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

HOW YOU CAN
GET INVOLVED
AS AN EXHIBITOR

Find more ideas in the Sustainability Guide

NEW FOR 2022!

This year, the most sustainable exhibitor will be recognized with the Green Exhibitor Award.

BETTER EVENTS FOR A BETTER WORLD

What we are doing to reduce our footprint

Planting trees for the planet

We’ll continue to 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 your donations will help us plant thousands of trees for the Planting for Doñana reforestation project. 

Opting for circular decoration

All of our venue decoration will be 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. 6,221kg of material were reused in 2022.

Avoiding single-use plastics

Once again, we’re saying goodbye to single-use plastics and instead offering water fountains and selling reusable water bottles. In 2022, these efforts avoided 1,714kg of plastic waste.

Recycling throughout the venue

Special containers for separating waste will be distributed throughout both halls of the event, with dedicated volunteers on hand to help visitors. This led to 2,414kg of selective collection in 2022.

Using less paper

In order to reduce our paper use, we will exclusively use the event app for all the event information – last year’s edition hit 14,471 downloads. Visitors will be able to access the venue with the Digital Badge found in the App.

Offsetting CO2 emissions

All emissions generated by the event are offset by buying Verified Emission Reduction Carbon Credits for sustainable projects. During our 2022 edition, 199.99 tons of CO2 were offset.

Limiting food waste

Retrieved food will be 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.

WHAT WE ACHIEVED IN 2022

199.999

tons of CO2 offset

7,963

kg of savings in waste production

2,414

kg of selective collection

5,300

kg of carpet recycled

1,020

passes returned

14,471

downloads

MOST SUSTAINABLE EXHIBITOR 2022

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

In 2022, we recognized the commitment of Metropolis GZM for minimizing their carbon footprint, and effectively using fewer and recycled materials in the design, construction, use and dismantling of their stand.

In the words of the exhibitor: “We wanted our booth to be a good place, with people enjoying it just as if they were enjoying a visit to a park or a nice place. And I think that we succeeded. All the furniture and plants will be reused after the SCEWC.”

Thank you for your efforts – and congratulations!

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