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From energy-efficient event technology and regional catering to environmentally conscious mobility and certified event standards, we present practical approaches and examples from Cologne’s meetings industry and show you which partners can support you in planning your green meeting.

Cologne-based Dunja Karabaic, founder of ökoRAUSCH, co-initiator of "Das gute Leben im Veedel" and chair of the board of the association "dasselbe in grün" (the same in green) talks to us in an interview about small and big steps towards living a more sustainable life.

A Green Meeting is an event planned and delivered with a holistic approach that takes into account aspects such as travel and mobility, energy and resource use, catering, waste prevention, and social and economic conditions. Its aim is to reduce environmental impacts such as emissions, resource consumption and waste, while promoting social responsibility and the responsible use of available resources.

Our overview features venues that provide information on various environmental and sustainability measures. To find out more, simply select the venue you are interested in and visit the Good to Know section. Use this information as a guide when choosing a suitable venue for your green meeting.

With buses and trains operated by Kölner Verkehrsbetriebe (KVB), as well as bike-sharing and car-sharing services, event planners have a range of options for exploring Cologne without a private car.

Through its “Zukunftsfahren” project—a mobility mix of buses and trains, bicycles and car sharing—KVB responds to individual needs while addressing the challenges of climate change, air pollution and congested roads. KVB has been a member of the UITP (International Association of Public Transport) International Charter for Sustainable Development since 2003. Further information can be found in KVB’s Sustainability Reports.

With the KVB CongressTicket, your event participants can travel by public transport at a reduced rate and remain flexible while in Cologne—from the event venue to a restaurant or hotel. For rail travel, Cologne offers two centrally located long-distance railway stations, Cologne Central Station and Cologne Messe/Deutz, both with numerous connections. Deutsche Bahn’s event offers can also provide your participants with a comfortable and straightforward journey to Cologne.

KVB bus drives through the green countryside
© Kölner Verkehrs-Betriebe AG, Foto: Christoph Seelbach

gamescom—the world’s largest games event—combines the on-site experience with a range of measures in the areas of mobility, energy and climate protection.

One important area is travel: free local public transport tickets make it easier for visitors to arrive by bus and train. The use of carpet materials has been reduced by around 30%, and plant-based alternatives are available for trade fair guests. In addition, gamescom benefits from the installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of the Koelnmesse grounds and the switch to a geothermal heating and cooling system at the exhibition centre.

gamescom also works with climate expert ClimatePartner. Through this partnership, international climate protection projects are supported, including a wind energy project in Brazil and a clean cookstove project in Nigeria. The organisers aim to measure the emissions generated by the core event and implement measures to reduce and avoid them. Climate protection projects also receive financial support.

Visitors can contribute, too: by making a voluntary climate protection contribution, they can support the further development of the gamescom forest. Together with project partner Treemer, the German Games Industry Association and its community are committed to developing a climate-resilient mixed forest near Bayreuth. The project combines reforestation with measures to protect biodiversity, the climate and nature. Treemer supports the initiative as a specialist partner for reforestation and forestry.

Events of this scale offer many opportunities for climate protection—from travel and energy supply to specific projects. gamescom demonstrates a range of practical measures and creates opportunities for engagement among event organisers, companies and the games community.