Sustainability at Optica Events

Our Commitment to a Greener Future

Optica recognizes the importance of safeguarding our planet for future generations. 

The professional value of networking in person with peers and colleagues is a primary benefit of an Optica Event. However, we also understand that our meetings must be managed conscientiously to minimize their environmental impact. That is why we are dedicated to integrating sustainable practices into every aspect and phase of our events — from selecting a meeting venue to the return freight shipment of equipment.

The Environmental Footprint of this Meeting

Venue Selection

We prioritize event locations with strong commitments to sustainability. Venues are routinely assessed for LEED certification (or equivalent) and host cities for their commitment to renewable energy sources and efficient waste management systems.

• The Prague Congress Centre has installed the largest rooftop solar power plant in central Prague, covering an area equivalent to a football pitch. This installation supplies 10% of the centre's total energy consumption and reduces the building's carbon footprint by over ten tonnes of CO₂ annually.
• In 2016, Prague Congress Centre initiated the Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) project in the Czech Republic. This project introduced a state-of-the-art energy management system, including modern heating solutions that utilize excess heat from kitchens and a "free cooling" system leveraging external fresh air. Dozens of sensors monitor carbon dioxide levels, regulating ventilation in each room as needed. These measures have led to annual savings of approximately €1.226 million, reducing energy consumption by 30% over ten years.

Travel

The selection of an event venue must include consideration of transportation options both to and within the host city. To minimize flight segments, event locations must be served by international airports that offer direct flights from major hubs in Asia, Europe and North America. Optica also assesses the availability and coverage of the host city's mass transit network.

Prague, Czech Republic, offers an extensive public transportation network that contributes to reducing carbon emissions.

The Prague Congress Centre encourages the use of public transportation by providing free tickets to congress participants and has established one of the largest electric car charging hubs in Prague.

Remote Participation

By leveraging technology to facilitate remote engagement, we reduce the need for air travel and associated carbon emissions.

• This congress offers an in-person meeting format with on-demand content. Individuals presenting a contributed oral talk or poster that are unable to travel to the meeting location, whether by circumstance or preference, can choose to submit a pre-recorded video of their talk. (This option is requested when submitting a paper for consideration.)
• These recordings can be viewed on demand by Technical registrants for up to 60 days after the event ends — at which point the paper and accompanying video will be available on Optica Publishing Group's platform.

Materials

The carbon footprint of an event is heavily impacted by the day-to-day choices made in its operation. Optica Event management follows sustainable meeting practices when possible, and we encourage and influence our partners to do the same. 

• Optica actively works to reduce our carbon footprint through promoting local sourcing for food and materials and offsetting unavoidable emissions through carbon offset programs.
• This congress has prioritized the use of reusable materials whenever possible, from signage and decorations to utensils and serving ware. By minimizing single-use items, we significantly reduce our event's carbon footprint.
• Through online registration, email communications and the event app, we prioritize digital communication channels for event promotion, registration and information, reducing the need for paper materials and minimizing waste.
• The Prague Congress Centre has strategically placed recycling stations throughout the event to make it easy for exhibitors and attendees to properly dispose of their waste. Clear signage at events ensures that recycling and composting efforts are maximized.