We believe that scientific progress and environmental responsibility go hand in hand, and advancing neuroscience should never come at the planet’s expense, which is why sustainability is embedded across our work, from venue selection and waste reduction to carbon reporting and community engagement.
Our commitment goes beyond intention. After each Festival of Neuroscience, we carry out a detailed carbon assessment and publish a sustainability report to measure our impact, strengthen accountability, and drive continuous improvement year on year.
A Sustainable Festival Home: ICC Belfast
We’re proud to host BNA2027 at International Convention Centre Belfast one of the most sustainable conference venues in the UK and Ireland. ICC Belfast isn’t just a world-class events space; it’s designed to minimise environmental impact at every turn.
Environmental Leadership
• Green Meetings Gold-Certified Venue: ICC Belfast is the first venue on the island of Ireland to achieve Green Tourism Gold certification - a mark of excellence in environmental performance for meetings and events.
• Climate-Smart Infrastructure: Over 60 % of the venue’s electricity comes from renewable sources, lighting is energy-efficient LED with smart motion controls, and solar films help regulate heating and cooling.
• Waste & Recycling: ICC Belfast operates advanced waste management systems that ensure zero waste goes to landfill, with over 85 % of waste recycled and more than 75 % of food sourced locally.
• Water & Single-Use Reduction: Hydration stations across the venue promote reusable bottles and reduce single-use plastics.
Sustainable Access & Location
Situated in the heart of Belfast’s vibrant, walkable city centre, ICC Belfast encourages low-carbon travel. The venue is well-served by public transport and active travel networks, and nearby facilities include bike racks and electric vehicle charging stations - making low-impact travel to the Festival easier for all delegates.
A City That Cares
Belfast itself is recognised among the world’s most sustainable visitor destinations in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Local partnerships with Visit Belfast and others help drive city-wide progress toward net-zero and a resilient, inclusive economy, and ICC Belfast plays a key role in this ecosystem.
What You Can Do
BNA delegates play a vital role in our sustainability journey. You can help by:
• Reducing waste throughout the Festival
• Participating in sustainability sessions and activities
• Bringing reusable items like water bottles and bags
Together, we can ensure BNA2027 is not only a festival of extraordinary science but also a benchmark for environmentally responsible conferences worldwide.