Building a sustainable future
Flanders Expo, as an event venue, embraces an ambitious sustainability policy.
We want to:
- limit our environmental impact and reduce waste
- promote innovation
- support local suppliers
- embrace diversity in all its dimensions and ensure the well-being of every visitor and employee
As part of the Easyfairs Group, we are members of the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge and commit to being net zero by 2050 and to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
THE 6 MAIN INITIATIVES
to achieve these objectives:
1.
Production & waste
We have implemented a strict waste management and waste reduction plan
- We put sorting bins at strategic locations
- Exhibitors are given the choice of 100% recyclable carpet
- We are committed to reducing plastic and paper waste:
- Reusable tableware is our preference
- We have multiple digital energy-saving LED screens, allowing organisers to replace their traditional advertising and signage points
- We encourage the use of reusable water bottles in our offices
- Our toilets are equipped with energy-efficient hand dryers
- We use eco-friendly cleaning products
2.
Energy
We use renewable energy
- In 2009, we installed 53,000 m2 of solar panels on the roof of Flanders Expo, accounting for 25% of our energy consumption
- We’re replacing our traditional lighting with LED lighting, resulting in a 80% energy reduction per light
- We have a smart temperature and CO2 control system
- We limit our energy consumption by not only strictly controlling the heating, but also the lighting and HVAC levels during the buildup and dismantling of events:
- We limit the temperature to 18°C
- Only 50% of overhead lighting is on
- Thanks to smart investments in measurement and heating systems, we save 100,000 m3 of gas
- Employees and suppliers get trained in efficient water management
- Flanders Expo is equipped with low-flow toilets and hydro-economical taps
3.
Travel & accomodation
We are aiming for climate-neutral mobility
- We have 50 charging points available for electric vehicles
- We actively promote sustainable transportation options for visitors to Flanders Expo on our website and social media, including walking, cycling, public transportation, and carpooling
- We provide a mobility package to employees, encouraging them to commute to work sustainably
We have implemented a strict waste management and waste reduction plan
- We put sorting bins at strategic locations
- Exhibitors are given the choice of 100% recyclable carpet
- We are committed to reducing plastic and paper waste:
- Reusable tableware is our preference
- We have multiple digital energy-saving LED screens, allowing organisers to replace their traditional advertising and signage points
- We encourage the use of reusable water bottles in our offices
- Our toilets are equipped with energy-efficient hand dryers
- We use eco-friendly cleaning products
We use renewable energy
- In 2009, we installed 53,000 m2 of solar panels on the roof of Flanders Expo, accounting for 25% of our energy consumption
- We’re replacing our traditional lighting with LED lighting, resulting in a 80% energy reduction per light
- We have a smart temperature and CO2 control system
- We limit our energy consumption by not only strictly controlling the heating, but also the lighting and HVAC levels during the buildup and dismantling of events:
- We limit the temperature to 18°C
- Only 50% of overhead lighting is on
- Thanks to smart investments in measurement and heating systems, we save 100,000 m3 of gas
- Employees and suppliers get trained in efficient water management
- Flanders Expo is equipped with low-flow toilets and hydro-economical taps
We are aiming for climate-neutral mobility
- We have 50 charging points available for electric vehicles
- We actively promote sustainable transportation options for visitors to Flanders Expo on our website and social media, including walking, cycling, public transportation, and carpooling
- We provide a mobility package to employees, encouraging them to commute to work sustainably
5.
Food & food waste
We apply sustainable food sourcing principles at our catering points
- 50% of the served fruit and vegetables at our catering points originate from Belgium
- We only serve sustainably caught fish (Planet Compass), and fair trade or organic tea and coffee at our catering points
- We provide vegetarian and vegan options at all catering points
- We apply portion control
- We compost food surpluses with the assistance of our catering partner
6.
Social responsibility
We embrace diversity and inclusion in all its dimensions
- With the guidance of Tourism Flanders, we are committed to being an accessible venue for everyone
- We are committed to providing equal employment access for everyone
- We support charitable causes, such as the organization of De Grootste Quiz in support of Fiola vzw
- Local suppliers and suppliers that adhere to socially responsible practices are our preference
- We promote tourism in the city of Ghent and, in turn, support local businesses, restaurants and hotels
- 80,000 bees reside in multiple beehives on our premises
We apply sustainability criteria when selecting our suppliers
We apply sustainable food sourcing principles at our catering points
- 50% of the served fruit and vegetables at our catering points originate from Belgium
- We only serve sustainably caught fish (Planet Compass), and fair trade or organic tea and coffee at our catering points
- We provide vegetarian and vegan options at all catering points
- We apply portion control
- We compost food surpluses with the assistance of our catering partner
We embrace diversity and inclusion in all its dimensions
- With the guidance of Tourism Flanders, we are committed to being an accessible venue for everyone
- We are committed to providing equal employment access for everyone
- We support charitable causes, such as the organization of De Grootste Quiz in support of Fiola vzw
- Local suppliers and suppliers that adhere to socially responsible practices are our preference
- We promote tourism in the city of Ghent and, in turn, support local businesses, restaurants and hotels
- 80,000 bees reside in multiple beehives on our premises
VISITOR?
Here’s what you can do:
- Come on foot, by bike, or by public transport to Flanders Expo. If you still choose to drive, share a ride with your colleagues and/or friends!
- Dispose of your waste in the correct sorting bin.
- Stay in an (eco)hotel within walking distance or come to Flanders Expo from the city center using public transport.
ORGANISER?
Here’s what you can do:
- Encourage your visitors to bring their tickets digitally to your event.
- Advise your visitors to stay in a (eco)hotel within walking distance or in the centre of Gent.
- Promote public transportation to your visitors. Tram 1, coming from the centre of Ghent, stops right at the door, which is super convenient!
- If you provide a shuttle service to your event, then opt for electric minibuses or vehicles.
- Favour digital communication whenever possible. Do you prefer print? Use recycled paper and eco-friendly ink to minimise CO2 emissions.
- In coordination with us, limit the temperature to 18°C during setup and teardown, and turn off the lighting at night.
- Even if you aren’t collaborating with our catering partners, we strongly recommend integrating vegetarian and vegan options into the menu, limiting red meat, serving sustainably caught or farmed fish with certification, and choosing (local) food trucks that operate sustainably.
- Donate any food surplus to a charitable cause.
- Incorporate sustainability principles into your agreements with suppliers and service providers, such as sustainable transportation, local procurement of products and materials...
- Try to use recyclable materials as much as possible, such as reusable flooring.
- Use the LED screens on the Flanders Expo site for wayfinding. You can easily obtain the plan with all available LED screens from the Event Operations Manager assigned to you.
- If you distribute lanyards or badges during your event, don't forget to collect and recycle them when your visitors leave your event.
- ... & don't forget: Reduce-Recycle-Reuse!
Exhibitor?
Here’s what you can do:
- Choose a reusable all-in stand from Easyfairs or design your own stand that you can reuse.
- Install LED lighting in your stand.
- Use reusable panels (e.g., without a date) made from recyclable materials, and if possible, with environmentally friendly ink.
- Try to use as much recyclable flooring as possible.
- Giving a gift to visitors? Consider whether the gift is useful and will be effectively used.
- Recycle by using our sorting bins.
- Use public transport or carpool with your colleagues if possible.
- Stay in a (eco)hotel within walking distance or overnight in the center of Ghent and come to the event using public transportation.
- Choose sustainable and local transport and logistics companies, as well as suppliers.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Try to estimate quantities as accurately as possible to avoid food wastage.
- Inspire visitors by introducing them to your sustainable practices and/or products.
