Green initiatives
At Aarhus University we aim at making our conferences more sustainable by making greener choices. We are striving to minimize the environmental impact by reducing the conference carbon footprint and other environmental consequences. In this regard, we are also particularly focused on creating an environment that support and facilitate meaningful and valuable dialogues and connections between participants when we travel and meet. Here are some of the initiatives, you can experience during the MatchPoints conference 2026:
Reusable AU bottles
On average, a conference participant drinks two bottles of water every day, so over the MatchPoints conference including outreach events, that would add up to 1,500–2,100 disposable plastic bottles. To avoid this, we provide conference participants with a reusable water bottle instead.
Danish tap water is pure, clean and delicious, so there is no reason to drink bottled water in Aarhus. The reusable bottles also eliminate the use of plastic cups and the water and energy that would go into washing up glasses. Please bring it home with you after the conference and keep filling it.
Conference materials
We have replaced the usual conference tote bag with a “buffet” of conference materials, so that participants can choose what they need. The name tags used are made of FSC-certified paper, and the complimentary key lanyard is made of recycled plastic bottles. Printed material is kept at a minimum and we only use FSE-certified paper.
Meat free catering
On May 7, lunch will be provided by Compass Group, a catering service dedicated to sustainability and focused on the task to lower the carbon footprint and CO2 emissions from food. The kitchen has replaced all single-use packaging with biodegradable packing, and is now focused on reducing food waste and on converting unavoidable waste into sustainable energy. Compass Group is working on transitioning to more plant-based options in all their cafeterias. Utilizing 100% of the potential of raw materials reduces food waste and contributes to lowering the environmental burden, including CO2 emissions.
At the MatchPoints conference lunch is meat-free.
Circular transition and reusable cups
Compass Group is focusing on how to utilize resources for longer durations to reduce waste volumes. Much of the plastic waste comes from packaging, which is why Compass Group is working on phasing out several plastic products from their production. At the same time, they are exploring solutions for new reusable packaging products with deposit systems. A special reusable cup has now been introduced and will be used at the MatchPoints conference.
Walking to the venue
The suggested hotel of MatchPoints 2026 is within walking distance of the conference venue. If you want to avoid motorized transportation, we invite you to take a morning stroll through the city and follow these maps:
Walk from Scandic Aarhus City in the city centre (approx. 25-30 min.)
Alternatively, we recommend that you travel to the venue by public transportation in Aarhus or carpool. See parking options at the venue.