Geneva meets green

Geneva meets green

Whether they attract a few dozen or several thousand participants, conferences, conventions and events usually have a large ecological footprint.

The energy used, the waste produced, transport, the right choice in selecting accommodation and the destination are some of the many factors that contribute to this impact. Geneva is a destination that takes into account social, environmental and economic issues and includes many solutions for organisers concerned about the future of our planet. We hope the following information will help you choose the services that most suit your needs while enabling you to organise an environmentally responsible event. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

Green Geneva

Switzerland is renowned worldwide for its mountains, lakes and green landscapes. In March 2017, an annual survey published by the magazine US News & World Report in association with Y&R’s BAV Consulting and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, listed Switzerland as the best country in the world based on criteria of peace, safety and prosperity.

Thus, Geneva takes the preservation of this unique environment very seriously!

In 2010, Geneva received the Cité de l’Energie – European Energy Award®GOLD, which rewards city councils who have begun a quality management process relating to the introduction of an energy policy on their territory. In Geneva, 20% of the territory is made up of greenery and there are no less than 50 green areas that provide peace and greenery in the city centre. Geneva is proud of its 310 hectares of parks and 428,000 plants, including 40,000 rose bushes and 40,000 trees in the public domain.

Green areas in the city meet various needs, acting as sports fields, tourist attractions, place to walk or picnic areas. In this regard, Geneva’s Botanical Conservatories and Gardens are certified 100% organic, becoming the first Swiss public authority to get that certification. Geneva derives 80% of its drinking water from Lake Geneva and 20% from groundwater tables. This water is used both for drinking and household, agricultural, industrial and hospital use.

Moreover, Geneva is a major research, development and planning centre with regards to ecology and environmental protection. In addition to recognised universities and laboratories, innovative companies, international organisations and numerous NGOs such as UNEP, WIPO and WMO have their headquarters or main offices in Geneva.

The Agenda 21

Sustainable City Department is in charge of the city’s policy in terms of sustainable development. Its activities focus on five core areas:

• Geneva sustainable city: Implements, monitors and communicates the city’s sustainable development policy and serves as secretariat for the “G’innove” programme.

• Economy and employment: Promotes the local economic fabric and showcases social and solidarity economy as well as the city’s “Nourrir la ville” (Feed the City) programme. The city’s socio-professional integration policy is realised through the “Fonds chômage” (unemployment fund).

• Equality and diversity: Promotes equality among all residents, regardless of gender, sexual preference or origin. The department also promotes the integration of all communities that are present in Geneva.

• La ville est à vous: Coordinates local events that promote exchange and sustainable development and foster resident participation in local life.

• Délégation Genève Ville Solidaire: Active collaboration with international cooperation stakeholders to finance development and humanitarian aid projects.

Moreover, the department is in charge of assessing the city’s sustainability through the Cercle Indicateurs and organises various projects, events and campaigns to promote sustainable development in Geneva.

For more information, please refer to the website of the City of Geneva.

Green tips

The following tips will enable you to reduce the impact of an event while potentially saving a little money!

• Reduce your carbon footprint: Reduce travel distances and use public transport when you have to travel

• Think local: Use local suppliers when possible

• Eat local: Think about local and seasonal products

• Select an eco-responsible conference centre

• Select an eco-friendly hotel

• Avoid using paper and save the forest! Instead, focus on new technologies.