An event generates movement: visitors, speakers, suppliers – everything needs to get from A to B and back again. But all this transportation impacts the environment. By offering alternatives to traditional transportation, such as carpooling or shuttle buses, not only can emissions be reduced, but a new standard for sustainable travel can also be set. How you approach this makes a significant difference.
Every kilometre counts.
The sustainability checklist.
Sustainability is in our DNA. We aim for fully climate-neutral events by 2030. Many are now familiar with our sustainability checklist, a tool designed to encourage conscious decision-making in event organization. Mobility plays a key role in this. Promoting sustainable transportation is central and falls into three categories:
- Location choice: Is the location easily accessible by public transport? Are shuttle buses available? Or is the location only reachable by car?
- Promoting sustainable transportation: Does pre-event communication emphasize carpooling, cycling, or using public transport? Are electric group transport options available?
- Participation formats: Consider hybrid or fully digital events where possible to avoid unnecessary transportation.
Data as driving force.
To truly make mobility more sustainable, insight is essential. This begins with using our own CO₂ tool to map the emissions from transportation. Visitors register their mode of transport and distance traveled. Suppliers also provide their transportation data, which, combined with internal transportation movements, gives a complete picture of mobility's impact. The CO₂ tool converts this data into concrete figures, resulting in a sustainability report. This enables CO₂ compensation through reforestation projects and offers valuable insights. We translate these insights into actionable steps to further sustainability efforts. A great example is the use of rickshaw bikes during Effectory's community event, where visitors were transported between locations. International examples also inspire us, such as at SXSW in the USA, where visitors were shuttled between various locations in Austin using the fully electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz. This approach shows how combining data with innovative solutions can make sustainable mobility both achievable and inspiring.
Carpooling with Slinger.
We make sustainable mobility not only measurable but also practical. During every registration process, a carpool tool is automatically offered in collaboration with Slinger. Carpooling reduces CO₂ emissions, helps participants meet each other, and fosters valuable relationships even before the event begins. Since this concept is new to many visitors, it is both innovative and exciting. To encourage its use, we actively promote the tool through QR-code posters, prominent placement on the event website, and mentions during plenary sessions for those who shared rides. Carpooling is especially effective at internal events, as colleagues find it easier to coordinate and are more open to traveling together.
Fewer kilometers, more connections.
The results speak for themselves. At a recent production where the Slinger tool was used, 1,350 kg of CO₂ was saved, and 6,997 car kilometers were avoided. A total of 33 rides were organized. Participants were enthusiastic, enjoyed shorter travel times compared to public transport, and appreciated getting to know their colleagues better. Drivers described it as a fun experience and saw opportunities to apply it to commuting. We continue to explore ways to make mobility more sustainable. Currently, 33% of events actively offer options like shuttle buses and carpool initiatives. In the first quarter of 2024, 60% of events took place within walking distance of a train station. What truly stands out is the rise in CO₂ compensation. By the end of 2023, 55% of emissions were compensated, but by the first half of 2024, this figure had already risen to an impressive 81% of all productions.
Sustainable mobility is not just a responsibility but also an opportunity. We are taking the lead by offering concrete solutions and inspiration and calling on the event industry to work together toward greener mobility solutions.