Messe Frankfurt, which claims to be the ‘world’s largest’ event organiser and exhibition ground owner, will source all of its electricity from a renewable energy provider from next year.
This includes the power supply for the stands and halls at the company’s various Frankfurt venues: Congress Centre Messe Frankfurt, Kap Europa, Forum Messe Frankfurt, and Festhalle.
The company’s average energy needs are comparable with those of a town of around 40,000 people. The switch to renewable energy should eliminate 19,000 tonnes of C02 a year.
Uwe Behm, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, said: “Given that 80 trees compensate for approximately a tonne of CO2, you would need more than 1.52 million trees a year to offset this quantity of CO2. We are acting on the desire among our exhibitors and guest organisers for an environmentally friendly approach to trade fair management.”
According to the company, which runs its own events worldwide, a number of guest organisers had already taken the decision to exclusively use electricity from renewable sources.
Said Behm: “The sheer diversity of buildings on our exhibition grounds and the different ways in which they are built and used means that individual analyses are needed. In the case of new buildings and renovations, forward-looking, energy-optimised construction and efficient operation are vital, for example with compound cooling systems between the exhibition halls.”
However, there are many small measures that are essential for efficient energy management – these include adapting air-conditioning for specific facilities, preparing energy consumption graphics to raise employee awareness, or having an effective building automation system.
The exhibition grounds already have three photovoltaic systems.
Since 2010, Messe Frankfurt has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact – the first German trade fair organiser to join its ranks. The worldwide CSR network is committed to sustainable corporate management and to the ten principles set out in the areas of human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and anti-corruption activities.
Messe Frankfurt is part co-owned by the City of Frankfurt and the federal state of Hesse.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
