Sustainability in Poland’s MICE Industry: Green Events and Initiatives

Monday, 09.12.2024

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Poland is stepping up as a leader in sustainable practices within the MICE industry in Central Europe.

The Stadion PGE Narodowy is a football stadium in the Polish capital Warsaw and was built for the 2012 European Football Championship. Photo: Poland CVB

Each city in Poland brings a unique approach to green practices, whether through decarbonization strategies, hosting eco-focused conferences, or achieving international recognition for sustainability efforts.

Net Zero Carbon Events and Poland’s Participation

Poland Convention Bureau has joined the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, which aims to decarbonize the global events industry. Supported by the Strategic Alliance of National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCB), this movement encourages collaboration to reduce emissions from large-scale events. Poland’s participation includes ICE Krakow Congress Centre, Symposium Cracoviense and the Polish Chamber of Exhibition Industry (PIPT). Moreover, Symposium Cracoviense (PCO) received the Green Meetings Bronze Award, a prestigious certification from Green Tourism, the world’s largest sustainable tourism accreditation program.

In 2024, SITE Poland organized the first edition of the conference #ResponsibleIncentiveTravelDay in Warsaw. Photo: Poland CVB

Krakow: Pioneering the Green Transition

Krakow was the first Polish city to be included in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index). The city’s efforts focus on promoting sustainable transportation, energy-efficient venues, and reducing the overall carbon footprint of its events. The Krakow Convention Bureau actively supports event organizers in implementing eco-friendly measures, guiding them through the Krakow Sustainable Tourism Strategy. Additionally, the Krakow Network developed a decarbonization strategy, “From WHY to Offset,” which lays out practical steps for reducing emissions from large-scale events.

The Wawel castle is a famous landmark in Krakow. Photo: Poland CVB

Gdansk: Award-Winning Efforts and Velo-City 2025

Gdansk by the Baltic Sea has garnered international recognition for its environmental efforts, being shortlisted for the 2024 GDS-Awards as the “Most Improved Destination.” Additionally, European Solidarity Centre earned the Green Key Certificate, making ECS the second institution in Poland to receive this sustainability award. Further, Gdansk will host the Velo-City 2025 Summit. The summit will bring together global experts to discuss eco-friendly transport solutions.

Gdansk will host the Velo-City 2025 Summit. Photo: Poland CVB

Wroclaw: Driving Green Events

Wroclaw has made significant strides in promoting sustainable event practices through its Wroclaw Green Events initiative. Publishing “Green Events” by Convention Bureau – Wroclaw is the result of a commitment to promoting green practices and taking sustainable actions within the MICE industry.