Leipziger Messe’s sustainability concept

The pandemic has triggered a discussion about whether hybrid or digital events are more sustainable than face-to-face events. This is because 70 % of event-related emissions are generated by mobility. However, there is still insufficient research on the extent to which increasing energy consumption and the technical set-up at virtual events have an impact on climate change. Even if the exact effects are still difficult to assess, the pandemic is raising awareness of the sustainability issue.

One important goal is saving resources. There are different approaches here.
 

• Energy efficiency: In order to use energy more efficiently, we have been sourcing our energy from a combined heat and power (CHP) plant since 2014. Here we benefit from the way CHP works. It lets us use not only electricity but also heat for heating without having to resort to different providers.

• Sustainable mobility: The majority of emissions related to an event are caused by mobility. We therefore encourage participants to travel by public transport.

• Sustainable catering: Catering can also be a burden on the environment. Some 15–20 % of an event’s emissions are related to feeding the participants. Our catering company fairgourmet, for example, specialises in regional, in-season produce and certified organic and fair-trade products. In the event that disposable tableware is unavoidable, it is made of biodegradable or renewable raw materials, e.g. salad bowls made of the bioplastic polylactic acid.
  

We don’t want to compare ourselves with other locations, because to us sustainability is not a competitive advantage, but an obligation. Colleagues at other locations are also doing a great job here. Even so, there is one thing we are particularly proud of in Leipzig: social sustainability. When people talk about sustainability, climate neutrality is the first thing that comes to mind. The social dimension is often neglected. But we at Leipziger Messe are also committed to social issues. Back in 2014/15 we provided an exhibition hall for refugees. Our exhibition hall 4 is currently ready for 1,700 people from Ukraine.

Leipziger Messe’s corporate values are characterised by an outward-looking attitude, tolerance and dialogue. These values help contribute to a sustainable society and are important to bring about change.

Organisers choose us as a congress location because the city of Leipzig is committed to sustainability in many areas. The Velo-city congress, for example, is a good fit for our city, because Leipzig is very bicycle-friendly. New cycle lanes are constantly being marked and installed in the inner city ring road. The International Transport Forum summit also fits well with our efforts to expand and promote public transport. Our integrated urban development concept INSEK Leipzig 2030 is full of initiatives from the areas of infrastructure, education, mobility, digitalisation, culture and participation and aims to transform Leipzig into one of the most progressive locations in Europe.  

In Leipzig, we are also in a position to offer congress participants a sustainable customer journey, not only in terms of mobility, but also with regard to accommodation. In addition, the partners of the congress initiative “Feel the spirit - do-it-at-leipzig.de” pursue a sustainable approach when organising events, for example with a particular focus on energy efficiency. Considerable importance is also attached to using existing resources. In order to meet the enormous power requirements of its numerous large, tech-heavy music and show productions, the QUARTERBACK Immobilien ARENA has been using 100 % green electricity since 2022. In addition, solar panels on the roof are an environmentally friendly way to heat water for the sanitary facilities. When it comes to sustainability, Leipzig practises what it preaches.

A third of Leipzig’s urban area also consists of green space. In the middle of the city, parks and the floodplain forest are an oasis where congress participants can unwind after events. The many canals and lakes are perfect for paddling and boating. The possibilities in Leipzig are simply endless.