Thinking holistically about sustainability
How we organise the IMPACT FESTIVAL in the most sustainable way possible
At the IMPACT FESTIVAL, we focus on the consistent implementation of sustainable principles and measures. We are guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and the European Green Deal.
With the IMPACT FESTIVAL we are not only organising an event on the topics of innovation and sustainable transformation, but we are also aiming to promote sustainable event organisation. In alignment with the action areas outlined by the Federal Environment Agency (find more info here), we integrate sustainable practices into every step and phase of the organisation. This commitment enables us to uphold ecological standards and promote environmentally responsible initiatives, minimising negative impacts as much as possible, and continuously reducing our ecological footprint.
Of course, we are aware that an event such as the IMPACT FESTIVAL cannot take place without producing carbon emissions. An event of this scale can never be fully sustainable.
So why do we still do it?
The IMPACT FESTIVAL serves as a platform and community that promotes sustainable innovation and solutions, inspiring companies and individuals. It fosters new collaborations and partnerships that emerge from the event, strengthening collective efforts towards a more sustainable future. We believe the value added by our event justifies the input.
But what do we do to keep our footprint as low as possible?
Sustainability at the IMPACT FESTIVAL means considering all levels of our event, from planning and organisation to implementation and follow-up.
We focus on the following core areas:
- Event organisation
- Transport and arrival
- Catering
- Waste management and recycling
- Inclusion and diversity
- Education and awareness
CO2 footprint
Disclaimer: The significantly reduced results from the IMPACT FESTIVAL 2023 are not only due to the measures we have implemented but also result from improved data availability compared to the previous year.
Our measures for a sustainable event realisation
- Sustainable service providers: We talk to all our service providers before awarding contracts and check them against sustainability criteria such as distance to the venue and transport costs.
- Improvement of materials: We are continuously looking for new materials and better solutions for stand and stage construction, such as switching from Forex graphics to printed fabrics.
- Rental materials: We entirely use rental materials for furnishings, plants and decorations to conserve resources.
- Local and social brands: We incorporate local and/or social brands into our offerings, e.g. Knärzje Brotbier.
- EMAS-certified location: Choosing an EMAS-certified location guarantees environmentally friendly standards. More info here
- Green electricity: Our entire event is powered by 100% green electricity, without external or mobile power sources.
- Sustainable journey: We encourage all participants to use sustainable travel options and offer a DB event ticket. Book your ticket here
- We chose a central event location, making it easy to arrive by public transportation.
- Partner hotels: Our partner hotels are located in close proximity to the event venue to minimise transport costs.
- Vegan catering: We offer 100% vegan catering for all participants, as this has a significantly lower CO2 footprint.
- Reusable tableware: We only use 100% reusable tableware.
- Free drinking water: We provide free drinking water for all participants.
- Minimising waste: We collaborate closely with Messe Frankfurt to reduce waste and ensure proper disposal of the waste generated
- Ban for disposables: We have established a ban for any disposable item typically found at trade shows.
- Returning materials: Rental materials such as lanyards can be returned and reused.
- Against discrimination: We are clearly against fascism, homophobia, sexism, racism and violence. Throughout the event, there will be an info desk and an awareness team where you can report any negative experiences and seek assistance. We enforce a zero-tolerance policy on-site.
- Bilingual staff and program: We use bilingual staff in direct contact with participants and a live translation tool for our IMPACT and TRANSFORMATION STAGE.
- Gender-neutral toilets: We offer gender-neutral toilets.
- Diversity on the stages: We strive for the greatest possible diversity in terms of age, gender, origin and position in the company.
- SDG area: In our SDG areas, we focus on the UN’s sustainability goals.
- Sustainability Guide: Exhibitors and partners receive a comprehensive sustainability guide and further support with their sustainability efforts when needed.
- Online program: Our program is available online to enable participation without travelling (via livestream and digital exhibitor profiles).
