Sustainability
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Sustainability at spaces
An event is always a special moment and, in a way, an exception. But when it comes to sustainability, we can no longer make exceptions. This mindset corresponds to both our corporate identity and the legal regulations, but it is also reflected in many of our customers' requests. This is why we set out to continuously improve sustainability at our venues.
Our portfolio consists mainly of historical buildings and former industrial halls - our aim is to carefully modernize and adapt existing buildings so that they can function as event venues. The use of existing buildings is associated with a significantly lower consumption of energy and resources than demolition and new construction if the buildings' gray energy is taken into account. In addition, we are already implementing a number of individual measures to save energy and resources.
We provide facts
We have now systematically tackled this important matter and undergone the comprehensive EMAS eco-audit. With success. The certificate, still hot off the press, is not only a source of pride, but also an incentive to rethink.
Environmental policy
We are involved in the development and operation of unique event venues. Events are made up of a variety of necessary services, including location, event technology, furniture and decoration, catering, event staff and transportation. A complex construct, which is implemented in a successful event after months of planning and preparation. As the venue operator, we provide the space for the event where all services of the previously mentioned sectors are provided.
Social and economic sustainability are the cornerstone of our daily business. This also includes the awareness that, as part of the event industry, we have an ecological impact on our environment. As the sustainable development of our existing venues and steady growth as a company are important to us, we have decided to expose our actions to a transparent and objective review. This also takes the continuous development of all processes with regard to resource conservation and emission reduction into account.
We are therefore committed to
We focus on developing environmentally friendly event concepts together with service providers and customers as well as learning from each other. It is important to us to draw the attention of all parties involved in the planning and implementation of an event at our venues to the possibilities of a sustainable event and to offer environmentally friendly services where possible.
On one hand, we focus on optimizing the footprint of an event, i.e. reducing emissions and resource consumption. At the same time, we aim to work with our partners and customers to develop a handprint for and of events, i.e. an imprint of the progress that has already been achieved or can be achieved through sustainable measures and actions.
We are convinced that this form of positive communication will motivate and encourage the event industry to act in an environmentally responsible manner in the long term.
Increase handprint & decrease footprint
The carbon handprint is the counterpart of the carbon footprint. In contrast to the latter, the handprint encompasses the positive impact that a person or company has on the environment and climate. It also includes measures that go beyond the mere reduction of the carbon footprint.
For us, this means...
The carbon footprint includes carbon dioxide as well as other greenhouse gases. It is often examined in relation to a person, a household, a company or a service. In the event industry, the carbon footprint is primarily defined by transportation, participant transportation, heating and ventilation systems, as well as resource expenditure for special constructions.
We have therefore set ourselves the overarching goal of reducing the footprint of our venues as far as possible. We are focusing on the following aspects in particular:
Since June 2024, spaces has been validated in accordance with EMAS and DIN EN ISO 14001 certification.
In addition, we have already implemented the following measures in our venues during the development of the environmental management system
EMAS is the abbreviation for “Eco-Management and Audit Scheme”, an audit program developed by the European Union. EMAS serves as an EU-wide, standardized system for developing and auditing environmental management systems. The aim is to continuously improve a company's environmental performance. The EMAS regulation provides the basis for validation. It combines many key points of DIN EN ISO 14001 and supplements these with the topics of environmental auditing, employee participation and transparency in external communication.
DIN EN ISO 14001, or ISO 14001 for short, is an internationally applied and recognized standard for environmental management systems. Since 1996, it has been the primary standard for auditing eco-management systems. It considers the central elements of planning, implementation, control and improvement.
The GreenPackage is designed to make organizing a more environmentally friendly event easier for our customers. This means that we present the key information on our partners' commitment to sustainability and their sustainable product concepts in a single document. Customers can then see which aspects appeal to them the most at one glance and request partners and offers accordingly. It is important to note that it is not yet possible to plan a completely CO2-neutral event, BUT by choosing more sustainable product and service alternatives, it is possible to reduce the footprint and thus already have a positive impact.
The GreenPackage also includes a selection of environmental protection initiatives that can be integrated into the event concept.
Are you curious and would like to give your next event a stronger focus on environmental protection? - Just contact us!
There are many ways to make guests aware of the measures taken to increase the sustainability of the event, either before, during or after it. In general, it is recommended incorparate creative and visual elements to increase understanding.
Some ideas are
The event ticket
To make traveling to the event as environmentally friendly as possible, spaces provides the DB event ticket. Guests can book discounted tickets to the nearest train station via the link provided.
Public transport
Guests will find a detailed description of how to travel by public transport on our travel website. All locations allow the use of public transport due to their geographical position.
Cooperation with shuttle companies
Even if it doesn't sound sustainable at first, cooperating with shuttle companies and implementing shuttle concepts is a good way to make the journey easy and comfortable for participants, bundle travel times and act more sustainably at the same time. Many of our partners are already working with e-buses or hydrogen buses. The use of these can significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Furthermore, shuttles are often used between the venue and central points (local train station, long-distance train station, company headquarters). This means that transportation in the form of 50 cars can quickly be replaced by a bus ride.
Sustainability is a top priority throughout the entire partner network.
This means:
Our environmental statement summarizes the key aspects of our commitment to sustainability as well as our EMAS validation and DIN EN ISO 14001 certification.
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