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.

• At Hilton, they are committed to fostering responsible travel and tourism through our ESG strategy, Travel with Purpose. They recognize our responsibility to be stewards of the environment and maintain and protect the biodiversity and the precious natural and cultural heritage of the communities in which we operate. They are committed to operating in a way that contributes to a sustainable future for our planet, while creating heartfelt experiences for our Guests and meaningful opportunities for their Team Members.

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.

Providing an alternative to single-occupant car trips, Long Beach Transit's (LBT) “Green Fleet” – i.e. battery electric, hybrid, natural gas buses – offsets more than 312,000 gallons of gas every year. The fleet will be adding 14 electric buses in 2022 with a goal of having its entire fleet qualify as zero emissions by 2035. That’s five years before the state’s regulations requiring public transit agencies to transition to 100% zero-emission bus fleets by 2040. That leadership is nothing new for the agency, which, before the end of 2022, will have more than quadrupled its electric bus fleet. In addition to its Green Fleet, LBT recently signed the American Public Transportation Assn.’s Sustainability Commitment, pledging to engage in broader sustainability principles.

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 Marseill Chanot 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.