Specific Objectives
- Proper organisation of the premises to ensure the smooth conduct of all activities of the Cyprus Presidency, utilising state-of-the-art technology and ensuring environmental sustainability.
- Provision of high-quality catering services to participants, reflecting a high level of hospitality, professionalism and environmental sustainability.
- Ensuring and maintaining a permanently clean and healthy working environment and orderly management of equipment with appropriate decoration using primarily native plants and flowers.
The sustainability efforts of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 are centred on the following areas:
1. Waste Management Plan
Waste management is structured according to a hierarchy that prioritises the prevention of waste generation wherever possible. When waste is produced, the focus shifts to its reduction, followed by separation for recycling and composting, with the ultimate goal of minimising overall waste volumes and promoting resource efficiency.
2. Cleaning Services
a) Cleaning Products
Staff are trained to use the accurate product dosage for each cleaning task, the accurate dilution ratio for non-diluted cleaning products and the appropriate dosing equipment. They are also trained in the proper storage of cleaning supplies and in minimising the range of cleaning products used, with the aim of reducing the risk of excessive use and misuse.
b) Energy Saving
Unheated water will be used for product dilution, unless otherwise specified by the product manufacturer. Where appropriate, lights and air-conditioning systems will be switched off.
c) Water Saving
Microfibre products will be used, where appropriate, in order to minimise the use of water and cleaning products.
d) Waste
Durable and reusable cleaning accessories will be used, and the use of single-use cleaning supplies (e.g. gloves) will be minimised, provided that this will not compromise staff safety or hygiene requirements. Staff are trained in the proper disposal of wastewater and in the waste separation for each type of waste generated during cleaning activities, including the management of solid waste in all areas of the Conference Centre and the Press Centre.
The following sustainable products will be used:
- Biodegradable bags (NOT oxo-degradable) or compostable bags (based on standards EN 13432 and/or ASTM D6400 and/or ASTM D6868) or ecological bags for all bins.
- Reusable, certified microfibre cleaning cloths.
Cleaning products (such as floor cleaning detergent, liquid hand soap, liquid dishwashing soap) will carry an ECO Label, i.e. they have been awarded the EU Ecolabel or other relevant Type I ecological labels (in accordance with EN ISO 14024) officially recognised at national or regional level in EU member states.
The use of eco-labelled products (orders, proper use by staff, and product lists) will be monitored and product replacement will be acceptable only if the replacement is equivalent (same use and same environmental certification).
The vacuum cleaners used will have an energy efficiency rating A or A+.
3. Decoration
- The plants used will be native or plants that have been cultivated on the island for centuries, not imported plants.
- Floral arrangements will primarily be native, seasonal flowers and the use of pots with local aromatic plants will be promoted.
- Priority will be given to the use of whole plants, wherever possible, and to their multiple uses and/ or cultivation.
4. Catering Services
- There will be no use of single-use plastics across the entire range of catering services.
- Where possible, inclusion of products registered in the Community Register as PDO/PGI/TSG will be recommended.
- 15% of the catering services evaluation score will relate to the proposal for managing surplus/unused food.
- Water coolers will be installed for the continuous provision of potable, cold, filtered water. There is no provision of plastic cups. Water coolers will be used for filling personal water flasks or glass cups.
- The use of local products in catering services will be encouraged.
- Remaining food will be donated to charities to prevent food waste.
5. Digital Innovation & Data-Driven Sustainability
The Conference Centre will use an award-winning Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) monitoring and analytics platform developed by Cypriot innovation companies. The system supports smarter use of energy, healthier indoor conditions and improved comfort.
As an element that adds further value, we propose the active use of the participant feedback collection feature, through QR codes that will be clearly visible during the events. In this way, participants can immediately record their experience regarding indoor comfort conditions, which can then be utilised by the building managers to inform decisions related to the operation of the space.
The aggregated analysis of the feedback, combined with real-time sensor data, constitutes an innovative, people-centric solution with tangible impact. At the same time, it provides a clear example of how EU-funded local research is transformed into real-world, sustainable solutions, reinforcing transparency, continuous improvement and alignment with European climate and healthy-building objectives.
6. Transportation
Carpooling and the use of public transport will be actively encouraged in order to reduce traffic congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and to minimise the overall environmental impact of transportation related to Presidency activities. Clear information on public transport routes and schedules will be provided to participants, staff, and delegates, while shared transport solutions will be promoted wherever feasible.