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As DrupalCon continues to evolve, so does our responsibility to understand and reduce the impact of the events we create.

Great digital experiences don't exist in isolation. They are shaped not only by the technology we build and the communities we nurture, but also by the environmental footprint we leave behind.

At DrupalCon Vienna 2025, we took an important step forward by measuring the event's carbon footprint in detail, with measurement conducted by TerraVerde Sustainability, and the results tell a meaningful story.

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Why measuring impact matters

Sustainability is not a one-time achievement. It is an ongoing process of learning, improving, and making better decisions over time.

The 2025 Event Carbon Measurement Report provides a comprehensive view of DrupalCon's environmental impact, helping us move from assumptions to data-driven action.

The total carbon footprint of the event was 512.8 tCO₂e, down significantly from 1,574.57 tCO₂e in 2024.

This progress reflects not only better planning, but also more intentional decisions, particularly in location and venue selection, where more efficient energy use and improved waste management played a key role.

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What we learned from DrupalCon Vienna 2025

One of the most important insights is clear: Travel remains the dominant source of emissions.

94-95% of emissions came from delegate travel, mostly driven by flights.

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However, while travel still represents the largest share, overall travel emissions were significantly lower than in 2024, supported in part by Vienna's central location and strong rail connectivity.

The remaining emissions are distributed across several categories. Excluding travel, the total footprint was 26.97 tCO₂e, with heating accounting for 48% of emissions, while materials, food & beverage, and accommodation were other large contributors.

Across the event, we also saw:

• Energy consumption significantly decreased compared to previous years
• Waste was reduced through improved recycling and diversion strategies

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These insights help us move from general intentions to targeted action.

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What sustainability looks like at DrupalCon

Sustainability at DrupalCon is built through intentional choices across the entire event experience:

• Catering - Plant-forward meals, locally sourced ingredients, no disposables, and food donation
• Wellbeing - Quiet spaces, wellness activities, and opportunities to recharge
• Climate action - Energy-efficient venues, low-emission travel, and carbon reduction strategies
• Community - Inclusive programs, scholarships, and initiatives that support diverse participation
• Waste reduction - Minimal printing, refill stations, and reduced single-use materials
• Partnerships - Working with sponsors and suppliers to align on sustainability goals

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A shared responsibility

Drupal has always been more than just technology. It is a global community built on collaboration, openness, and shared values. Sustainability is a natural extension of those values.

By sharing these insights openly, we invite the Drupal community to be part of the solution.

Whether you are:

• Choosing more sustainable travel options
• Stay in green-certified hotels
• Being mindful of materials and waste
• Supporting more responsible event practices
• Providing more detailed travel information during registration to help improve measurement accuracy

Your decisions matter.

Together, we can continue building DrupalCons that are not only impactful and inspiring, but also responsible and sustainable.

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