Messe Frankfurt will continue to rely on a climate-neutral energy supply from 100 per cent green electricity. From 2024, 30 per cent of Messe Frankfurt’s electricity requirements will be met by the “Boitzenburger Land” solar park being built in the Uckermark region. A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a term of ten years has been concluded with the Frankfurt-based energy service provider Mainova AG. The “Boitzenburg” solar park will be one of the largest solar parks in Germany and is expected to go into operation in spring 2023.
Green electricity since 2020 and exhibition halls with photovoltaic roof systems
Since 2020, stands, halls and the exhibition grounds of Messe Frankfurt have been supplied with 100 per cent green electricity. By concluding the current contract, Messe Frankfurt continues to secure a sustainable energy supply as part of a holistic and sustainable business approach in an unsteady energy market.
Mainova AG has a 25 per cent stake in the solar park and plans to purchase the entire electricity output of 180 gigawatt hours per year. This amount could supply approximately 64,000 households and save 85,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. In addition, a further 30 per cent of the total demand is to be covered by wind energy in the future.
Messe Frankfurt has been endeavouring to use renewable energies for more than ten years. In 2009, the first photovoltaic system was put into operation with the support of Mainova AG. The latest photovoltaic system on the roof of Hall 12 was built for the company’s own use and covers an area of 9,000 square metres.
Sustainable programme for Prolight + Sound
Prolight + Sound also focuses on sustainability. As early as Prolight + Sound 2022, a clear signal was given for a sustainable future with the Green Event Day. With the Green Event Day, Prolight + Sound underlines the focus on sustainability in the event industry as part of the trade fair.
This theme day featured lectures, panels and best-practice presentations on the conscientious use of natural resources.
The commitment of the fair and exhibitors is evident at various points. Manufacturers of products that can contribute to a positive eco-balance in event operations, for example, were given a special ProGreen marking in the exhibitor search and in the fair catalogue.
In addition, there were guided tours to exhibition stands that presented sustainable event technology in action.
For the first time, the Future Hub was built entirely using recyclable materials and was powered 100 percent by green electricity.
Sustainable events
Event sustainability has become essential for success in today’s meetings and conference industry. Venues that adopt sustainability programmes not only do the right thing for the environment, but also benefit in three ways: environmentally, socially and economically.
Social benefits include improving the health and well-being of staff, enhancing the image in the local community, positively contributing to the sustainability of the planet and improving the quality of life for future generations.
The Federal Environment Agency has listed various recommendations for event planners and venues in its guide to sustainable events (in German). In addition to objectives and explanations, companies are given tips and recommended measures for sustainable event management in various areas. Divided into fields of action ranging from mobility, venue and accommodation, energy and climate, catering, procurement, waste management, water, communication, guest gifts to social aspects, organisers and venues learn how they can implement events sustainably in the future and be economically successful at the same time.
We have described more tips for sustainable events in an earlier article.
