SUSTAINABILITY
& DIVERSITY
Our values in action
SUSTAINABILITY & DIVERSITY. OUR VALUES IN ACTION.
At Smart City Expo we’ve been working for fifteen years towards creating efficient and sustainable cities that leave no one behind, and we’re proud to say that Fira Barcelona has obtained ISO 14001 certification, the most widely recognized international standard in the field of environmental management.
For more than a decade, we’ve attracted the most disruptive brands and voices to influence what’s next in urban planning and smart urban solutions around the world to build more participatory, fairer, and greener cities together.
As an event, we believe it’s essential to lead by example, integrating diversity and sustainability into everything we do to ensure everyone feels represented. This is why initiatives like Towards Zero Waste are at the heart of our mission, encouraging a reduction in waste production, promoting resource reuse, and ensuring better waste management practices.
We’re proud to reduce our environmental footprint, enhance equity, and promote green consciousness while building on past successes and introducing new initiatives to make this our best event yet.
towards zero waste
Circularity. Everything gets a second life
All of our beautiful decoration elements were crafted from post-consumer recycled cardboard, while all furniture was rented to ensure continuous reuse. This way, our venue decoration follows a fully circular design approach.
An impressive 5,950 kg of material were reused at last year’s event, while 12,260 kg of carpet were recycled. Besides, retrieved food was collected and donated to the NGO Nutrition Without Borders, which distributes it through community kitchens.
We strive to be smart and sustainable by design, and we’re thrilled to see how exhibitors build up their stands with a circular mindset to reduce the high environmental impact of their participation at the event.
towards zero waste
No single-use plastics. Less paper. Tons of recycling
Six years ago we got drastic with plastic and said goodbye to all single-use plastics in the whole venue. We set up water fountains so attendees can refill reusable bottles for free.
In addition, waste separation stations are strategically placed across both halls, with dedicated volunteers ensuring every visitor plays a part in keeping the event green. Last year, there was a total of 1.6 tons of waste selectively collected.
In order to reduce our paper use, we exclusively use the event app for all the event information and we encourage exhibitors to provide digital information and avoid printing, too!
Finally, every piece of leftover wood, fabric, and organic material is carefully recycled, ensuring zero waste. Last year, we recycled more than 10 tons of material.
towards zero waste
Plant some trees, help the planet breathe
Year after year we team up with Plant for the Planet to support reforestation initiatives and raise awareness around the global climate emergency. Money collected from attendees’ donations and merch sold has resulted in thousands of new trees.
Both 2024 and 2025 donations went to the Planting for Doñana reforestation project. Doñana is one of Spain’s most emblematic biodiversity hot spots, and one of the most important protected natural areas in Europe.
Last year, proceeds from merchandise sales funded the planting of 1,152 new trees. Since the initiative began in 2022, we’ve planted a total of 3,773 trees!
In parallel, all CO2 emissions generated by the event are offset by buying Verified Emission Reduction Carbon Credits for sustainable projects. Attendees are given the option to do the same with the emissions linked to their journey and their stay in Barcelona. Last year, 346 tons of CO2 were offset.
towards zero waste
All the (green) power
to the venue
We’re committed to green energy. Fira de Barcelona only consumes electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydraulic, tidal and geothermal, along with biomass and biogas. This includes all energy consumed at the venue (stands, exhibition areas, congress-related activity, etc.) and in its offices, reducing CO2 emissions by 12,500 tons annually.
Our venue has one of the biggest rooftop photovoltaic plants in the world, with 25,947 panels over an area of 135,000 m2 that generate 5.86 GWh of electricity per year, avoiding the emission of 2,200+ tons of CO2.
Moreover, Fira de Barcelona also leads in Spain by implementing IoT technology for energy optimization and installing low-consumption lighting systems.
towards zero waste
GREEN EXHIBITOR AWARD
The Green Exhibitor Award recognizes exhibitors who actively work to reduce their environmental impact, aiming to raise awareness and promote responsible participation throughout the event. It’s a meaningful opportunity to show that great design and green practices can go hand in hand.
Together with our Sustainability Guide for Exhibitors, this award encourages sustainable practices before, during, and after the event.
In 2025, the Czech Republic pavilion was recognized for its bold, holistic approach to sustainability, combining proven practices with fresh innovations.
INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
Full accessibility ensured
Electric scooters are available for people with reduced mobility, as well as reserved spaces for wheelchairs or electric scooters in the food courts and in the audience of all Congress rooms.
We’ve also partnered up with Navilens to implement an accessibility and guidance system for the visually impaired. Labels are set on fixed venue elements which, through an app installed on a mobile phone, provide visitors with voice instructions.
INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
Room for
all beliefs
In addition, dedicated prayer rooms adapted to all needs are available in the venue.
INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
A congress empowering diversity
Every year, we shape a diverse multidisciplinary lineup of speakers from different backgrounds and geographies. Equal gender representation is assured within a 600+ speaker roster. Also, an information and support point for gender safety is located at the entrance of the venue.
Last but not least, our conference program includes specific sessions about gender inclusivity, equality, accessibility, barrier-free design, and green urbanism. Key topics for making cities – and events – a better place for all. By celebrating the event’s diversity, we can become a positive force of inclusion and look to drive social change.
Working together, a positive impact will spread within the 3-day event and far beyond.
