ESCRS 2026 Climate Action: Our Offsetting Approach
At ESCRS, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. Our Mission Zero initiative is built on transparency, accountability, and measurable action to reduce the carbon footprint of our Congress.
At this stage, we have offset 80% of the estimated unavoidable emissions from ESCRS 2026 through carefully selected Gold Standard-certified carbon credits from our Carbon Offsetting Partner South Pole. The remaining 20% will be calculated and verified after the Congress, once the final event data is available, and the corresponding emissions will then be offset accordingly.
This phased approach allows us to act on the majority of our expected carbon footprint in advance, while ensuring that the final offsetting is based on actual Congress data rather than estimates. The projects supported through the programme are Gold Standard certified, with requirements for monitoring, reporting and independent verification of their climate and sustainable development impacts.
Our Gold Standard Offsetting Projects
Himalayan Rocket Stove Project, India: More Efficient Heating in the Himalayas
The Himalayan Rocket Stove Project introduces more energy-efficient heating stoves designed specifically for communities in the Himalayan region of India. The stoves reduce fuelwood consumption by approximately half compared with the baseline heating scenario, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with burning wood for heat.
Developed by South Pole, the project is a large-scale Gold Standard Certified Project and is currently in its second crediting period, running from July 2024 to July 2029.
San Miguel Wastewater Power Plant, Thailand: Turning Wastewater into Renewable Energy
The San Miguel Wastewater Power Plant project uses biogas generated through wastewater treatment to produce energy in Thailand. By capturing and using biogas as an energy source, the project reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with wastewater treatment while replacing energy that would otherwise come from more carbon-intensive sources.
The project demonstrates how waste streams from industrial processes can be used as a source of energy, reducing emissions while making productive use of biogas that would otherwise be released or unused.
300MW Green Infra Wind Energy Limited Project, India: Expanding Renewable Energy
The 300MW Green Infra Wind Energy Limited Project generates renewable electricity from wind power in India. By supplying renewable electricity to the grid, the project helps reduce reliance on more carbon-intensive sources of power and contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation.
The project supports the expansion of renewable energy capacity and India’s transition towards a lower-carbon electricity system.
Why This Matters
We chose these projects not only for their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but for the transparency, accountability and verification provided through Gold Standard certification.
Each carbon credit is traceable through the Gold Standard Impact Registry, providing a transparent record of the issuance and retirement of verified carbon credits.
Gold Standard was established in 2003 by WWF and other international NGOs to promote environmental integrity and sustainable development within carbon markets. Today, Gold Standard for the Global Goals provides a framework for the credible measurement, reporting and verification of climate and sustainable development impacts.
Gold Standard-certified activities are required to contribute to at least three UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including climate action, while following environmental and social safeguards and stakeholder engagement requirements. Projects are subject to defined validation, monitoring and verification processes, including assessment by approved independent Validation and Verification Bodies.
However, offsetting is just one part of our broader strategy. Before addressing unavoidable emissions through carbon credits, we take action to reduce waste, champion sustainable materials, improve the sustainability of our catering, and accelerate the shift towards lower-emission travel – driving progress towards zero waste, zero emissions and a more responsible future for all.