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Sustainability

Event case study: Sustainability at UEFA EURO 2024 in Stuttgart

In July 2024 I visited UEFA EURO 2024 in Stuttgart to get insights into the sustainability initiatives in place. I spoke to Ellen Schmid, Deputy Head of Sustainability @ UEFA Euro 2024 – Host City Stuttgart. The Stuttgart Convention Bureau provided the introduction to this valuable conversation with Ellen, which allowed me to gain insights into the sustainability efforts.

Though these initiatives were designed for a mega event, many can be adapted to suit events of any size and across various industries.

What are the key sustainability initiatives UEFA Euro 2024 is implementing to minimise the environmental impact?

Firstly, in all ten host cities, matches were held in existing stadiums that have been renovated and upgraded to improve climate efficiency. 

Additionally, preliminary matches were organised so that each team played in the region of Germany closest to its base, reducing travel, which is the primary source of emissions.

To further support low-emission travel, our partner Deutsche Bahn has offered attractive ticket options, encouraging as many fans as possible to travel by train. The tournament aims to be a multicultural event where minorities feel represented and integrated, with a strong commitment to gender equality and a strict stance against discrimination and racism. This vision also extends to ensuring comprehensive inclusion, with venues designed to be easily accessible and barrier-free for all.

Rotterdam: Your top choice for hosting sustainable and high-impact events

Rotterdam has established itself as a premier destination for sustainable events, earning international recognition from Arcadis. The city’s innovative approaches to climate resilience and practical, forward-thinking solutions make it a top choice for events that aim to create lasting impact.

Practical approach to sustainability and resilience

I was in Rotterdam to attend Urban Future 2024 and spoke to Chantal Zeegers, Vice Mayor responsible for climate, construction, and housing. ‘Innovation and entrepreneurship is really Rotterdam’s DNA,’ she shared with me. ‘We are known for our pragmatism, so we think that actions speak louder than words.’

This practical approach to sustainability and resilience manifests throughout the city’s infrastructure, policies, and most notably, its event venues.

Sustainable event planning ideas in Zurich 

Zurich is recognised globally for its commitment to sustainable event planning. 

According to a survey by Zürich Tourism in collaboration with C&IT Magazine, 97% of event organisers consider environmental impacts in their planning processes. However, despite their commitment, 35% of these organisers face significant challenges. 

Among these challenges is the difficulty of selecting destinations and venues that align with their sustainability goals. 

To assist event organisers in overcoming the challenges of planning sustainable events, I share practical and straightforward strategies for sustainable event planning. 

My insights are based on firsthand experiences from the ‘Go Sustainable’ study trip, organised by the Zurich Convention Bureau in collaboration with the Lucerne Convention Bureau

This event showcased sustainability initiatives and demonstrated them through creative and innovative examples of sustainable event planning ideas in Zurich.

These ideas will support your commitment to sustainable event planning, no matter where you are in your journey.

Sustainable event planning ideas in Lucerne

Nowhere else in Switzerland can you find the unique combination of city, lake, and mountains in such close proximity as in Lucerne. 

Just under an hour by train from Zurich, Lucerne offers a quintessential Swiss experience, complete with top-notch infrastructure for business events.

I recently visited Lucerne to attend the ‘Go Sustainable’ study trip, organised by the Lucerne Convention Bureau in collaboration with the Zurich Convention Bureau. This event brought together both destinations to showcase to event planners the extensive possibilities for organising sustainable events.

How the sharing economy is shaping the future of events

Sharing economy events

In their first episode, Caleb Parker, Future in 15 host interviewed Damian Oracki, Founder of Showslice. Showslice is a venue marketing platform that helps event organisers share infrastructure costs at the venue where the event is being held. This way, all stakeholders can save time, money and organise more sustainable events. Furthermore, by listing the event on their platform, Showslice promotes and sells available dates at the venue, offering an innovative sales channel.