Sustainability

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The International Baccalaureate (IB) is deeply committed to protecting our planet. In 2022, our Board of Governors and Executive Team designated net zero by 2050 as one of three pivotal goals in our organizational strategy. We are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint and fostering a sustainable future through collaboration with our partners, exhibitors and attendees.

Our sustainability goals

  • Net zero by 2050: the IB Global Conferences team aims to deliver net zero events by 2050, educate attendees on sustainability and measure environmental impacts. 
  • Local and eco-certified sourcing: we aim to prioritize local food sourcing and use eco-certified materials, such as FSC and PEFC-certified paper. 
  • Waste management: we aim to reduce waste, in particular, paper and switch to the use of reusable materials. 

Sustainable practices at the IB Global Conference, Singapore

  • Sustainable venue: Suntec Singapore is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring cutting-edge technology and efficient resource management to conserve energy, manage water usage and reduce waste.
  • Paperless experience: the conference features digital registration, event apps and Suntec’s digital signage to reduce paper waste.
  • Eco-friendly catering: meals are prepared using sustainable packaging and food waste reduction techniques.
  • Reducing single-use plastics: we encourage attendees to bring reusable bottles and take advantage of refill stations.
  • Energy-efficient operations: Suntec’s power-saving escalators and LED lighting contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.
  • Eco-friendly name badges: attendee name badges are made of Direct Thermal Card, FSC certified material and can be recycled in recycling bins for paper.
  • Community involvement: we will collaborate with Overseas Family School in Singapore to donate leftover stationery to local charities.  

Sustainability Showcase: Inspiring action for a greener future

Discover impactful sustainability initiatives from IB World Schools across the Asia Pacific region! Visit the Sustainability Showcase to find out about the schools’ environmental programmes, green campus projects, community outreach efforts and student-led sustainability campaigns. Through this poster presentation, we hope to create a platform for collaborative learning and idea exchange, fostering meaningful discussions on sustainability in education.

reXtore: A zero-waste, net-zero IB booth

Our IB booth, designed by reXtore, brings sustainability to life. Built using STAXX blocks—modular components made from 100% ocean-bound plastic—the booth eliminates waste while showcasing circular design in action.

Key sustainable features include recyclable graphics, latex-free flooring recycled into new STAXX blocks and rented live plants which are returned post-event. Carbon emissions will be offset through renewable energy projects, making this a net-zero installation.

Visit the IB booth to experience how innovation and sustainability come together!

Plastify: Turning plastic waste into purpose

We are collaborating with Plastify to showcase plastic recycling in action. At their interactive booth, attendees learn about plastic recycling and create a ruler using recycled plastic, thereby turning waste into functional keepsakes. Items will be donated to Overseas Family School, Singapore, for sustainability education and community initiatives, ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Join us at the Plastify booth to be part of this hands-on sustainability experience!

Sustainable giveaways from The Social Space

Our giveaways are sourced from The Social Space, a social enterprise championing sustainability and inclusive employment. Attendees will receive custom tote bags, plantable notebooks, and plantable pen flags, all handmade from upcycled or eco-friendly materials. These items support ethical production while reducing waste.

By choosing The Social Space, we are promoting conscious living and empowering differently-abled individuals with dignified employment. Enjoy these meaningful keepsakes and join us in supporting a more sustainable future!

Education and awareness

Education is key to building a sustainable future. We encourage you to attend these breakout sessions that focus on sustainability concepts and practices to enhance your understanding and inspire action:

  • Trends in Education: Exploring inclusive practices in climate education and equity
  • Climate Education in your school

How you can contribute

Join us in making a difference! Here’s how you can help:

  1. Take public transport or walk to the conference venue.
  2. Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at water stations around the venue.
  3. Access conference materials digitally instead of printing out the programme.
  4. Dispose of waste responsibly in the designated bins.

Small actions collectively make a big impact. Together, we can create a more sustainable future and inspire others to do the same!