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.
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 1.388 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 2024.
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 2024, these efforts avoided 38,000 single-use plastic cups.
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. In 2024, this led to no special waste left on the site.
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 20,211 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 2024 edition, 150 tons of CO2 were offset.
Our venue's commitment to green energy
The Gran Via Venue runs on 100% renewable energy, cutting 12,500 tons of CO2 annually, and hosts one of the world’s largest rooftop solar plants.
2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
150
5,110
kg of material reused
0
kg of special waste left on the site
11,131
1,388
planted trees
20,211
app downloads
Green exhibitor award 2024 went to the czech pavilion
The Czech Pavilion was recognized as the most sustainable exhibitor thanks to its innovative design:
Minimalist Architecture: Limited construction materials, transport, and energy consumption.
Open Presentation Area: Open to the entire exposition, reducing the need for partition walls and graphic panels.
Reused Materials: Supporting structures, flooring, and walls constructed from recycled materials.
Waste Prevention Strategy: Measures to minimize waste and promote sustainability.
Thanks for your efforts and implication!
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.
