The IEEE Signal Processing Society (SPS) is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its global gatherings. By embedding practical sustainability, transparent carbon tracking, and community legacy projects into flagship events like the IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP), SPS is building a more responsible framework for international scientific exchange.
The AIMS Principles
The SPS operational framework balances high-value technical exchange with responsible execution:
- Affordable: Practical sustainability within standard budgets.
- Inclusive: Global accessibility, equity, and local community engagement.
- Memorable: Fostering social and environmental awareness.
- Sustainable: Measuring impact, optimizing resources, and reducing emissions.
Core Focus Areas
| Our Goals | Our Principles |
| Operational Sustainability Excellence | Sustainability as a Core Value |
| Community Engagement | Local Engagement & Support |
| Participant Engagement | Education & Awareness |
| Communications & Reporting | Transparency & Accountability |
| Continuous Improvement |
Impact Highlights & Benchmarks
ICASSP 2026 – Barcelona, Spain
- Legacy: Launched "Signals of Change" (IoT air-quality sensors, AI environmental data bot, STEM Masterclass).
- Waste & Food: 100% waste diverted from landfill (44.6% recycled/composted), 88.6% plant-based meals, 1,000 surplus lunches donated.
- Mobility: Free 96-hour public transit passes provided (75% utilization rate).
Download the ICASSP 2026 Sustainability & Legacy Program Report
ICASSP 2025 – Hyderabad, India
- Baseline: Created SPS's first formal sustainability framework (62% waste diversion).
- Sourcing: 100% local catering (77% vegetarian, cutting food emissions by 25%).
- Equity: Employed 20 local women artisans via Abhihaara Enterprise for delegate bags.
- Transit: Electric buses reduced ground transport emissions by 61%.
