Greener meetings in Brussels

Who better to lead us towards more sustainable conventions than the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)? It recently published the results of “EWEA 2011 in Brussels” which brought together 445 exhibiting companies from around the world.

Audits show EWEA scored 62% for sustainability in Brussels – its highest score since the association started measuring event sustainability in 2009. The average for non-EWEA events is 44%.

The details are impressive. In cooperation with Brussels Expo and suppliers, 100% of the electricity came from renewable sources, 89% of waste was recycled, 100% of exhibition carpeting was recycled, and 60% of food was sourced locally. Adding to these achievements, VISITBRUSSELS and the Brussels Capital Region authorities supported EWEA with 3,000 4-day public transport tickets to help reduce carbon emissions.

EWEA has made such progress because it sets sustainability targets, and measures results, for each event. Good practices have been established right through the meeting chain – from the selection of destination, accommodation, venue and transport through to food & beverage, exhibition services, marketing and onsite offices.