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
- Support our reforestation efforts by making a donation to our project or by buying event merch.
- 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. Calculate your emissions
- 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.
- 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
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
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
7,963
2,414
5,300
1,020
14,471
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!
