The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) is committed to delivering Annual Scientific Meetings that are environmentally responsible and aligned with the growing intersection between health, sustainability and planetary health.

Our aim is to minimise the environmental footprint of our meetings while maintaining high-quality scientific exchange and collaboration across the infectious diseases' community.

Hosting ASM 2026 in Hobart, Tasmania provides an additional environmental advantage, as the state generates the majority of its electricity through hydroelectric power rather than fossil fuels.

Our Approach at ASM 2026

Reducing Waste

ASID prioritises digital solutions and responsible event practices to minimise unnecessary waste.

This includes:

• Digital programs and online conference materials, with delegates encouraged to use the conference app rather than printed handbooks

• Reusable and generic event signage to reduce yearly production waste

• Minimising single-use plastics where possible

• Providing recycling stations throughout the venue where available

Responsible Venue and Catering

ASM 2026 will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, which has a strong commitment to sustainable event practices and reducing environmental impact.

Key initiatives include:

Water Service

• No plastic water bottles

• Water stations with glass jugs and cups

Waste Management

• Organic waste composting program implemented in 2019

• Recycling stations throughout the venue for delegates and exhibitors

Single-Use Plastics

• Elimination of single-use plastic service items

Water and Waste Efficiency

• Installation of WELS-rated taps to reduce water consumption

• Expanded wastewater treatment systems to manage waste output

Energy Use

• Heating and cooling systems powered by geothermal energy harvested from wastewater

Further details can be found in the venue’s Sustainable Meeting Policy.

Sustainable Travel and Participation

Recognising that travel contributes significantly to conference emissions, ASID aims to support more sustainable participation by:

• Selecting venues accessible via public transport

• Encouraging delegates to consider carbon offsetting travel where possible

• Providing access to selected conference content after the meeting via the members’ website

Responsible Exhibitors

ASID encourages exhibitors to adopt sustainable practices during the meeting. Suggested approaches include:

• Using QR codes rather than printed materials

• Employing local staff where possible to reduce travel emissions

• Carbon offsetting travel when interstate travel is required

• Providing reusable or practical giveaways rather than single-use promotional items

Responsible Suppliers

ASID works with suppliers who support environmentally responsible practices.

Examples include:

Coffee Carts

• Use of recycled and biodegradable coffee cups

Exhibition Contractors

• Use recycled inks for custom printing and they recycle the printed materials post event

• Encouraged to reuse booth infrastructure and minimise disposable materials

• Paper furniture available for hire

Delegate Participation

Delegates play an important role in supporting sustainable meetings. We encourage participants to:

• Bring reusable water bottles or coffee cups

• Use digital conference materials wherever possible

• Utilise public transport or shared transport options

• Participate in recycling initiatives available at the venue

Continuous Improvement

ASID is committed to continuously improving the sustainability of the Annual Scientific Meeting by reviewing event practices, engaging partners and suppliers, and identifying new opportunities to reduce environmental impact.

Through collective action across our community, we can support a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for infectious diseases research, education and collaboration.