Sustainability mandate
Prioritizing sustainability is critical to the BUILDEX team, and parent company Informa Connect, as we understand the environmental impact of the events industry. BUILDEX strives to identify, understand, and address these impacts to achieve continual improvement year after year. Not only are we committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way, but we also strive to go further and inspire the sustainable development of the industry we serve and the community we foster.
Our efforts
Vancouver Convention Centre
Along with being a double LEED platinum certified facility, the VCC houses a six-acre living roof designed to act as an insulator, reducing heat gains in the summer and heat losses in the winter. The VCC operates a ‘scratch’ kitchen using primarily fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, additionally, the venue has a waste diversion rate of 75%.
The FORGE
Each year, BUILDEX partners with a charitable organization closely aligned with the interests and priorities of the professional communities the show serves. For 2026, BUILDEX has partnered with the Forge, an initiate from the Construction Foundation of BC.
The Forge is an initiative developed to address the skilled trades' mental health crisis. With the input of tradespeople with lived experience, we offer supports that foster trust, reduce stigma, and connect workers to resources that will support their pathway to wellness. Our approach is simple: Tradespeople supporting tradespeople.
Find out more at https://entertheforge.ca/.
BUILDEX Event App: EventHub
Our event planner is made available in a digital format only, and our event app EventHub acts as an all-in-one event companion, eliminating the need for paper-based show guides.
2026 program
Use the filter tool on the program below to select ‘Sustainability, Carbon Management & High-Performance Buildings' stream to see over 20 sustainability sessions happening at BUILDEX Vancouver 2026!
Waste diversion
Last year BUILDEX Vancouver diverted 74% of waste from landfill. We have removed our aisle carpets, we re-use signage and implement digital signage where possible. We will be tracking our energy consumption and wastage in 2026. Be sure to trash your garbage correctly!
Better Stands & Sustainable Booth Award
We believe that by moving away from the use of disposable exhibition booths we will improve the ease, quality, safety and sustainability of the exhibitor experience at our events. In 2024, BUILDEX Vancouver implemented the Better Stands program and Sustainable Booth Award, which means we verified every booth to check their sustainability processes and credentials. We will be doing the same in 2026!
Renewable electricity
We purchase renewable electricity certificates and purchase carbon offsets for staff travel for each BUILDEX event.
Wellness room & water stations
We have a dedicated room at BUILDEX Vancouver to be used for prayer, quiet time, relaxation or as a lactation room. This can be found on Level 2.
Don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Water stations will be provided outside throughout the venue.
How you can help
Attendees
- Download the BUILDEX app as your guide for the event.
- Attend the content based around sustainability.
- Support our charity partner, The FORGE.
- Carpool or take public transport to BUILDEX Vancouver. Additionally choose to offset your travel to/from BUILDEX Vancouver.
- Use a refillable water bottle and coffee cup throughout the event.
- While on-site please use the waste/recycling/composting bins correctly.
- Consider eating vegetarian or vegan at least one meal per day
Exhibitors
- Complete the Exhibitor Sustainability Survey and be entered for a chance to win the Sustainable Booth Award!
- Reduce physical handouts including business cards, opt for a QR code and provide information digitally. Claim your one complimentary lead retrieval device.
- If you must print, create reusable non-dated signs that can be used year after year.
- Avoid foam core signs and request recyclable material such as cardboard signage.
- Requesting sustainable options from Levy/Contractor.
- Set a goal to leave no trace behind by shipping out all booth properties and packing materials and if not, consider donating to Habitat for Humanity during move-out.
- Use energy efficient LED lights whenever possible to highlight areas and products within your booth, while keeping energy consumption minimal. Be sure to power down your booth at the end of each show day.
- During Move-In/Move Out ensure you utilize the cardboard & hard/soft plastic recycling bins.
Diversity & inclusivity at BUILDEX
For BUILDEX to remain relevant for the next generation of leaders, we must push diversity hard at every turn, changing established thinking. And giving access to opportunities where you can learn more about each other and topics that drive change is our goal. Everything we do goes towards creating the ultimate experience: making a safe, inclusive space for people to gather and celebrate together.
Code of conduct
Accessibility page
Land acknowledgment
BUILDEX Vancouver takes place at the Vancouver Convention Centre which is situated on the ancestral, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. We gratefully acknowledge and appreciate the privilege to operate on these lands, and we recognize the enduring presence and stewardship of these peoples.