SUMMARY:  Established in 1989, the International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology (CEST) is a leading environmental conference where top experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, representatives of public administration and social initiatives present state-of-the-art research on current and emerging environmental issues. CEST is thus a platform where academia and business converge; where academic research, innovative ideas and solutions serve as the basis for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment. The conference is organised bi-annually by the Global Network of Environmental Science and Technology (NEST) together with the University of the Aegean (Greece) and the South Aegean Region. CEST2019  is academically supported by the University of Salerno (Italy) and the Imperial College London (UK) and opeerates under the patronage of UNESCO’s Water Assessment Programme, European Water Association (EWA) and A.C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation. 

This collaboration between UPM, University of the Aegean and Global NEST aims to promote understanding of the carbon footprint generated by this event and the decisions that can be made to reduce and/or compensate. 

OBJECTIVES:

This investigation aims to evaluate the carbon footprint of the event that took place in Rhodos island in 2019 and serve as starting point for future conferences. The analysis covers: 

• Collection of inventory data regarding conference venue, travelling of participants, conference material, etc 

• Cuantification of carbon footprint

• Evaluation of alternative conference scenarios regarding location, type of venue, conference material, etc. 

• Drafting of recommendations for reducing and/or compensating the carbon footprint.