Sustainability statement

It is a goal of IMPAC5 that the Congress achieve exemplary standards of sustainability and climate neutrality. To this end, IMPAC5 is striving to be consistent with The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 12 and 14:

Therefore, IMPAC5 is working to minimize waste, encouraging participants to offset travel-related emissions, and collaborating only with organizations and suppliers that share our sustainability principles.  Demonstrating how a high standard of sustainability can be achieved will be a legacy of IMPAC5 for future conferences and meetings in Vancouver and elsewhere.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

The City of Vancouver is on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.

Vancouver developed its The Greenest City Action Plan and Climate Emergency Action Plan as strategies to stay on the leading edge of sustainability and reduce carbon pollution by 50 per cent by 2030.

The Vancouver Convention Centre

The Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) is a carbon neutral venue which sits on the doorstep of nature, and its operations carefully consider their impact on the environment. For example:

• The VCC is the world’s first double LEED^® Platinum certified convention centre.
• The VCC West has a six-acre living roof which features more than 400,000 Indigenous plants and grasses, designed to act as an insulator against heat gains and losses throughout the year. Seawater is used for cooling during the warmer months and heating in cooler months.
• A restored marine habitat is built into the foundation of the VCC West building. This habitat has dramatically improved water quality in the area and has fostered the growth of a large variety of sea life.

Single-Use Plastics

IMPAC5 will avoid all single-use plastics during the planning and implementation of the event.

Sustainable Catering

IMPAC5 is developing a sustainable model concept for conference catering based on regional and seasonal products and dietary needs, in collaboration with our partners.

The Ocean Expo

Exhibitors will be encouraged to follow a set of guidelines that uphold IMPAC5’s sustainability principles. This includes minimizing waste in exhibit, packaging and promotional materials and favouring recycled or reused/reusable content.

Travel-Related GHG emissions

Participants will be encouraged to purchase carbon offsets, in order to reduce travel related emissions generated from in-person attendance at IMPAC5.

Mobility

IMPAC5 will take place in the heart of Vancouver and will be easily accessible by foot, bicycle, or public transport and information on these options will be provided to all delegates. Accommodations, restaurants, parks and beaches are within walking distance of the venue.