held in Großschönau, Austria, the event will showcase solutions across energy generation and storage, construction and renovation, wellness, electromobility, home security, and sustainable lifestyles. Alongside exhibitor showcases, the fair will feature expert talks, family activities, interactive exhibitions, and networking opportunities for both professional and public audiences.

Event: Austrian World Summit
Date(s): 16 June 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://www.schwarzeneggerclimateinitiative.com/

The Austrian World Summit (pictured), organised by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, is an annual event focused on climate action and sustainability solutions. The 2026 edition marks the 10th anniversary and will take place at the Hofburg Palace. The summit will bring together climate leaders, policymakers, and organisations to share best practices, showcase projects, and foster collaborations to address the global climate crisis.

Event: EurOMA 2026
Date(s): 27 June – 2 July 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://www.euroma2026.org/

EurOMA 2026 is the annual conference of the European Operations Management Association, focusing on research and innovation in operations management. This year’s event will address themes such as circular operations, digital transformation, human-technology interaction, resilient supply chains, and operations management in emerging economies and crisis contexts.

Event: CONVERGE 2026
Date(s): 14-16 July 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://greenblueevents.org/event/converge-vienna-2026/

CONVERGE 2026 is a global sustainable packaging event organised by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and GreenBlue, bringing together policymakers, brands, recyclers, packaging experts, and sustainability leaders to explore scalable circular economy solutions. Hosted at the Vienna International Center, the event will examine topics including packaging regulation, EPR, flexible packaging recovery, AI-enabled sustainability solutions, food waste, informal recovery systems, and sustainable material innovation, alongside technical tours, case studies, and international networking opportunities.

Event: Recycling and Waste Management Conference Austria 2026
Date(s): 23-24 July 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://recycling-conference.com/

The Recycling and Waste Management Conference Austria 2026 (ICRWM-2026) is an international hybrid conference focused on recycling technologies, circular economy strategies, and sustainable waste management solutions. Hosted in Vienna, the event will bring together researchers, engineers, policymakers, academics, and industry professionals to explore topics including waste-to-energy systems, bioenergy conversion, advanced material recovery, AI and IoT-enabled recycling technologies, e-waste management, environmental policy, and sustainable urban systems. The conference will feature keynote presentations, technical sessions, workshops, abstract presentations, and networking opportunities aimed at advancing global sustainability and climate goals.

Event: Advanced Energy Materials 2026
Date(s): 23-25 July 2026
Location: Vienna / Virtual
Website: https://energymaterials.mindauthors.com/

Advanced Energy Materials 2026 is an international conference focused on materials science, energy technologies, environmental sustainability, and advanced engineering solutions. Taking place in Vienna with an additional virtual participation option, the event will bring together researchers, academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and technology developers to discuss innovations in clean energy materials, hydrogen technologies, nanomaterials, graphene, solar and wind energy, smart grids, thermal management, fuel cells, and AI applications in energy systems. The programme will include keynote presentations, technical sessions, poster presentations, networking opportunities, and interdisciplinary research discussions.

Event: Fecc Congress 2026
Date(s): 14-16 September 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://www.fecc-congress.com/

The Fecc Congress is an event for professionals across the chemical value chain, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders. The congress will feature panels, expert presentations, and in-depth discussions on environmental ambitions, competitiveness, geopolitical impacts, green chemistry, and the future of Europe’s chemical industry.

Event: ÖGNI Symposium 2026
Date(s): 22 October 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://www.ogni.at/aktivitaeten/symposium

The ÖGNI Symposium 2026 is a sustainability-focused event for the construction and real estate sector, organised by the Austrian Sustainable Building Council. Held at Vienna’s Ronacher Theater, the symposium will bring together decision-makers, sustainability experts, and industry leaders from across the DACH region to explore practical solutions for sustainable transformation in the built environment. Key themes include transparent digitalisation and data flows, AI and robotics in society, and lifelong learning for industry transformation, alongside keynote presentations, working group outcomes, start-up showcases, and networking opportunities.

Event: WeFair Linz 2026
Date(s): 6-8 November 2026
Location: Linz
Website: https://wefair.at/

WeFair Linz 2026 is Austria’s largest sustainability fair, focused on promoting fair, ecological, and sustainable products and lifestyles across fashion, food, mobility, technology, home living, and consumer goods. Organised by the non-profit WeFair – Association for the Promotion of a Fair and Ecological Lifestyle and supported by Climate Alliance and GLOBAL 2000, the event will bring together exhibitors, innovators, NGOs, and consumers to showcase sustainable alternatives, ethical brands, and environmentally responsible solutions for everyday life.

