AM26 Guidelines for Sustainable Side-Events

The World Economic Forum is committed to integrating sustainability best practices into the core of its event operations. As part of this it encourages other organizations to adopt and participate in these sustainability standards. When creating experiences in Davos during the Annual Meeting, it is important to be mindful that we are guests in a community that exists year-round. The goal should be to create something meaningful, respectful, and lasting by prioritizing long-term investments in building structures that benefit the local community rather than making changes that last only a week. Focusing on permanent construction not only adds lasting value but is also more cost-effective, as the space may be re-used year after year. Supporting the needs of the community helps foster long-term and strong, more sustainable partnerships. New isn't always better. It often comes at a high cost and uses unnecessary resources. With creativity, many "new" things can be created by reusing and repurposing what already exists. Building sustainably reduces waste and expenses while supporting simple, purposeful design. Lean design focuses on doing things better rather than doing less, as demonstrated by the event set up in the congress centre, which shows how a thoughtful, minimal approach can be effective without excess. By embracing the principle of refuse, reduce, reuse, and recycle, we create experiences that are impactful, responsible, better for the planet, and more cost-effective. Let's work together to create something that lasts beyond the moment. This checklist contains recommended sustainability standards for other organizations planning to host private and accredited events around Davos during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026. To achieve most effectiveness, these principles should be applied from the start of the planning process and shared with team members and suppliers working on the ro·ect.1Design of temporary structures and spaces -Favour lean designs, keeping waste in mind. -Ensure temporary heating facilities comply with the local regulations; for example, including necessary insulation, air traps/curtains at entrances, temperature controls with night setback system and heat distribution fans. -Maximize natural light in structure design and choose efficient lighting systems (LED lighting units). -Measure waste production, and water and energy consumption, to help you improve over the years and minimize costs. -Try to avoid single-use packaging and plastics. Discuss it with suppliers, and when single-use packaging is necessary, ask suppliers to dispose of and recycle it themselves. -Create streaming options to share sessions with a wider audience who do not need to travel to Davos to be part of them. -Work with local providers where possible. Local sustainability non-profit GreenUp can support and guide you in circular design and waste reduction. 1 . If you are working with the event service provider Publicislive, note that it is ISO 20121 certified and endorses all points outlined in the checklist below.