Sustainabilty
into the event ’ s environmental impact .
To obtain accurate carbon footprint measurements , the key lies in effectively collecting the necessary data for input into the platform ’ s CO2 calculator . This involves asking suppliers to share data on the energy consumption resulting from the services they provide . To facilitate this , PLUS offers a specific template , which organisers can use to collect data from all suppliers before the event . Once all the supplier company consumption information is entered into the platform , PLUS generates a comprehensive report detailing the equivalent tons of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere as a result of the meeting or event .
Which sustainability accreditations are Spanish destinations and event venues working towards , and how do they contribute to sustainability goals ? It is common for destinations and event venues worldwide to pursue well-known sustainability certifications and accreditations that align with international standards and best practices . Some of these certifications may be relevant to venues and events in Spain as well . Here are some popular sustainability accreditations : ISO 20121 - Event Sustainability Management System : This international standard focuses on sustainable event management , guiding event organisers and venues on how to plan , implement , and improve their sustainability practices . ISO 20121 helps venues and events assess their environmental impact , engage stakeholders , and develop action plans for continuous improvement . LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ): Developed by the US Green Building Council ( USGBC ), LEED is widely recognised as a green building certification programme . Event venues seeking LEED certification work to meet specific criteria related to sustainable site development , water efficiency , energy usage , materials selection , and indoor environmental quality . BREEAM ( Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method ): BREEAM is another widely used sustainability assessment method for buildings . It evaluates the environmental performance of venues based on categories like energy , water , health and well-being , pollution , and transport . Achieving BREEAM certification demonstrates a venue ’ s commitment to sustainability . Green Globe : Green Globe is a global certification programme specifically designed for the travel and tourism industry . It assesses destinations , hotels , and venues based on sustainability criteria , including energy efficiency , waste management , water usage , social responsibility , and cultural heritage preservation . Global Sustainable Tourism Council ( GSTC ) Criteria : The GSTC offers criteria for sustainable tourism that can be applied to events and venues . Achieving GSTC recognition demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices that promote environmental and social responsibility .
These sustainability accreditations and certifications contribute to sustainability goals by providing a framework and benchmarks for venues and events to measure and improve their environmental and social performance . By pursuing and obtaining these certifications , destinations and venues in Spain can showcase their commitment to sustainability , attract eco-conscious event organisers , and contribute to the overall promotion of responsible and sustainable tourism practices in the country .
Spain is full of historical buildings , can you provide examples of such venues and their compromise with sustainability ? As you well say there are many examples of historical buildings in Spain , and some of them were converted into Paradores , our state-run hotel network established in 1928 . These buildings are located in some of the most beautiful settings on the Iberian Peninsula including converted monasteries , Manor Houses , Moorish castles , luxurious resorts as well as some exceptional modern properties .
Paradores have been instrumental in driving the sustainable transformation of the hospitality sector by promoting both energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources across its entire network , while offsetting excess CO2 emissions . All electricity consumed across its hotels is 100 % renewable , and since 2019 , 100 % of single-use plastic has been eliminated from bedrooms , as well as plastic straws , bottles and tableware .
They are deeply committed to advancing energy efficiency and instilling circular practices throughout their properties by improving resource and waste management . So committed are they to sustainability that they have come up with a new 2023-2028 Strategic Plan worth € 334m , € 200m of which will be spent on property refurbishment , € 25m on energy efficiency and € 20m on technological transformation .
Paradores will also be working with Renfe , Spain ’ s national railway company to offer rail travel and accommodation in a Parador wherever possible .
They also have an eco-tourism programme , ‘ Nature of the Senses ’, which stems from Paradores ’ desire to revitalise the areas in which they are located , increasing in this way opportunities for development and employment for the inhabitants of the area and value its nature , history and culture .
The Nature for the Senses programme begins at the Parador de Cangas de Onís , the former Monastery of San Pedro de Villanueva , located on the banks of the Sella River and surrounded by the spectacular Picos de Europa and will extend to approximately 20 Paradores .
In short , they are doing everything possible to protect these historical buildings , giving them a new purpose at the same time . All images courtesy of TourSpain n
26 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / ISSUE 127