Helping associations host greener events in Madrid

PLUS, LEGACY WITH US

In 2021, Madrid Convention Bureau launched the first comprehensive digital tool for sustainability and legacy management, PLUS (Platform for Legacy with US). Like the MICE Sustainability Guide, it is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals outlined by the UN.

The platform, which has been improved recently, enables specific sustainability reports to be created for every meeting hosted in Madrid, including recommendations that can be implemented before a meeting is held to minimise the environmental and social impact. After the event is finished, the platform can be used to calculate its carbon footprint.

A new feature means that it’s now possible to classify the scope of the related emissions (Scope 1: direct emissions; Scope 2: indirect emissions; Scope 3: supply chain emissions) when calculating an event’s carbon footprint.

LEGACY AND POSITIVE IMPACT

Madrid Convention Bureau has been working to implement responsible practices in its activities and its action plan, including the selection of suppliers employing sustainability criteria and the reuse and recycling of materials. It is also encouraging international association events to get involved with local projects linked to social entities based in the city.

To assist associations looking for ways to ensure that their conferences contribute to quantifiable, long-lasting change that benefits the city, Madrid has created a Directory of Social Organisations.

This provides information on a large number of tertiary sector entities and a variety of options that can be included in the agenda of any meeting or event.

LEAFY MADRID

Alongside the fabulous art, glorious architecture and captivating alfresco dining that ensures this city is a big draw for delegates, Madrid is also home to more than 200 parks, gardens and green spaces. It has once again been named a Tree City of the World in recognition of the 300,000 trees that make it the second leafiest city in the world.

All of this magnificent outdoor space makes it easy to incorporate Wellness and healthy activity options within an event programme.

In the heart of the city, the El Retiro Park is an historical treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Madrid Río Park stretches for ten kms along the banks of the River Manzanares while Casa de Campo Park, an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC), offers more than 1,500 hectares for leisure, sports and recreation.

Madrid is also developing new green spaces including the Metropolitan Forest, which will be a 75-km-long green belt around the city.