December 14th 2024

Pioneering Sustainability: BestCities Global Alliance’s Journey to Net Zero by 2050

The BestCities Global Alliance is taking bold steps to redefine sustainability in the events industry. As a signatory of the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, the alliance is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. By integrating innovative strategies and measurable goals, their Global Forum is setting new standards for sustainable event management.

World map with recycled paper texture, surrounded by eco-friendly icons like solar panels, wind turbines, and CO2 symbols on a blue background.

Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative

As a signatory of the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, the BestCities Global Alliance has committed to ensure its’ annual Global Forum client event becomes a net zero carbon event by 2050. An annual review of the Global Forum will ensure that the event is on track with specific milestone benchmarks set for 2030, 2040, and 2050. 

The 2024 Global Forum in Melbourne held January 18- 21, 2024 became the benchmark event. It achieved a significant focus on sustainability, compensating for a total of 149 tCO₂e emissions through Trees4Events and their reforestation projects in Kenya, Nepal, Mozambique, and Haiti and renewable energy investments such as wind turbines in China.

BestCities Global Alliance's Growing Forests initiative: 906 total trees planted, removing 148,675 kg of CO2, aligns with SDG Goal 13. Their slogan "Making Travel Planet & People Positive," highlights the critical role of sustainable travel in combating climate change.

Emissions Inventory

The Emissions Inventory was as follows:

Event Space Emissions

Total Emissions: 71.47 tCO₂e

Venue Areas:
– Level 2 Foyer, MCEC: 18.02 tCO₂e (19.3%)
– Boundary Line: 14.70 tCO₂e (15.8%)
– Horizon Room: 12.56 tCO₂e (13.5%)
– Aerial: 11.23 tCO₂e (12.1%)
– Others: 15.96 tCO₂e (17.9%)

Attendee Travel & Stay Emissions

Total Emissions: 53.76 tCO₂e
– Air (Long Haul): 44.64 tCO₂e (83.0%)
– Hotel Stay: 6.35 tCO₂e (11.8%)

Meal Emissions:
Total Emissions: 1.71 tCO₂e
– Mixed Buffet: 1.44 tCO₂e (84.6% of meal emissions)

Waste Management:
– Waste Generated: 433kg
– Waste Emissions: 0.5% of total event emissions. 

Sustainability Initiatives in Focus

Additionally, BestCities Global Alliance focused on Waste Management (no use of lanyards, bags, or clothing, minimizing non-recyclable waste), Sustainable Procurement (promoted eco-friendly initiatives with no promotional item purchases), and Transportation and Logistics (suggestions for attendees to fly economy and consider direct flights to reduce emissions).

Dublin 2025 and Future Goals

The 2025 Global Forum in Dublin, Ireland from January 24 -26, 2025 will build on and improve the results of Melbourne with a goal of reducing overall emissions by 5% when compared to the results of the 2024 Global Forum. BestCities will continue to offset these emissions through Trees4Events.

A world map made of green grass sits on crumpled paper, surrounded by various eco-friendly symbols like wind turbines, solar panels, and recycling icons, highlighting sustainable concepts.

Beyond the BestCities Global Forum Dublin

Moving beyond Dublin, BestCities Global Alliance will begin to incorporate sustainability requirements into its RFP for future years. As well BestCities will look into measuring and tracking waste diversion rates and renewable energy use of its key venue and accommodation partners as well as the carbon emissions of the overall event as it seeks to hit the 2030 goal of 50% carbon reduction. 

BestCities Global Alliance is a proud support of the Net Zero Carbon Pledge for the Events Industry.

The BestCities Global Alliance action plan breakdown and annual reporting grid can be found here.