Towards Zero Waste | SCEWC 5-7 NOV 2024

We’re working towards creating efficient, inclusive and sustainable cities – so naturally, our events should lead by example. Started back in 2016, Towards Zero Waste is a dedicated sustainability initiative in line with the European Commission’s Circular Economy strategy based on use of fewer materials, reuse and recycling of products, and no food waste.

HOW YOU CAN
GET INVOLVED
AS A VISITOR

Stay hydrated at the event with our water fountains. You can bring your own bottle or purchase one on-site.
Offset your carbon footprint of emissions generated by your journeys to and around Barcelona.
Be sure to recycle all waste at recycling points around the venue, including your networking badge!
Travel sustainably to and around Barcelona, be it by carsharing or hopping on a bike. Cycle parking is available onsite.

HOW YOU CAN
GET INVOLVED
AS AN EXHIBITOR

Design and build your stand as sustainably as possible by reusing and recycling items.
Donate materials from your stand that you no longer need at the end of the event filling out this form
Avoid single-use plastics in your catering menus. Check out our plastic-free options at Gastrofira.
Keep the event as paper-free as possible by reducing printed promotional materials and offering digital alternatives
Help us keep the event’s carbon footprint down by using energy responsibly.

Find more ideas in the Sustainability Guide

Green exhibitor award 2024

The most sustainable exhibitor will be recognized with the Green Exhibitor Award.

Terms & Conditions

MOST SUSTAINABLE EXHIBITOR 2023

In line with the goals of the Towards Zero Waste actions, we launched the Green Exhibitor Award to reward the exhibitors that are reducing the high environmental impact of their participation at the event.

In 2023, we recognized the commitment of Bioo for their nature-based solutions for sustainable construction and cities. Their stand saved loads of energy thanks to Bioo’s game-changing creation, the Bioo Panel. It taps into natural microorganisms to create power, absorb carbon, and conserve water. Those stunning plants weren’t just eye candy, they were powering up the space!

That’s what the Green Exhibitor Award stands for, showcasing these values in our own event.

Thank you for your efforts – and congratulations!

BETTER EVENTS FOR A BETTER WORLD

What we are doing to reduce our footprint

Planting trees for the planet

We support the reforestation initiatives in collaboration with Plant for the Planet, an organization that aims to raise awareness about the issues of climate change and global justice. Money raised from attendees’ donations help us plant thousands of trees for the Planting for Doñana reforestation project, which has already seen the successful planting of 886 trees.

Opting for circular decoration

All of our venue decoration is carried out using circular elements, including carpets made from recycled materials. We do so by repurposing the same structures that are used to assemble our modular stand packs when putting together our decorations. 1,503kg of material were reused in 2023.

Avoiding single-use plastics

Once again, we say goodbye to single-use plastics and instead offer biodegradable cuttlery and water fountains with reusable bottles. In 2023, these efforts avoided 2,134kg of plastic waste.

Recycling throughout the venue

Special containers for separating waste are distributed throughout both halls of the event, with dedicated volunteers on hand to help visitors. This led to 1,618kg of selective collection in 2023.

Using less paper

In order to reduce our paper use, we exclusively use the event app for all the event information – last year’s edition hit 21,795 downloads. Visitors are able to access the venue with the Digital Badge found in the App.

Limiting food waste

Retrieved food is collected and donated to the NGO Nutrition Without Borders and distributed by community kitchens.

Supporting sustainable travel

We encourage visitors to get around Barcelona sustainably by offering a parking area for bikes and scooters and discounts on public transport.

Offsetting CO2 emissions

All emissions generated by the event are offset by buying Verified Emission Reduction Carbon Credits for sustainable projects. During our 2023 edition, 204 tons of CO2 were offset.