Towards Zero Waste | SCEWC 4

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

Everything gets a second life

All our venue decoration is designed to be fully circular. This year, with the support of Barcelona City Council, we proudly distributed 250 structures to over 15 institutions including schools, urban parks and museums, giving new purpose to every piece.

Waste management

Waste separation stations are strategically placed across both halls, with dedicated volunteers ensuring every visitor plays a part in keeping the event green. Last year, there was a total of 3.4 tons of waste selectively collected.

Committed to no single-use plastics

Again, we got rid of all single-use plastics in our venue and provided water stations for free refills. We also introduced reusable cups to further reduce event waste, saving up to 38.000 single-use plastic cups.

Planting trees for the planet

Year after year, we partner with Plant-for-the-Planet to support reforestation initiatives and raise awareness about the global climate emergency. Last year, proceeds from merchandise sales funded the planting of 1.388 new trees. Since the initiative began in 2022, we’ve planted a total of 2.621 trees!

Sustainable travel

We encourage visitors to get around Barcelona sustainably by offering a parking area for bikes and scooters and discounts on public transport. Additionally, we’re committed to green energy and are working towards carbon neutrality through CO2 emissions offsetting.

Carpet recycled

All carpets from corridors, common areas, and Servifira stands are 100% recycled after the event. In total, last year we repurposed 11 tons of recycled carpet material.

No food waste

Retrieved food is collected and donated to the NGO Nutrition Without Borders, which distributes it through community kitchens. Help us minimize food waste by only taking what you need.

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. Additionally, our media partners offered their publications via QR codes at the Press Corners.

Tons of recycling

Every piece of leftover wood, fabric, and organic material is carefully recycled, ensuring zero waste. Last year, we recycled 5 tons of material and repurposed structures, giving them a second life beyond the event.

Green venue

Fira de Barcelona uses only renewable electricity, including solar, wind, and geothermal sources. The venue has one of the biggest rooftop photovoltaic plants in the world: 25.947 solar panels covering 135.000 m², generating 5.86 GWh of electricity per year, preventing the emission of over 2.200 tons of CO₂ annually.

2024 KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

150

tons of CO2 offset

5

tons of material reused

0

kg of special waste left on the site

11

tons of carpet recycled

1,388

planted trees

20,211

app downloads

SEE FULL REPORT

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
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.