“Best destination approach to implementing sustainability”, was chosen in order to recognise initiatives that combine the efforts of a destination, in partnership with a professional exhibition operator, to implement sustainability around an individual exhibition or a series of events.
The jury selected Fira Barcelona as the winner and their entry is available by clicking on its name. After implementing certain measures around their own events (energy efficiency, eco-design, waste management, CSR program and paperless processes) and guest events (such as free consultancy and donation room), Fira Barcelona realised that they needed to expand their scope: they therefore began to develop joint initiatives with their City Council and other relevant entities. These joint initiatives included:
– Development of a “Good Environmental Practices Manual” in conjunction with the Catalan Regional Government and the Catalan Waste Management Agency;
– Admission to the Barcelona Sustainable Tourism program developed by the Barcelona Convention Bureau;
– Promoting the use of public transportation among the attendees with the Barcelona City Council and other entities;
– Launch of the “Towards Zero Waste” program as a part of the “Smart City World Congress”.
The jury also recognized two other finalists: Marina Bay Sands from Singapore and RAI Amsterdam from the Netherlands.
Three additional entries were also selected as examples for best practices in the field of sustainability: BVV Trade Fairs Brno (Czech Republic), CTICC (South Africa) and Meeting Africa (South Africa).
For more information, please contact Christian Druart at chris@ufi.org.
