Conventa 2022, a European exhibition for the MICE industry, took place from 23 – 26 August 2022 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The show states that organisers measured the carbon footprint of the entire event, calculated together with ClimatePartner based on measurements of emissions generated at the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The total carbon footprint of Conventa 2022 amounted to 275.4 tonnes or 255 kg/participant/day. That is the same as the average annual carbon emissions of 30 EU citizens. Additionally, the research found that 88.2% of the measured carbon footprint resulted from transporting participants to the venue.
Identifying the cause
According to the Conventa Green Team, the purpose of 2022’s calculation was to identify the activities that cause the most greenhouse gas emissions.
“The project aims to raise awareness among event organisers so that they engage in climate action. If we don’t measure things, it’s impossible to improve them,” commented Jakob Sterlich, head of ClimatePartner Austria, at the end of the measurement process.
Gorazd Čad, the co-founder of Conventa, said: “The next steps are crucial. 275 tonnes of CO2 are a great insight for upgrading our sustainability system and the 5R methodology (Rethink/Reduce/Reuse/Recycle/Refuse).”
5R: RETHINK
- More climate-friendly catering menus were ordered, resulting in 77.8% vegetarian and 22.2% meat dishes.
- Two educational sessions were held to educate project partners and build a culture of sustainable transformation.
- The “10 tips to reduce your carbon footprint at Conventa” campaign for hosted buyers, exhibitors, partners, and team members raised awareness of the need to reduce harmful impacts on the environment.
5R: REDUCE
- The matchmaking system was fully digitalised via the B2Match platform mobile app.
- Directional, instructional, and informative signs were digitalised with 12 plasmas and four digital LED stands.
- Four electric shuttles (Go.Opti) were introduced, with an average engine emission of 18.9 g CO2/km
- The digitalisation of event organisation and marketing reduced paper consumption by 40%.
- The carbon footprint generated by everyday commutes to business meetings was reduced by the organisers equipping themselves with their own bicycles and electric scooters.
5R: REUSE
- 2850 wooden crates from the exhibition stands will be reused for the upcoming Conventa as well as other events at the Centre.
- 76% of the cardboard signs will also be reused at Conventa 2023.
5R: RECYCLE
- Leftover food was managed with pre-prepared catering packages and a food storage system (Jezeršek Catering).
- At all social events, caterers offered cardboard packaging for participants to store leftover food.
5R: REFUSE
- A complete ban on plastic use was adhered to by all caterers and subcontractors.
- Disposable carpets were eliminated at the venue to reduce waste.
Moving forwards
The organisers have implemented other measures for a free handbook, which will be made available free of charge in October.
According to Conventa, the organisers will analyse the data and act on the 5R Sustainability Measures matrix by the end of October.
In the build-up to Conventa 2023, the organisers are encouraging registered participants to use alternative means of transportation. They also plan to obtain ISO 2021 (Sustainable Events) certification and organise 10 Conventa Trend Bar online training courses dedicated to sustainable events.
