Sustainability at WCN’26
At WCN’26 in Yokohama, the ISN took a further important step towards understanding and reducing the environmental and social impact of its congresses.
Working with event sustainability consultants ECENT, we assessed the congress carbon footprint and reviewed areas including travel, catering, materials, waste, accessibility and inclusion. The findings give us a baseline for future WCNs, showing where our greatest impacts lie, what worked well and where we can improve.
More sustainable food choices
Vegetarian and vegan options formed the basis of the regular congress catering, and water refill stations were available throughout the Conference Center.
Reducing unnecessary materials
WCN’26 used paper-only badges printed onsite, digital participation certificates and limited giveaways. Digital options were also available for posters and congress information.
Supporting inclusive participation
Travel support, practical information for international participants, live translation and transcription, and dedicated prayer, breastfeeding and children’s spaces helped make participation more accessible.
Sustainability in the scientific program
Environmental and social sustainability were reflected across the scientific program, including sessions on sustainable kidney care, climate, equity and community care.
WCN’26 at a glance
About the figures: The WCN’26 carbon footprint was estimated using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol as a methodological foundation. Some data were estimated where complete information was not a
Measuring first. Improving next.
International travel is by far WCN’s greatest climate challenge; however, local and national delegates are encouraged to avail of sustainable transport options when possible. The assessment also identified opportunities to continue to reduce disposable materials, strengthen sustainable procurement, expand digital formats and make sustainability actions more visible.
WCN’26 is our baseline, not the end point. The findings will help inform how the ISN approaches future congresses and where changes can have the greatest impact.