Sustainability

Going Green Together

At ATTD, we are deeply committed to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and taking meaningful actions to minimize our environmental impact. For ATTD 2026 in Barcelona, we are collaborating with the Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB) to improve the event’s environmental footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our focus spans across key areas such as waste, food, and energy management, with carefully designed initiatives before, during, and after the event. We are dedicated to educating ATTD delegates, exhibitors, and sponsors about sustainable practices and empowering them to implement these changes in their own communities.

Together, let’s pave the way for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable platform for advancing diabetes research, technology, and care.

ATTD and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, also called the Global Goals) are 17 goals with 169 targets that all UN Member States have agreed to work toward achieving by 2030. They set out a plan for a world without poverty, hunger, and disease.

We at ATTD want to contribute to the achievement of these objectives in our value chain. We support and work toward the following SDGs:

ATTD´S INITIATIVES

Contributions You Can Make as an ATTD Delegate:

As individuals and as a community, we can and should individually contribute to protecting the earth and its natural systems and resources and to sustaining the natural ecological balance of the ecosystem. Here is what we encourage you to do during the ATTD conference:

Use the mobile app and the virtual platform (instead of printing) to inquire about the programme details
Use more sustainable ways of traveling to and around Barcelona (take the train instead of a flight; ride a bike, use public transportation, or walk instead of taxi).
Reduce the waste you generate and separate disposal
Do not print booking confirmations and boarding passes; instead, provide digital copies of these documents.
Provide an alternative to business cards – QR codes to LinkedIn or e-card
Opt for reusable mugs and bottles

Sustainability Map of Barcelona

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

We are introducing several dedicated initiatives aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle, while enjoying being together with the community during ATTD 2026.

What we are doing in 2026:

ATTD Run to provide our attendees with a fun and interactive way to stay active.
Options for meatless / vegetarian lunches
Signs at the venue to avoid waste
Healthy breaks – continue ATTD approach to more healthier food options
Sustainability and well-being campaign to raise awareness

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

Our top priority is to make high-quality education available to our community. Our goals include eliminating educational gaps between genders; providing more accessible conference options; and enhancing the quality of the scientific programme.

What we are doing in 2026:

We offer an online platform that serves as a repository of scientific materials from all ATTD conferences and more. This portal provides access to webcasts, e-learning modules, and other educational resources, ensuring continuous learning opportunities for healthcare professionals worldwide
We provide opportunities to support healthcare professionals’ participation in the conference. These iniciatives help ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education, promoting inclusivity and equity in learning opportunities
ATTD Ignite brings together scientific experts, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and venture capitalists to foster innovation in diabetes technology.
Presentations of clinical and laboratory findings from applied research that encourage audience participation
Special keynote presentations delivered by a large number of internationally renowned experts covering the full spectrum of diabetes technologies and treatments
We publish the ATTD Yearbook, which compiles the most relevant and cutting-edge research in diabetes technology and treatments. This resource is made available to a broad audience, ensuring that the latest knowledge is disseminated widely, supporting lifelong learning and informed clinical practice

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

We ensure nondiscrimination and equality for committee members, presenters, and invited speakers.

What we are doing in 2026:

Aim for and monitor gender equality and nondiscrimination among our delegates, presenters, and committee members.
Make our meeting a welcoming, inclusive space for people of all ages, genders, and abilities.
Promote more women in committee positions related to the event.
Create a program that features diverse topics and speakers from various backgrounds and experiences.

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

We recognise the importance of developing urban economic and cultural centres in a way that promotes the well-being of all inhabitants while minimising environmental impact, to ensure a high quality of life for present and future generations. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

What we are doing in 2026:

Implementation of waste management policy during the event
Good waste sorting practices during teardown of event site, make sure that the organic waste is being composed to avoid landfill
Donation of materials and food surplus
Collect lanyards and banners after use
Introduction of sustainability guidelines for exhibitors and sponsors
Minimize any printed materials as much as possible, encourage exhibitors to share promotional items by email/on app – no brochures or printed materials

Official SDG website: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment

ATTD and the Sustainable Event Goals

At ATTD 2026 in Barcelona, we continue our journey toward creating impactful, responsible, and future‑focused events. Building on our sustainability initiatives from previous years, we are proud to introduce a pilot program aligned with the Sustainable Event Goals (SEGs) – a practical translation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) tailored for the global events industry. ATTD 2026 is more than a congress, it is a collective effort to shape the future of events responsibly. By piloting SEGs, we are taking a step toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and impactful global events industry.

The SEGs provide a framework to:

Shape and steer sustainability strategy
Offer a shared language across the industry
Enable consistent reporting and measurement
Align with global SDGs ambitions
Strengthen positive legacy for host communities

By embedding SEGs into ATTD 2026, we aim to minimize environmental and social impacts while maximizing positive economic outcomes across the entire event lifecycle.

We have decided to choose the following SEGs that are most relevant for ATTD sustainability goals and objectives.

Environmental Pillar

SEG 2. Climate-Smart Venues & Energy Use

Select venues and hotels that demonstrate strong environmental performance and operate with efficient, renewable energy systems.

Related SDGs: SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action).

SEG 4. Smart Resources Management (Materials, Water & Waste)

Conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact by prioritizing sustainable materials, minimizing waste, and managing water efficiently.

Related SDGs: SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Social Pillar

SEG 5. Education, Development and Collaboration

Empower various stakeholders through the education to all, raising awareness, workshops, and skill-building opportunities.

Related SDGs: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SEG 7: Inclusivity and Accessibility

Design events that are welcoming and inclusive for all demographics, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities and impairments. Promote and support diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of event planning and delivery.

Related SDGs: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9).

Economic Governance Pillar

SEG 10. Support Local / Destination Economies

Boost local entrepreneurship, source locally and create shared economic values for the event’s host destination and region.

Related SDGs: Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10).

SEG 13: Innovative Practices

Leverage innovative ideas including digital tools and AI, data, and any new practices to enhance sustainability outcomes and optimize resource use.

Related SDGs: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Climate Action (SDG 13).

Sustainability at Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB)

Commitment with Sustainability

Since its inception in 2004, the CCIB has maintained a comprehensive corporate social responsibility strategy aimed at fostering the development of sustainable business practices.

We invite you to consult the following links for more information:

Waste Management

Transport of waste generated during assembly, the event and dismantling —which will be recycled (catering services, carpets, signage, general waste from recycling points distributed throughout the venue, etc.)

Energy measures according to Royal Decree-Law 14/2023

In accordance with current regulations, the CCIB must comply with the following measures:

Heating temperature regulation: maximum 19°C.
Air conditioning temperature regulation: minimum 27°C.
Mandatory closure of main access doors to minimize heat loss or gain.

Please note that smoking is not permitted inside the building (including terraces or patios).

For any questions or concerns related to sustainability, you can write to us at: sustainability@ccib.es