Eurovision Song Contest 2026 host broadcaster ORF has released more details on its Vienna plans, including information on accessibility and its drive for a sustainable contest to earn ‘Green Event’ certification.
🇦🇹 ORF outlines sustainability and accessibility initiatives for Eurovision 2026
Recently, we published an in-depth editorial on the Sustainability of the Eurovision Song Contest; looking at the environmental and economic challenges each host city faces and how they overcome them in a climate-conscious world.
Back in 2015, Austria hosted the first ‘Green Event’. Now as we approach 2026, ORF has confirmed its commitment to a sustainable and accessible contest for travelling Eurofans heading to Vienna next May.
Sustainability
After obtaining the ‘Green Event’ certification in 2015, ORF wants to take this ambition a step further. The aim for 2026 is to receive two accolades – ‘Green Event’ and ‘Green Producing in Film and Television’.
In order to produce a low carbon footprint event, ORF plans to follow the guidelines of the certification criteria. Currently the Wiener Stadthalle host venue has EMAS certification. In 2026, ORF will ensure the electricity comes from its own photovoltaic system. The backup generators for the venue will not be left continually running.
Hungry fans will only be able to purchase food on-site at Eurovision venues from environmentally certified vendors that will provide locally sourced, organic food that is in season. A waste separation system for recycling will be deployed.
Accessibility
In 2015, ORF became the first broadcaster to include a broadcast of International Sign Language for the Eurovision performances. Once again, ORF wants to ensure an accessible and inclusive event for disabilities in 2026. Next year, ORF will send the International Sign Language broadcast to all other competing broadcasters. As well as this, ORF will run a Eurovision broadcast on its own ORF ON channel. This accessible channel features Austrian Sign Language and audio description with subtitles and translation also available. Thus providing inclusivity for those with visual and hearing impairments.
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