Sustainability at ICSE 2026

Our Commitment

At ICSE 2026, we are deeply committed to sustainability and to reducing the environmental impact of our event. While in-person scientific conferences are essential for knowledge sharing and fostering collaboration, they also carry a significant ecological footprint—particularly in terms of long-distance travel, resource consumption, and waste generation.

Our vision is to deliver a world-class research conference that not only advances software engineering but also sets an example in environmental responsibility. In this spirit, ICSE 2026 will implement tangible, transparent actions to minimize its environmental footprint and raise awareness of sustainable practices within the research community.

ICSE 2026 proudly aligns with the IEEE Computer Society and ACM SIGSOFT Sustainability Initiatives, reinforcing our long-term dedication to a greener future.

ICSE 2026 is more than just a software engineering conference—it’s a step toward a more sustainable future for the research community. Join us in making a positive impact.

Our Sustainability Actions

We have designed a series of measures that will be implemented before and during the conference to address sustainability across multiple dimensions:

Carbon Neutrality

To mitigate the carbon impact of participant travel and conference activities, ICSE 2026 is aiming to be a carbon-neutral event.

• Tree planting: $5 from each registration will go towards planting trees to ensure the conference is carbon neutral (including covering the carbon emitted by those travelling to the conference). ACM SIGSOFT will also be matching this with $5 for each attendee, for a total of $10.
• Carbon offsets: During registration, attendees can voluntarily purchase carbon offsets to offset the carbon generated from their travel. We will be planting trees through One Tree Planted.

Waste & Resource Reduction

Reducing unnecessary consumption is a key focus of our sustainability efforts:

• Opt-out gift option: Attendees will be given the opportunity to decline conference gifts (e.g., tote bags, water bottles) to reduce production and waste.
• Digital-first materials: Conference programs and proceedings will be provided in digital format only.
• Minimal printed materials and signage: Only a limited number of physical banners and decorations will be produced.
• Sustainable catering: All meals will include plant-based options, and efforts will be made to minimize animal-based products.
• Food waste prevention: Participants will be asked to confirm attendance at meals and coffee breaks in advance, to avoid over-ordering.

Reducing Travel Impact

We are encouraging sustainable travel and making it easier for participants to reduce their travel-related emissions:

• The conference venue is centrally located in Rio de Janeiro, and most conference hotels and social venues are within walking distance.
• The conference will provide assistance for attendees on arrival at the airport to explain available options to reach the conference venue.
• Car pooling and ride sharing are encouraged.

Sustainability at the Venue: Windsor Hotels & Convention Center

As the official venue of ICSE 2026, the Windsor Hotels & Convention Center is a leader in sustainable hospitality in Brazil. Their commitment to environmental and social responsibility aligns seamlessly with the goals of ICSE.

Key initiatives include:

Windsor Hotels has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, embedding sustainability into both operational and guest-facing practices.

Promoting Awareness

In the months leading up to the conference, we will share sustainability tips, updates, and challenges via our social media channels to engage participants and inspire action before arriving in Rio.