ICCA and Destination Canada have unveiled The State of Sustainability in Associations Report, revealing that while global associations increasingly value sustainability, many still struggle to turn commitment into measurable action.
According to the study, 66 per cent of international associations now rate sustainability as very or extremely important, up from 60 per cent in 2023, but consistent implementation remains elusive. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) still do not calculate their carbon footprint, and 19 per cent outsource measurement rather than building internal expertise.
The report also highlights a “cost paradox”: 63 per cent cite cost as the top barrier to sustainable event planning, yet 46 per cent are willing to pay five to 24 per cent more for sustainable options – suggesting perception, not price, is the true obstacle.
Senthil Gopinath, CEO of ICCA, said: “Our industry has moved beyond debating whether sustainability matters. The challenge now is transforming aspiration into accountability. This report provides the insight and evidence our community needs to act with purpose and precision.”
The full report is available here.
