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.

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!

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 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. Find out more here.

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.

2023 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

204

tons of CO2 offset

1,503

kg of material reused

1,618

kg of selective collection

9,180

kg of carpet recycled

886

planted trees

21,795

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AN INITIATIVE OF:
WITH THE SUPPORT OF:

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