Sustainable Event Management
Leading the Way in Sustainable Event Management
for a Better Future
We aim to set new standards for the future of event organization. At the Hamburg Sustainability Conference (HSC), we believe in pioneering measurable progress toward a more equitable, sustainable world. Our approach is rooted in transparency, respect, and visionary thinking, combining innovative solutions with responsible, entrepreneurial action. We are committed to environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and the highest quality standards in everything we do. As we work towards ISO 20121 certification, we strive to be a model of sustainable event management, ensuring our actions today shape a better tomorrow.
Vision
In ten years, HSC will redefine sustainability –
as a pioneer for measurable progress and equitable shaping of the future.
Our Principles
Transparency and candor in communication
We foster a culture of clarity, openness and candor by actively communicating, sharing truthfully and ensuring transparency in all our actions.
Appreciation and respect towards each other
We always treat each other with appreciation and respect, promote mutual understanding and thus strengthen our community.
Determination and visionary thinking
We set ourselves ambitious goals and think visionarily, we develop innovative solutions with the aim of long-term sustainable development and are committed to setting a good example in all our actions towards sustainability.
Entrepreneurial thinking and action
We promote entrepreneurial thinking and action by taking responsibility, recognizing opportunities and acting proactively to ensure sustained success.
Respect and consideration for diversity
We appreciate the diversity of our community and use these diverse perspectives and experiences to promote creative and inclusive solutions.
High level of quality awareness
We always strive for the highest quality in everything we do and are committed to continuous improvement and excellence in our processes and results. Furthermore, we adhere strictly to all legal regulations related to event planning and organization.
Action orientation
We act decisively and in a solution-oriented manner to achieve our goals effectively and to bring about sustainable change.
Environmental responsibility and climate protection
Environmental responsibility is an essential aspect of our actions. We promote innovative and effective measures that help reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening resilience to climate change.
Ressource efficiency
In order to minimize our environmental footprint, we always strive to maximize resource efficiency in all our processes and decisions.
ISO 20121 Certification
The HSC is setting a benchmark for sustainable event management by aiming for ISO 20121 certification. This internationally recognized standard promotes sustainable practices that consider environmental, social, and economic aspects. Originally developed for the 2012 London Olympics, the standard is now applied to major events, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. The HSC is supported in the certification process by the agency 2bdifferent, with whom a mission statement and code of conduct have already been developed. Key areas include sustainable travel, catering, energy and waste management, and accessible venue design. 2bdifferent will also conduct a carbon footprint assessment based on GHG Protocol standards. With this certification, the HSC aims to serve as a model for sustainable events.
Taking Responsibility in Design and Production
We are dedicated to sustainable design, printing, and production practices. We minimize paper use wherever possible, and when printing is necessary, we prioritize environmentally responsible materials. For the majority of our printed products, we selected CoffeeCup Paper, certified by the Blue Angel ecolabel, which consists of 25% upcycled coffee cups and 75% recycled paper. We are using the Pangea typeface for our materials. Designed by Christoph Koeberlin, it is a typeface with a focus on environmental sustainability, using minimal ink to reduce environmental impact while ensuring clear readability. Together, we are taking important steps toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
Green Events Seal
The Green Events Seal supports event organizers in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the sustainability impacts of their events and in developing measures that, step by step, lead to effective sustainability management. The foundation of the seal is the catalogue of measurements of the nonprofit network Green Events Hamburg: a clear and comprehensive assistant that helps to easily evaluate implementation successes and barriers, and to communicate them clearly to the team and externally.
Contact
If you have any questions about our sustainability measures or suggestions for improvement, please contact Lisa Wagner at lisa.wagner@sustainability-conference.org