Sustainability is an increasingly important topic across the attractions industry. For many facilities and suppliers, the challenge is not whether sustainability matters; it’s where to start and how to make meaningful progress.
At IAAPA, we recently launched our first Sustainability Strategy. The strategy focuses primarily on IAAPA’s own journey as a global trade association while continuing to support members in their own progress. The study provides a clear roadmap to strengthen our work across environmental, social, and governance areas. Our ambition is to move IAAPA toward stronger sustainability leadership by setting clear goals, measuring progress, and communicating transparently.
The strategy focuses on several key priorities, including reducing climate impact, improving resource efficiency, strengthening employee and member engagement, and building effective sustainability governance. The initiative also includes expanding sustainability education and sharing industry good practices. While IAAPA continues to strengthen its own efforts, supporting members remains a central part of this work.
The Starting Point
Many organizations begin by reviewing their current operations and identifying areas where improvements can be made. This often includes energy use, water consumption, waste management, employee engagement, and community impact.
Practical actions might include improving energy efficiency, strengthening recycling programs, working with responsible suppliers, or encouraging employees to participate in sustainability initiatives.
The important part is to begin, which builds progress over time. Sustainability does not require a perfect starting point—it develops through practical actions and continuous learning.
Find Resources
IAAPA offers several resources that can help members develop their sustainability approach.
One example is IAAPA’s vast online Sustainability Fundamentals. This free member course introduces sustainability and builds awareness. Online, members can access industry insights, case examples, and good practices that highlight how attractions around the world are addressing sustainability challenges and opportunities.
In addition, IAAPA continues to grow a sustainability community. Members can connect with peers, exchange ideas, and follow discussions through our digital platform, IAAPA Communities. Joining is simple through the IAAPA website by logging into your account and selecting “My Membership.” We welcome more members to join the conversation and share experiences.
Sustainability at IAAPA Events
Integrating sustainability into IAAPA’s events and expos is now more important than ever. As part of our Sustainability Strategy, we have started working toward sustainability certification for IAAPA Expo Europe 2026, with plans to expand this approach to other regions in the coming years. The certification process is comprehensive and includes environmental, social, and governance criteria, along with structured improvements, documentation, and third-party audits.
IAAPA Expos are an important platform for visibility and industry collaboration. By strengthening sustainability practices at these events, we aim to reduce potential negative impacts while demonstrating leadership and sharing solutions across the attractions community.
Moving Forward Together
Every organization’s sustainability journey is different. What matters most is taking the first step and continuing to build progress over time. IAAPA is committed to supporting members along the way by providing knowledge, tools, and a community where the industry can learn and grow together.
Download IAAPA's Sustainability strategy and discover a collection of sustainable tools for IAAPA members at IAAPA.org/about/sustainability
Connect with other members, ask questions, get answers with IAAPA Communities. IAAPA.org/IAAPA-communities
