Striving for Greener Days

ESGE is driving progress in gastrointestinal endoscopy with a clear focus on sustainability and climate responsibility. Our congresses are evolving to weave environmental awareness into every aspect — from programme content to daily practice. We invite all stakeholders, our delegates, industry partners and providers to participate in this mission and join our efforts to minimise the carbon footprint of our event.

Planting purpose in Milan

Together with Forestami, ESGE recently partnered with the Municipality of Bollate to support and raise awareness for their urban planting programme across the greater Milano area.

As part of this collaboration, ESGE President Professor Cesare Hassan joined a symbolic tree‑planting moment with the local community, a gesture that reflects our commitment to improving the environmental footprint of our events.

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Our steps towards a more sustainable event

Green Governance

The ESGE Green Endoscopy Working Group plays a key role in defining, coordinating, and monitoring all ESGE sustainability initiatives, and are particularly involved in the planning of our annual meeting. The group provides guidance to endoscopy units, industry partners, and policymakers, develops educational activities, and fosters international research collaborations to advance sustainable endoscopy practices. They also empower endoscopists to advocate for climate-conscious care, and ensure 'green' research is supported through grants

One of the Working Group's current projects is a collaboration with our member society SFED (French Society for Digestive Endoscopy) which will see infographics promoting sustainability in endoscopy emailed to our members monthly, in the run up to ESGE Days 2026. Explore the infographics here.

To browse all of the publications from the group please explore their page on esge.com here.

Green Programme

At our annual meeting, green topics are embedded throughout the core scientific sessions, as well as in dedicated sessions. During the live demonstrations of endoscopy, which are always a highlight for our delegates, the physicians incorporate discussion of sustainability and best environmental practice into their demonstrations.

Transport

The organising team ensure that train travel, public transport, and carpooling are promoted in our communications and on this website. In progress are also discounts to more environmental forms of travel, special carbon offsetting options from airlines, and dedicated train stops for our delegates. Find all transport information and our green travel incentives here.

Carbon Footprint Tracking

New in 2026, under the advisory of the ESGE Green Endoscopy Working Group, delegates will be required to provide anonymous transport data at the time of registration. As delegate travel typically accounts for approximately 75% of an event's carbon footprint, this data is vital to calculations. Data from the venue, hotel accommodation agency, waste management company, technical and logistics providers will also be collected for assessment and we are committed to investing in projects which aim to reduce future emissions.

Our partners who will help us analyse this data and define the carbon footprint of ESGE Days 2026 are MyClimate.

Offsetting Programme: In addition to analysing and reducing our carbon footprint, we are also excited to be participating in a carbon offsetting programme, as part of our Legacy Project (full details of our 2026 activities will be announced soon). Our partners for this are Forestami, and more can be explored about this exciting collaboration below.

Event Operations

Procurement Process: From the selection of the venue to our suppliers, a focus has been placed on sustainable and local/regional options.
Catering: Since 2023, ESGE has been offering only vegetarian catering during our annual event and efforts are made to keep food waste to a minimum. In 2026, the exclusive catering company, Compass Group, will implement it’s ongoing partnership with the local charity BANCO ALIMENTARE / SITICIBO to donate food waste. Compass Group (rating ESG EcoVadis silver) is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and adheres to the ten principles for the United Nations Global Compact. Compass Group use non-disposable fabric tablecloths and disposable napkins with FSC certification as well as disposable, biodegradable, and compostable cellulose pulp tableware in accordance with the UNI EN 13432 standard. Their supplies come from fair trade and sustainable sources
Digital Approach First: We remain committed to providing a hybrid event with 90% of the core programme streamed and recorded on our digital platform, with the aim to reduce the travel burden for delegates and also to make the event more accessible with diversity, equity and inclusion in mind. The scientific content of the meeting is also diseminated digitally with our mobile app, e-posters and online abstracts.
Less is more: We are committed to eliminating give-aways and ask our corporate partners to do the same.
Leveraging innovation and technology: Wherever possible we are maximising digital signage, using reusable furniture, and having minimal carpeting. We aim to stay abreast of the most environmental signage options and reuse signage wherever possible.
Waste Reduction, Separation and Disposal: Waste sorting according to mixed waste, plastic, paper, glass and organic waste. Water refill stations will always be provided, along with a reminder to bring your water bottle!
Childcare Services: An initiative of the ESGE Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group, we have been providing childcare at ESGE Days since 2024. In Milan we will be offering childcare services for children aged between 12 months and 10 years at a minimal fee. This service is also open to all delegates and our industry partners.

Community & Legacy Projects

In 2026, ESGE is collaborating with SIED to promote local health education and public awareness campaigns that will leave a positive legacy with the city of Milan, long after ESGE Days delegates go home. After the success of the last year`s charity fun run we will be going ahead with another, which will take place on Friday morning with support from a local charity. Full details of our community and legacy projects will be announced soon.

ESGE is proud to be partnering with Forestami in 2026!

Forestami aims to engage all citizens who live and love the Metropolitan City of Milan, in mitigating the effects of climate change. They encourage individuals, public entities, associations, and private companies to work together with actions that have a positive impact on their future, and that of generations to come.

Forestami's mission is to plant 3 million trees in Milan along streets, squares, courtyards, rooftops, and the facades of our homes. It is the most cost-effective, and engaging way to slow global warming, reduce energy consumption, and improve the well-being of citizens.

Forestami was born from research by the Polytechnic University of Milan's Department of Architecture and Urban Studies.

To support the implementation of Forestami, the Forestami Solidarity Fund was established at the end of 2019, at the initiative of the City of Milan at the Fondazione di Comunità Milano. The Fund aims to pool resources from private companies and citizens and encourage public-private partnerships to understand, plan, maintain, and enhance the natural capital of the metropolitan city of Milan.

Download the Forestami Presentation