As global attention increasingly focuses on climate change and sustainability, the conference interpreting industry is undergoing a quiet yet significant transformation. Interpreters—once frequent flyers attending high-profile events in every corner of the globe—are now adapting to a new standard: one that prioritizes environmental sustainability, digital tools, and remote solutions. But what does sustainability in conference interpreting really mean?

The shift is not just about saving money or improving efficiency. It’s about actively reducing the carbon footprint associated with international communication. As DayTranslations notes, “green interpreting” is not a buzzword—it’s becoming a best practice.

Let’s explore how sustainable practices are reshaping the conference interpreting space, what it means for interpreters and event organizers, and the broader implications for the way global events are conducted.

The Environmental Footprint of Traditional Interpreting

Historically, conference interpreting has been a resource-heavy industry. Consider the following:

• Air travel: Interpreters often fly internationally to attend conferences, racking up thousands of miles per event.
• Printed materials: Glossaries, scripts, presentation decks, and schedules were traditionally printed in bulk.
• Energy use: On-site booths, lighting, audio-visual setups, and backup equipment contribute to high energy demands.

For large international summits and corporate gatherings, the cumulative carbon emissions were substantial. And while few questioned these practices in the past, today’s event planners, interpreters, and clients are increasingly seeking greener alternatives.

Remote Interpreting: Reducing Travel, Emissions, and Waste as a Trademark of Sustainability in Conference Interpreting

The most significant sustainability shift in the industry is driven by remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI). Platforms like Zoom and KUDO have helped reimagine how language access can be delivered—from anywhere.

According to Conference-Interpretation Asia, RSI can reduce interpreter-related travel emissions by up to 90% per event. That’s not only a win for the planet—it’s also a cost saver for organizers who no longer need to cover travel, lodging, or per diems.

Benefits of Remote Interpreting:

• Lower carbon footprint: No flights, no hotel stays, no taxis.
• Fewer printed materials: All glossaries and prep documents are shared digitally.
• Flexible scheduling: Interpreters can support multiple events in different time zones from a single location.

These benefits also open up global opportunities for interpreters who may not have had the means or visas to travel before, making the industry more inclusive as well as sustainable.

Embracing Digital Documentation

Another major eco-friendly shift is the near-complete move toward digital documentation. Glossaries, prep materials, event agendas, and interpreter schedules are now stored in cloud-based systems or shared via secure platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Boostlingo’s own integrated tools.

This change:

• Saves paper and printing energy
• Speeds up collaboration and updates
• Makes content searchable, archivable, and shareable
• Reduces logistical errors (no more forgotten binders or lost handouts)

Greener Tech for Interpreting Equipment

When on-site interpreting is necessary—such as in hybrid conferences or governmental events—organizers are turning to energy-efficient interpreting equipment. Some key developments include:

• Low-energy interpreting consoles: Modern consoles use less power and are often made from recyclable materials.
• LED lighting in booths: Saves electricity and reduces heat output.
• Wireless headsets and microphones: More sustainable than wired systems that require more infrastructure and electricity.

Companies providing interpreting services are also investing in longer-lasting equipment with modular parts that can be repaired or upgraded rather than discarded.

How Interpreters Are Adapting

For interpreters, these sustainability-driven changes are both exciting and challenging.

What’s Changing in Their Workflow:

• More home studio setups: Interpreters must now maintain their own professional-grade equipment, soundproofing, and internet reliability.
• Increased digital literacy: Navigating virtual platforms, digital note-taking, and real-time document updates is now part of the job.
• Health and safety considerations: RSI poses risks such as screen fatigue and vocal strain, prompting interpreters to explore new ways to maintain their well-being.

But many interpreters welcome the changes. They appreciate the flexibility of working from home and being part of an industry that’s moving toward a more ethical and sustainable model.

Sustainability in Conference Interpreting Beyond the Booth

It’s not just interpreters and tech providers getting involved—event organizers, clients, and institutions are asking for greener language access from the start.

Some notable examples include:

• UN conferences using hybrid interpreting setups to minimize international travel
• NGOs opting for all-virtual events with RSI to reduce environmental impact
• Multinational companies creating sustainability guidelines for all vendors, including interpreting teams

These changes also influence venue selection, event planning, and budgeting. Sustainable conference interpreting is no longer a fringe concept—it has become the new default.

The Road Ahead

The move toward sustainability in conference interpreting is part of a broader effort to reimagine how the world communicates in the 21st century. As more industries go green, interpreting is proving that it, too, can adapt and innovate.

Future developments may include:

• AI-enhanced RSI platforms that use less bandwidth and energy
• Sustainability certification for interpreters and vendors
• Expanded support for indigenous and regional languages, enabling more inclusive and eco-conscious communication

Ultimately, the green transformation in conference interpreting is a win-win: for the environment, for interpreters, and for the global communities they serve.

Seldean Smith

Seldean is a multi-skilled content wizard that dedicates herself to writing content that goes beyond merely sparking interest in the audience.