Commitment to Sustainability

Updated May 26, 2026

Our Strategic Approach

Sustainability is one of the core commitments shaping our approach throughout this edition of the DRAPAC assembly. As a cornerstone convening for digital rights advocates and internet freedom champions in Asia-Pacific, DRAPAC26 celebrates the power of in-person connections and exchanges.

While these connections and exchanges are invaluable, it is vital to acknowledge and mitigate the environmental and social impacts of hosting an event of this scale. Our approach towards sustainability anchors on the following strategies:

Reducing single-use plastics – DRAPAC26 will actively eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics across all event operations, prioritising reusable and biodegradable alternatives.

Encouraging reuse and repair – We will limit the production of new materials and items for the event by repurposing existing ones and ensuring anything new we produce are usable in the future.

Enabling access to sustainable mobility – To minimise carbon emissions from travel, the organisers will focus on selecting a location that prioritises sustainable transportation options.

The DRAPAC26 venues are located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City. BGC is considered a highly pedestrian friendly area. The urban design prioritizes pedestrians, making it convenient for residents and visitors to navigate.

Incentivizing sustainable practices – All event merchandise and giveaways will reflect sustainable values, encouraging mindful consumption rather than excess.

Optimizing consumption of resources – Energy and water conservation will be prioritised through venue selection and operational efficiency.

SMX Aura is committed to sustainability through various initiatives that prioritize environmentally friendly practices. The venue has implemented effective waste management strategies, such as Bokashi composting to divert food waste, alongside a push for paper consumption reduction. By adopting paperless processes for HR and purchasing, SMX Aura favors digital transactions and minimizes reliance on printed materials. Energy efficiency is also a key focus, with all properties transitioning to 100% LED lighting and the installation of automatic sensors for optimally managing escalators.

In addition to resource management, SMX Aura emphasizes water conservation through a dedicated reduction program that includes microfiber towels and cleaning chemical dispensers to minimize water use. The venue adheres to local environmental standards for chemical usage in water quality and effluent management.

Practical Guide for Attendees

Bring your own lanyard – We request everyone to bring a used lanyard from a past event. If you have more, please bring extra lanyards to give to other attendees.

Bring a reusable bottle or cup – We will provide drinking water stations at the venue where you can refill your reusable bottle or cup for FREE rather than paying for bottled water.

Pack leftovers for your next meal – To reduce food waste, you may pack leftovers to take home after the event. We will provide sustainable food containers if you do not bring your own.

Only take what you need – Some things are available for FREE but you should only take what you need to use or consume. Please leave the rest for others.