Sustainability at L59

At Latitude59, sustainability is not a side project – it is part of how we design and run the event.
As one of the leading startup and tech conferences in the region, we believe innovation should also include responsibility towards the environment, resources, and the people around us. Our goal is not perfection, but building practical systems that reduce waste, support circular solutions, and help create better habits through the event experience.

We know that large events create significant environmental impact. That is why we continuously work on reducing unnecessary waste, encouraging reuse, improving sorting systems, and making more sustainable choices together with our partners, vendors, volunteers, and attendees.

Sustainability at Latitude59 is a shared responsibility.
 

What we do

Reusable dishes and cups only

Latitude59 uses reusable cups and dishes through a circular rental system provided by Ringo.

Disposable dishes, cups, cutlery, biodegradable single-use items, and compostable takeaway solutions are not allowed at the event.

This system helps us significantly reduce single-use waste while creating a more practical and sustainable experience for attendees.

Free drinking water

Free drinking water is available throughout the venue.

We encourage attendees to bring their own water bottles or reusable coffee cups. Reusable cups are also available on-site to support easy access to drinking water without relying on bottled water.

Selling or offering bottled water at partner areas, bars, or food trucks is not allowed.

Waste sorting system

Latitude59 uses a separate waste collection system across the venue.

Visitors can sort waste into clearly marked categories, and our sustainability team and volunteers help guide attendees throughout the event.

Behind the scenes, partners, food vendors, production crews, and organizers also follow a more detailed sorting system to ensure materials are handled responsibly.

Sustainable food and beverage principles

Food vendors and catering partners are encouraged to use local and organic ingredients whenever possible.

All food providers must offer at least one fully plant-based main dish, and we strongly encourage additional vegetarian and vegan options.

We also work to reduce food waste by encouraging responsible planning and finding solutions for leftover food.

Thoughtful materials and production

We encourage partners and vendors to create reusable booth concepts and avoid disposable materials.

The use of balloons, disposable carpets, unnecessary printed materials, and overproduced promotional items is discouraged or prohibited.

Instead of creating waste-heavy giveaways, we encourage partners to focus on useful, reusable, and meaningful experiences.

Energy and logistics

We encourage partners, vendors, and attendees to reduce unnecessary transportation and packaging.

Where possible, we support:

  • reusable production solutions
  • optimized logistics
  • public transport and shared mobility
  • energy-efficient equipment
  • minimizing unnecessary electricity use outside event hours

 

How attendees can help

Small actions make a big difference during large events.

Here are a few simple ways to participate:

  • Bring your own water bottle or reusable coffee cup
  • Use the reusable cup system available on-site
  • Sort waste according to the signs at waste stations
  • Return reusable cups and dishes after use
  • Avoid unnecessary printing and excessive merchandise
  • Use public transport, shared rides, cycling, or walking whenever possible, more info here
  • Return your lanyard after the event if collection is available

Our volunteers and sustainability team are always happy to help if you are unsure where something belongs.

 

Working together with partners

All partners, vendors, demo areas, food providers, and production teams participating at Latitude59 are expected to follow the official Sustainability Guidelines.

The guidelines cover:

  • reusable materials and production
  • waste sorting
  • food and beverage standards
  • reusable dish systems
  • logistics and transportation
  • reduction of disposable items
  • responsible use of energy and resources

We work closely with our partners to find practical and realistic solutions that support both the event experience and sustainability goals.

 

Sustainability is a process

We understand that sustainability is an ongoing learning process.

Not every solution is perfect, and large-scale events always come with environmental impact. However, we believe it is important to actively improve systems, test better solutions, and move the industry forward step by step.

Our goal is to create an event where sustainability is visible not only in communication, but also in everyday decisions, logistics, infrastructure, and attendee experience.

Thank you to everyone helping us build Latitude59 more responsibly.

Sustainability Guidelines

You can read the full Latitude59 Sustainability Guidelines here.


 

It is important for us to organize the conference in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way. We have taken the following steps to be more sustainable: 

  1. We are producing as little as possible and reusing, what’s possible!
    1. We avoid disposable building materials, banners & design elements as much as possible.
    2. When producing swag and gifts, we are preferring practical, sustainable and local products and immaterial gifts. We avoid disposables.
  2. We use only reusable cups, dishes and cutlery, our official partner is Ringo.
  3. Free high quality drinking water is available for all the attendees. We encourage everyone to use their own water bottles or reusable cups for refilling.
  4. There are always vegan food options and plant based coffee milks available for attendees. Edible food won’t be thrown away, it’ll be shared with the team and volunteers, handed over to foodsharing organizations or donated for those in need.
  5. Latitude59 is aiming to produce as little waste as possible and a separate collection of waste is used in order to send as much waste as possible to circulation. Conference attendees, as well as partners, production units and the team are expected to follow the sorting categories.
  6. We are aiming for energy efficiency – we use as little electronics and electrical machinery as possible, prefer energy efficient items and switch off what’s not in use.
  7. We encourage Latitude59 attendees to arrive at the venue by public transportation, by bike and walking instead of arriving by their own cars.
  8. We are analysing and measuring our steps to a more sustainable conference. So the next Latitude59 will be even more environmentally friendly.  

5 EASY STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE AT LATITUDE59

  1. Tallinn is a very attractive and walkable city – please walk to the venue, ride a bike or use public transport (free for conference attendees).
  2. There is clean drinking water available for free. Bring your own water bottle and/or coffee cup. Clean reusable cups are available at the venue.
  3. If you have any waste to throw away – please take a moment to sort it according to given categories. 
  4. Consume reasonably! There will be very little swag and handouts available for attendees.
  5. If you have a spare lanyard at home, bring it with you instead of taking a new one at the venue. If you get your lanyard at the conference, leave it at the collection point after the event for reuse next year!


Read more about measuring the ecological footprint of Latitude59 2024 here.