Conference and Event Management

Sustainability at Events

The Guideline for Events at the University of Vienna, applicable from October 2026, specifies criteria for minimum sustainability standards for events organised or held by staff of the University of Vienna. The guideline thus helps to promote climate-friendly solutions and allows the University to assume its social responsibility with regard to events. 
The Conference and Event Management service unit of the University of Vienna has for many years taken sustainability into account when planning and holding events. If possible in view of the size, format and framework of an event, we implement events in accordance with the criteria for Green Meetings and Green Events or under the ÖkoEvent label, or we strive to obtain relevant certifications and labels.

Criteria specified in the Guideline for Events

  • Reusable rather than disposable

    The University of Vienna uses reusable dishes, cutlery and cups to avoid waste.

  • Collecting and sorting waste

    The University sorts, collects and correctly disposes of waste. Waste-sorting systems are clearly visible and easily accessible and make it easier to separate waste during events.

  • Avoiding giveaways

    The University avoids giveaways and merchandise. Where this is not possible, giveaways and merchandise must comply with sustainability criteria.

  • Digital instead of paper

    Invitations, programmes and information material should preferably be provided in digital form. Printed material (using eco-friendly paper) is used only where absolutely necessary.

  • Meat-free as standard

    As a general rule, catering at events is vegetarian or vegan, and meat-free and fish-free as standard.

  • Organic, seasonal and regional catering

    Food and drinks are sourced primarily from seasonal, regional and organic producers and are labelled transparently. We offer tap water in carafes instead of still mineral water.

  • Eco-friendly transport

    The University encourages participants to come to the University of Vienna by public transport, by bike or on foot. Information about sustainable transport options are a key part of event communication.

  • Inclusive & fair

    Events at the University of Vienna should be as accessible as possible to persons with disabilities, and aim to ensure that everyone can participate in the same way. In event communication and organisation, the focus is on inclusion, diversity and fair framework conditions (also with regard to service providers).

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The guideline applies to events organised or held by staff of the University of Vienna, or on its behalf. Events of all sizes and formats are subject to it. 
In general, the guideline applies to all events at the University of Vienna, ranging from congresses, conferences and workshops to information events and meetings.
The deciding factor is not the event venue but the fact that the event is organised and held by the University of Vienna or on its behalf.

The University of Vienna hosts numerous events each year, both events held by the University of Vienna as well as events held by external organisers. Therefore, the University wants to live up to its social responsibility also with regard to events. It thus places particular importance on planning and holding events in a sustainable way, taking into account the protection of our climate and the environment, its social responsibility and the careful use of resources.

The guideline applies directly to events of the University of Vienna. The University of Vienna encourages external organisers to also take into account the guidelines for sustainable events as well as the criteria of Green Events and the ÖkoEvent label. 

No. The guideline specifies binding minimum standards for events of the University of Vienna. Organisers can also apply for additional certification as a Green Event or ÖkoEvent on a voluntary basis.

The Conference and Event Management service unit of the University of Vienna provides advice on the criteria specified in the guideline. In addition, they provide various resources to help you plan and hold sustainable events.

Employees of the University of Vienna can find further information, checklists, templates, text modules and tips on sustainable suppliers and service providers on the intranet. Moreover, Conference and Event Management also provides advice on planning and holding events.

You want to learn more about sustainability at the University of Vienna?

The Sustainability Office of the University of Vienna provides information about focus topics, projects and activities of the University on its path towards becoming more sustainable. 

To the website of the Sustainability Office