Event: 3rd Sustainable Tourism in Austria Summit (STiAS 2026)
Date(s): 10–11 November 2026
Location: Linz
Website: https://stias.austria.info/en/

The Sustainable Tourism in Austria Summit (STiAS) is a networking and knowledge-sharing platform focused on sustainable tourism development, best practices, and industry collaboration. Organised by Austria Tourism in cooperation with Austria’s Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy and Tourism and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, the summit will bring together tourism professionals, policymakers, and sustainability experts to explore innovative approaches to sustainable tourism. Held at Tabakfabrik Linz, the event will feature international perspectives, case studies, and practical discussions aimed at supporting long-term sustainable transformation within the tourism sector.

Event: Enlit Europe (Enlit 2026)
Date(s): 10–12 November 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://www.enlit-europe.com/

Enlit Europe 2026 is a major international energy transition event bringing together utilities, grid operators, technology providers, policymakers, investors, and energy innovators to examine the future of Europe’s decarbonised and digitalised energy system. Hosted in Vienna, the event will cover topics including renewable energy, hydrogen, smart grids, decentralised energy systems, energy storage, eMobility, grid management, cybersecurity, digitalisation, and energy policy. Combining an exhibition, summit, networking events, and project showcases, Enlit Europe aims to support collaboration and innovation across the full energy value chain.

Event: Going Green – CARE INNOVATION 2026
Date(s): 1-3 December 2026
Location: Vienna
Website: https://www.careinnovation.eu/

Going Green – CARE INNOVATION 2026 is an international symposium and environmental exhibition focused on circular economy strategies, sustainable innovation, and the environmental challenges facing the electronics and technology sectors. Held in Vienna, the event will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and sustainability experts to discuss the role of circular economy approaches in strengthening resilience and supporting Europe’s Clean Industrial Deal ambitions. The conference programme will feature research presentations, technical discussions, networking opportunities, exhibitions, and collaborative sessions exploring sustainability, resource efficiency, environmental policy, and responsible industrial transformation.

Event: Austrian Sustainability Summit 2027
Date(s): 18-19 March 2027
Location: Vienna
Website: https://www.businesscircle.at/events/austrian-sustainability-summit

The Austrian Sustainability Summit 2027 is a business-focused ESG and sustainability conference bringing together corporate leaders, policymakers, academics, investors, and sustainability professionals to examine the future of sustainable transformation across industry and society. Held in Vienna, the summit will address topics including decarbonisation, renewable energy management, circular economy business models, ESG governance, CSRD and CSDDD compliance, sustainable finance, supply chain responsibility, and organisational transformation. Featuring dedicated conference streams, expert speakers, case studies, and interactive discussions, the event aims to provide strategic and practical insights for organisations navigating regulatory, operational, and climate-related challenges.

Sustainability conferences in Switzerland

Event: Sustainability Days 2026
Date(s): 2026 (exact dates TBD)
Location: Zurich
Website: https://www.sustainability-days.ch/en

Sustainability Days is Switzerland’s platform for sustainability, combining a congress, exhibition, and networking opportunities. The event will gather decision-makers, pioneers, and experts from business, academia, and the public sector to share knowledge, promote practical solutions, and advance interdisciplinary collaboration toward a sustainable future.

Event: Youth Future Summit 2026
Date(s): 5-8 February 2026
Location: Geneva
Website: https://thecips.org/yfs2026/

The Youth Future Summit is an international youth leadership and policy event organised by the Center for International Policy and Sustainability, bringing together emerging leaders and changemakers from around the world for dialogue, institutional visits, and leadership development activities. Held in Geneva, the summit will examine themes including artificial intelligence governance, global diplomacy, sustainability, youth empowerment, volunteerism, and international cooperation.

Event: Sustainable Investor Summit D-A-CH 2026
Date(s): 22 April 2026
Location: Zurich
Website: https://ic-icf.com/sis9_home/9th-sustainable-investor-summit-switzerland/

The Sustainable Investor Summit D-A-CH is a sustainable finance and impact investing conference focused on ESG integration, climate finance, infrastructure investment, and responsible capital allocation across the German-speaking region. Held in Zurich, this year’s event will convene institutional investors, asset managers, regulators, sustainability experts, and financial industry leaders to discuss sustainable investment strategies, transition finance, regulatory developments, clean energy investment, and climate-related risk management.

Event: Sustainable Buildings and Construction Summit 2026
Date(s): 20–22 April 2026
Location: Lausanne
Website: https://sustainable-construction.org/

The Sustainable Buildings and Construction Summit 2026, held at the SwissTech Convention Center, will bring together academia, government, and industry to discuss resilient and sustainable built environments. The summit will feature presentations, discussions, and showcases of implementation projects, with a focus on promoting sustainable construction practices, including initiatives from the Global South.

