Sustainability

Conference Host Sustainable Actions & Policy

Sustainable development is an integral part of the university’s vision. The vision ”A university for the world”, spanning from 2021 to 2030, expresses the University of Gothenburg’s commitment to being an internationally responsible institution that contributes to a sustainable world. We aim to strengthen our relevance as a societal actor and collaboration partner, making an impact on societal development and contributing to the global sustainable development goals.

Environmental policy

The University will endeavour to make its students and personnel aware of environmental and development problems and, through research, education and interaction with the community, stimulate concrete activities that promote sustainable development.
The University will, trough its systematic and focused environmental work, aim to prevent or reduce its negative environmental impact. The Environmental Management System at the University will be certified.
Environmental considerations will be incorporated into all decision making processes. Research, teaching, administration, management and technical functions, will be characterised by environmental accountability.
The University’s environmental work will be continually improved and evaluated by regular environmental audits.
The University will comply with applicable environmental legal requirements and with other environmental requirements to which the organisation subscribes.

Leading in environmental management
The University of Gothenburg is certified according to the international standard for environmental management system ISO 14001 and registered under the EU equivalent EMAS. This means that the university continuously works to improve its operations to reduce negative environmental impact and enhance positive impact for sustainable development through education, research, and collaboration.

A climate-neutral organisation by 2045
We actively work to reduce the university’s climate impact. Our goal is to decrease our carbon dioxide emissions in two steps. By 2023, we aim to reduce our emissions by 25 percent compared to 2019, and by 2029, emissions should be halved. Our long-term goal is to be climate-neutral by 2045, aligning with Sweden’s overall objective adopted by the Swedish parliament.

To measure our carbon dioxide emissions, we have developed a digital tool called the Carbon Intelligence System, which shows emissions per organisational unit. This tool enables university managers to monitor and analyse emissions from different activities.

The University of Gothenburg has an internal cost for carbon offsetting related to air travel. The cost finances an internal climate fund that implements measures for sustainable development.

Gothenburg University - Sustainable development

Conference Venue Sustainable Actions & Policy

As the first major congress, hotel and meeting facility in the North, the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers was certified in 2015 according to the sustainability standard ISO 20121.

The certification covers the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Gothia Towers meeting place with hotel, spa, food and drink, fairs, meetings and events. For example are all coffee/tea served at the “fika” breaks (coffee breaks) organic and Fairtrade, the sandwiches and sweets served at the fikas has two main ingredients that are organic.

More about the Sustainability work at the Swedish Exhibition Centre and Gothia Towers:

The Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre and Sustainability

PCO Sustainable Actions & Policy

Meetx Works towards Sustainability—From the Big Picture to the Details. The sustainability work and societal commitment of Sweden Meetx are founded on the progressive adaptation of operations and the endeavour to integrate sustainability into our range of products and services.

meetx.se/sustainability

Host city – Gothenburg

Gothenburg
Gothenburg is the world’s most sustainable destination, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Gothenburg has been awarded by Global Destination Index as the world´s most sustainable destination for 7 years in a row. And when Lonely Planet unveiled its Best in Travel 2021 list, Gothenburg was named the world’s Best Sustainable City Stay!

The Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index compares cities to determine how well they meet a long list of sustainability criteria in four different categories: social, supplier, convention bureau and environmental. The GDS-index was created to help Destinations, Convention Bureaus, Event Planners and Suppliers drive the adoption and recognition of sustainable practices in their city and in the global events industry.

Read about Gothenburg and Sustainability in the following link.

goteborgco.se/en/sustainability/the-worlds-most-sustainable-destination/

What you as a visitor can do

If it is possible always choose a train or a bus instead of an airplane
In Gothenburg, we walk! The venue is located in the city center, all hotels and social venues are located within walking distance from each other – walk and explore the city, use public transportation or the city bikes instead of taking taxis. Read more here >>
Please follow the waste separation instructions at the venue and your accommodation when available.
Swedish tap water is of such a high quality, choose this instead of bottled water. Tap water stations will be available throughout the venue. Bring your bottles and fill them up with tap water.
Choose vegetarian options for your lunches and other meals if possible, Gothenburg is a great city for vegetarian food. Read more here >>
To get an idea of Gothenburg’s sustainable city attitude please see this guide. Read more here >>

CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT

Meetx is the conference bureau handling the secretariat for the GCPCC the 2nd Global Conference on Person-Centred Care.

E-mail: gcpcc@meetx.se
Tel: +46 31 708 86 90

General inquiries E-mail: gcpcc@gu.se

IMPORTANT DATES

First call: March
Abstract submission opens: April
Registration opens: August
Abstract notifications: September
Conference Dates: 4-7 May, 2026