Introduction
Arbitral institutions are called upon to be more aware of the environmental impact they have had for years. For decades, arbitral proceedings were characterized by environmentally unfriendly practices, dominated by the proliferation of printed documents for as many parties involved as there were arbitrators participating in the process, for each action taken by the parties, the arbitrators, or the institution. Stacks upon stacks of documentation were accumulated and filed as stark evidence of what transpired. Notifications were delivered to addresses, which entailed transportation, freight, fuel, and personnel costs, and hybrid hearings were rarely held, with only one participant attending virtually.
Travel expenses for the tribunal, parties, witnesses, and experts were commonplace in all types of arbitration, regardless of the complexity or simplicity of the dispute.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the world of arbitration; Only those institutions prepared to confront the crisis with creative and technological solutions maintained service despite the population lockdowns. Some implemented significant regulatory changes, others developed guidelines or policies for providing services virtually, but all brought with them a series of practices whose daily use has become the current reality of international arbitration.
Today, after the global health emergency, many are asking:
Should we return to the widespread arbitration practices of the pre-pandemic era?
Should printing numerous documents, filing, and accumulating paper be optional for users?
Should we send notifications to clients’ homes or hold only in-person hearings? Or, on the contrary,
Can we permanently adopt Sustainability Policies that not only allow us to be environmentally friendly and benefit future generations, but also seek greater efficiency and transparency in the management of the actors involved in arbitration?
Click to see the sustainability policies
Last modified: Tuesday April 28th, 2026
