“All the organizers are well aware of this. The demand for eco-responsible professional events is really very high”, underlines Isabelle Schummers, environmental consultant at the Oekozenter Pafendall, which coordinates the “Green Business Events” project.

This project, which was launched this Wednesday morning by Lex Delles, DP Minister of Tourism, aims to reduce the environmental footprint of congresses, conferences, exhibitions or trade fairs organized in Luxembourg. It is the counterpart of the “Green Events” project, launched in 2019, which is aimed at cultural, festive or sporting events.

Organizers (companies or associations) that meet around sixty eco-responsibility and inclusiveness criteria can certify their professional events with the official “Green Business Events” logo, issued by the General Directorate of Tourism. “Restoration is an important element, illustrates Isabelle Schummers. The organizers must undertake to avoid the production of waste. They must also promote and serve regional products, organic farming or fair trade”. Also, stands should be designed to be reused.

“The organizers must also encourage visitors to join the event by public transport,” adds Isabelle Schummers. Will there then be a control, once the logo has been registered? “Ahead of the event, the organizer must send supporting documents, explain the environmental advisor. For example, if he promises to offer organic food, he will have to send us the caterer’s offer”.

Isabelle Schummers says she is aware that an eco-responsible approach “takes time”. “You have to review your logistics, you have to review your work with service providers, she admits. Sometimes the lasting solutions are not always there. This project serves above all to bring about reflection around the ecological transition”.