Sustainability at AABIP
Going Green Together
At AABIP, we are dedicated to continuously improving our sustainability practices with each meeting. We recognize the importance of minimising our environmental impact and fostering a sustainable future.
We are committed to taking significant steps to enhance our sustainability efforts for the AABIP Conference 2025 in JW Marriott Austin to make a positive difference and ensure that our meeting contributes to a greener and more sustainable world.
Together, we can create a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible platform for advancing Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology research, prevention and care.
AABIP and the Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, also called the Global Goals) are 17 goals with 169 targets that all UN Member States have agreed to work toward achieving by 2030. They set out a plan for a world without poverty, hunger, and disease.
We at AABIP want to contribute to the achievement of these objectives in our value chain. We support and work toward the following SDGs:
Contributions You Can Make as an AABIP Delegate
As individuals and as a community, we can and should individually contribute to protecting the earth and its natural systems and resources and to sustaining the natural ecological balance of the ecosystem. Here is what we encourage you to do during the AABIP Conference:
- Use the mobile app and the virtual platform (instead of printing) to inquire about the program details.
- Use more sustainable ways of traveling to and around JW Marriott Austin (take the train instead of a flight; ride a bike or walk instead of taxi).
- Reduce the waste you generate and separate it for disposal.
- Do not print booking confirmations and boarding passes; instead, provide digital copies of these documents.
- Provide an alternative to business cards – QR codes to LinkedIn or e-card
- Opt for reusable mugs and bottles.
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Our top priority is to make high-quality education available to our community. Our goals include eliminating educational gaps between genders; providing more accessible conference options; and enhancing the quality of the scientific program
What we are doing in 2025:
- Foster Scientific Engagement: Throughout the conference, encourage dynamic discussions where participants can ask questions, introduce topics, and engage in debates during the “Ask the Expert” sessions.
- Open Access to Abstracts: Provide free and open access to all abstracts presented at the conference, available post-conference for further review and study.
- Open Call for Abstracts: Invite all attendees to submit abstracts showcasing their research, fostering a diverse and comprehensive scientific dialogue.
- High-Quality Scientific Program: Commit to delivering a robust program featuring leading research and cutting-edge practices in Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology.
- Sessions On Demand: Offer recorded sessions accessible to all conference participants for three months post-conference. This allows attendees to revisit and absorb missed content, or re-watch key presentations and discussions at their convenience.
Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
Our conference operations are deeply committed to prioritizing energy efficiency and the utilization of sustainable resources. We actively seek to minimize our environmental impact by integrating green practices across all aspects of our event. This includes selecting eco-friendly venues that adhere to the highest standards of energy efficiency.
What we are doing in 2025:
The JW Marriott Austin advances affordable and clean energy goals by integrating LED lighting, automated controls, and occupancy-sensing thermostats throughout guest rooms and common areas. Its high-efficiency HVAC systems and intelligent building controls are designed to minimize energy use while maximizing comfort—supporting Marriott’s broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy-efficient operations.
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
We conscientiously choose suppliers and partners who prioritize eco-friendly practices and materials. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of reducing resource consumption and managing waste effectively.
What we are doing in 2025:
- We have encouraged all exhibitors to join us in reducing single-use giveaways at their stands, promoting a more sustainable conference experience.
- We have moved away from printed materials. For example, instead of a traditional program book, we will provide enhanced content via our Conference Mobile App and Platform.
- We are adopting e-posters in place of printed poster boards. These are easy to navigate and accessible both at the venue and on personal devices, reducing paper use and increasing accessibility.
- The JW Marriott Austin, our 2025 conference venue, is LEED Silver–certified and part of Marriott’s Connect Responsibly program, which integrates sustainability into meetings and events. The hotel features energy-efficient lighting, low-flow fixtures, smart HVAC systems, rainwater reuse, and EV charging stations. Recycling, composting, and food donation programs further reduce its environmental footprint. Through Connect Responsibly, planners can access Meeting Impact Reports and carbon offset options, aligning our event with Marriott’s global sustainability goals.
- In line with its Responsible Seafood Program, Marriott hotels follow a sourcing framework that bans select seafood species based on criteria such as overfishing, bycatch, habitat degradation, population decline, social concerns, and unregulated fishing. This approach supports sustainable consumption while promoting traceability and environmental responsibility.
Charlotte's Commitment to Sustainability
Austin is a vibrant, eco-conscious city known for its abundant green spaces, natural beauty, and innovative sustainability efforts. With over 300 parks, 227 miles of trails, and more than 20,000 acres of green space, Austin embraces its role as a leader in environmental stewardship.
The city is working aggressively to achieve net-zero community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 through the Austin Climate Equity Plan, which combines climate action with social justice to create a healthier, more resilient community for all residents.
Austin’s initiatives include extensive waste diversion programs, widespread use of renewable energy, and strong support for sustainable transportation options like MetroRail and bike-friendly infrastructure. The city also promotes green building practices and energy efficiency across municipal operations, aiming to protect its unique environment while supporting economic growth.
Facing the challenges of climate change head-on, Austin invests in climate adaptation measures such as planting heat-tolerant trees and upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme weather. Together with its residents, businesses, and institutions, Austin continues to build a sustainable future that balances growth, equity, and environmental health.
