Festival for a Sustainable Future
The event sector has significant potential to help achieve ambitious climate goals. For a mega-event like the "Week of the Environment," organized by the environmental communication center, many helping hands are necessary. The event aims to be a festival for a sustainable future, featuring engaging discussions, in-depth information on environmental, climate, and biodiversity protection, and countless practical examples of solutions for preserving the planet.
One of the significant challenges is the venue: the historic Bellevue Palace, built in 1785, and its garden, a registered monument. This requires maximum caution during setup. Protective mats are used on the lawns, tents and stages are assembled by hand without heavy machinery, and heavy flooring boards are transported using small hand carts. Even the smallest details are considered for sustainability: the carpet tiles are reusable, no disposable materials are used, and the stands for the approximately 190 exhibitors from across Germany are equipped with aluminum frame systems that can be reused for future events.
The European Association of Event Centers has committed to climate neutrality for its organized locations by 2040. This aligns with the measures implemented in this event, which aims to set a standard for sustainable practices in the sector. The industry has a significant influence, with an estimated 2.6 million events and around 373 million participants, as noted in the latest Meeting- & EventBarometer Germany. The proportion of providers with certified sustainability management systems has doubled from 27% in 2011 to 54% in 2023.
As the "Week of the Environment" kicks off on June 4, around 60 employees from an event and measurement technology company will have completed a 20-day preparation period. This includes laying nearly 3,570 carpet tiles, driving about 500 ground stakes, installing around 3,000 meters of hoses and lines, approximately 20,000 meters of cables, and mounting around 350 energy-efficient LED spotlights. Additionally, about 2,000 square meters of floor protection system plates and approximately 4,200 square meters of tents and stages will be set up. The event will use renewable energy for cooking, and guests will be served vegetarian or vegan meals and drinks in organic quality.
The festival promises an exciting program of discussions and information, with in-depth insights into environmental, resource, nature, and biodiversity protection. Alongside a main stage and a specialist stage, nearly 70 expert forums will invite participants to engage deeply with the pressing tasks that must be addressed to ensure a livable future for the next generations. The 190 exhibitors from across Germany, including medium-sized businesses, associations, and universities, will showcase practical solutions.