Reducing environmental effects is one of Conventa’s most important objectives. That is why this year, the organisers meticulously measured the carbon footprint of the entire event, which took place from 23 to 26 August 2022 at various locations around Ljubljana.
The carbon footprint was 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.
As much as 88.2% of the measured carbon footprint resulted from transporting participants to the venue. The accurately measured carbon footprint will allow the organisers to implement necessary steps for improvement in line with the 160 sustainability criteria of the project. The carbon footprint will be recalculated in four months at the 15th edition of the trade show.
The Conventa Green Team is well-aware that calculating the carbon footprint is only the beginning. The real purpose of this year’s calculation was to identify the activities that cause the most greenhouse gas emissions. Gorazd Čad, the co-founder of Conventa, emphasised: “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).”
To ensure the calculation was accurate, they partnered with experts in corporate climate action, ClimatePartner, a renowned company that has helped over 5,000 companies on their climate action journey over the last 16 years. They covered a wide range of emission sources in the calculation. Their methodology helped optimise several processes during the implementation phase of the project. “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,” said Jakob Sterlich, Head of ClimatePartner Austria, at the end of the measurement process.
CARBON FOOTPRINT STRUCTURE OF CONVENTA 2022
88,2% | Transport of participants | 220,765.8 kg |
6,1% | Hotel accommodation | 15,188.0 kg |
2,5% | Transport of equipment and technical teams | 6,312.5 kg |
1,9% | Venue | 4,841.6 kg |
0,8% | Catering – food | 2,008.8 kg |
0,4% | Catering – drinks | 1,025.9 kg |
0,1% | Other equipment and materials | 265.7 kg |
TOTAL: | 250,408.3 kg | |
10% | Safety reserve | 25,040.8 kg |
TOTAL CARBON FOOTPRINT: | 275,449.1 kg |
In addition to the solutions outlined above, the organisers have implemented a number of other measures, which will be presented in the form of a handbook, which will be made available free of charge to all event organisers in October.
The organisers will analyse all the data in detail and take action in all 14 areas of the 5R Sustainability Measures matrix by the end of October. In the build-up to the next Conventa, the organisers are already encouraging registered participants to reduce their emissions by using 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.
As event organisers, our actions and choices leave a significant footprint, reflected in the amount of carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere at events.
Conventa calls on all media and interest groups to help spread the climate action journey of Conventa. We hope our way of engaging in climate action will inspire others to organise climate-friendly events in the future.
All information regarding Conventa’s sustainable transformation is available at: https://conventa.si/green-conventa/.