Sustainability

• COEX holds Green Building Certification and Building Energy Efficiency Rating Certification and operates under ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

• COEX uses a BEMS (Building Energy Management System). This system collects and visualizes real-time energy usage data by energy source, such as electricity, gas, and heating; by usage type, such as cooling/heating, lighting, ventilation, and power outlets; and by area.

• The venue also utilizes a power monitoring system for electricity usage, including the daily maximum power peak. For exhibition halls, heating and cooling are operated according to the required HVAC operation times. 

• Food and beverages play a key role in the comfort and experience of the Congress. At the IHF, we want to make sure that we also consider the sustainability of the food we offer and the items we use to serve it.

• The environmental impact of a meat-based meal is at least 11 times higher than a vegetarian meal (1). To contribute to the reduction of emissions, plant-based, and vegetarian meals will be offered at Congress. 
  

• Whenever possible, our caterer will serve fair trade and organic products, as well as locally sourced fruits and vegetables, and dairy alternatives such as oat milk.  
  

• Water dispensers will be distributed throughout the venue to minimize the use of plastic bottles. We encourage delegates to bring their own water bottles. 

• Non-recycled waste goes to landfills, where it becomes a source of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Methane, a gas that accounts for about 30% of the increase in global temperature (4), is one of them. Recycling is essential to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills. 
• Recycling and waste disposal stations offer separation for paper, plastic and cans, liquids, and general waste. Bins have been positioned considering visitor flow throughout the venue.

• Additionally, the cups, stirrers, and other items used in coffee breaks are recyclable and/or biodegradable and all meals are served in reusable dishware. 

• Reusable melamine containers are used for lunch boxes and beverages are served in glassware during receptions. 

• Badges and lanyards are made with biodegradable/recyclable materials. 

• Carbon emissions from printing come from paper production, the energy used during printing, and the energy used to transport, recycle, or incinerate waste once paper is disposed of. Most of our information and materials will be displayed digitally.
• To avoid printing and curb carbon emissions, the World Hospital Congress app contains all information related to the programme, schedule, floorplan, speakers, posters, sponsors, exhibitors, organizers, and more. 

• We are providing e-certificates for Congress participants, speakers, and poster presenters. 

• Whenever possible, we use and encourage reusable display and branding materials, minimizing unnecessary waste generation. And we hire equipment (screens, furniture) locally to reduce transportation emissions. In addition, we:
  

• • encourage exhibitors to minimize the use of promotional materials and opt for reusable materials.
    

• • require the use of modular exhibition booths that are easy to assemble and reuse.
  • encourage the use of digital screens to substitute the use of printed materials for promotion.  

• • limit the number of banners exhibitors are allowed to display in their booths, and encourage the use of sustainable and reusable giveaways. 

• Seoul offers various choices to explore the city using public transport. With a focus on reducing pollution and limiting emissions from transportation, we encourage delegates to use the vast public transport network or the carpool option when booking a ride in platforms such as K.ride taxi app.

• For city bike rental, we recommend Seoul Public Bike, “Ttareungi”, Seoul’s official public bike-sharing service. Attendees can rent and return bicycles at public bike stations across Seoul. There are public bike stations around Magongnaru Station, which is within walking distance of COEX Magok. Ttareungi bike docking stations are available near COEX Magok. Users can check nearby stations and real-time bike availability through the Ttareungi app or website. 

The hotels we recommend to congress delegates have implemented several sustainability practices in terms of cleaning and reuse policies as well as ESG–related actions.