As the sustainability consultant for COP28 in the UAE, AECOM played a pivotal role in shaping a leading sustainability and environmental management strategy, guiding the event toward carbon neutrality.
COP28 key outcomes
Our comprehensive approach established frameworks, management guidelines and carbon management plans, integrating sustainability processes and carbon-tracking tools into the event.
COP28 was the first COP to achieve the first part of the ISO20121 certification before the event commenced. It was also the first major event in the Middle East to include carbon labelling on food and 1.5 degree-aligned menus. Comprehensive and mandatory social and environmental sustainability training was provided to the COP28 workforce and contractors. Additionally, COP28 developed a blueprint for future COPs through the ‘How to COP Sustainability Guide’.
Sustainability standards
We supported the development of bespoke sustainability training for the entire COP28 workforce and supply chain to ensure sustainability is embedded in their mindset. This training is intended to be made public, serving as a blueprint for sustainable events worldwide, improving knowledge and inclusivity.
ISO20121 was the global standard selected for COP28, it was subsequently recommended for certification for the planning, management and implementation of its Sustainability and Environmental Management System (SEMS).
PAS2060 is the internationally-recognized specification for carbon neutrality published by the British Standards Institution. We carried out data collection, analysis and accounting, followed by third-party verification and publication of the carbon management plan. Third-party auditors endorsed our pre-event reporting, including the carbon baseline and baseline report.
Supporting carbon neutrality and legacy initiatives
Legacy initiatives included the development and implementation of transformational sustainability KPIs, influencing the local, regional and global event industry and supply chain. Event sustainability strategies will be retained and used for future COPs. We raised awareness of GHG emissions for each activity to help stakeholders make more carbon-conscious decisions.