Event: Climate Week Zurich 2026
Date(s): 4–9 May 2026
Location: Zurich
Website: https://climateweekzurich.org/

Climate Week Zurich is a multi-stakeholder platform for climate action, connecting business, policymakers, and society to promote sustainability and innovation. The event will feature over 150 curated activities, aiming to accelerate climate adaptation, resilience, risk mitigation, and the integration of economic and environmental goals at local and global levels.

Event: Sustainability Science Conference 2026
Date(s): 2-5 June 2026
Location: Lausanne
Website: https://pathways.futureearth.org/sustainability-science-conference/

The Sustainability Science Conference 2026 is an interdisciplinary event exploring the role of technology in shaping a just, habitable, and sustainable future. Hosted at the University of Lausanne and co-organised by the Future Earth Pathways Initiative and academic partners, the conference will examine how technological systems influence sustainability, equity, and planetary boundaries across sectors including energy, food, infrastructure, AI, mobility, and urban development.

Event: Towards a Just and Habitable World: Exploring the Role of Technology
Date(s): 2-5 June 2026
Location: Lausanne
Website: https://pathways.futureearth.org/sustainability-science-conference/

This interdisciplinary conference at the University of Lausanne will examine the role of technology in shaping sustainable futures amid global crises, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and social inequality. Bringing together researchers from natural and social sciences, engineering, and humanities, the event will explore how technological systems – past, present, and future – can both support and undermine planetary and human well-being.

Event: ICT4S 2026 – International Conference on ICT for Sustainability
Date(s): 8-12 June 2026
Location: Bern
Website: https://conf.researchr.org/home/ict4s-2026

ICT4S 2026 is an international conference focused on the role of information and communication technologies in advancing environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Hosted at the Bern University of Applied Sciences, the event will bring together researchers, policymakers, industry representatives, and civil society organisations to explore sustainable digital transformation, responsible technology design, and interdisciplinary approaches to sustainability challenges.

Event: AI for Good Global Summit 2026
Date(s): 7-10 July 2026
Location: Geneva
Website: https://aiforgood.itu.int/summit26/

The AI for Good Global Summit is a United Nations-led platform focused on harnessing artificial intelligence to address global challenges and support sustainable development. Organised by the International Telecommunication Union in partnership with more than 50 UN agencies and the Government of Switzerland, this year’s summit will convene policymakers, technology leaders, researchers, innovators, and civil society organisations to explore AI applications across areas including health, climate, agriculture, mobility, education, robotics, standards, and digital governance.

Event: Environmental Justice Conference 2026 – Hope in Action
Date(s): 19-23 August 2026
Location: Zurich
Website: https://www.lassalle-institut.org/en/environmental-justice.html

The Environmental Justice Conference is a biennial international transdisciplinary conference focused on integral ecology, sustainability, and environmental justice. Organised by the Lassalle-Institut, the event will bring together academics, practitioners, faith communities, and environmental justice advocates to explore collaborative approaches to social-ecological transformation, under the theme ‘Hope in Action’.

Event: 17th International Sustainability Transitions Conference (IST 2026)
Date(s): 31 August – 2 September 2026
Location: Zurich
Website: https://www.transitionsnetwork.org/ist-2026/

The International Sustainability Transitions Conference (IST) 2026 is the flagship annual event of the Sustainability Transitions Research Network, bringing together transition scholars and researchers from around the world to examine socio-technical transformations and sustainability transitions. Hosted at ETH Zurich under the theme ‘Hope – In challenging times’, this year’s conference will explore how environmental sustainability and social justice can be advanced amid geopolitical instability, climate crises, and societal polarisation.

Event: Swiss Green Economy Symposium (SGES#14)
Date(s): 1-4 September 2026
Location: Winterthur
Website: https://sges.ch/

The Swiss Green Economy Symposium (SGES#14) is one of Switzerland’s largest conferences focused on business sustainability, circular economy innovation, and green transformation. The 2026 edition will incorporate the first Biodiversity Congress, expanding discussions around biodiversity protection, climate action, and sustainable economic development. Elsewhere, discussion will focus on resilient and sustainable economic models through keynote sessions, innovation forums, networking activities, and guided field visits.

Event: Sustainable Switzerland Forum 2026
Date(s): 21 October 2026
Location: Dübendorf
Website: https://sustainableswitzerland.ch/en/forum

The Sustainable Switzerland Forum is a Swiss sustainability conference bringing together leaders from business, politics, science, and technology to explore pathways toward a resilient and future-ready economy. Held under the theme ‘Thinking Ahead’, this year’s event will examine topics including sustainable construction, AI-enabled sustainability solutions, resilient value chains, competitiveness, and climate transformation.

If there are any other events you think should be on our list, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here.

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