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 addressed this important issue by successfully undergoing the comprehensive EMAS eco-audit in 2024. Over the past year, we have consistently taken a proactive approach and have already witnessed numerous positive developments. Our environmental impact shows a clear positive trend, which further reinforces our commitment.
This progress is a source of pride and motivation for implementing new measures. We have optimised existing processes and set new, ambitious environmental goals. By doing so, we are demonstrating not only our commitment to sustainable action, but also that continuous improvement is more than just a buzzword — it’s a way of life.
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.
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We are therefore committed to
- comply with applicable legal regulations.
- to minimize the environmental impact of our sphere of activity.
- to continuously improve our environmental management system.
- to constantly improve our environmental performance.
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
our Handprint
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 continuous development and wider adoption of our Green Package, which facilitates the implementation of more environmentally friendly events.
- This also involves increasing plant diversity at our locations.
- We will communicate our sustainability efforts transparently, including both positive and negative developments.
- We will also implement measures to enhance social sustainability.
our footprint
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:
- the further development of water-saving processes and measures;
- the reduction of resource consumption by optimising heating processes.
EMAS validation and DIN EN ISO 14001
What certificates and validations of sustainable development has spaces achieved?
Since June 2024, spaces has been validated in accordance with EMAS and DIN EN ISO 14001 certification.
In addition, the following measures were implemented in our venues during the development of the environmental management system:
- Switching to resource-saving alternatives for consumables.
- Providing advice on recyclable products to reduce waste.
- Conversion to LED lighting, with 75 percent complete.
- Development of the GreenPackage.
What is EMAS?
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.
What is DIN EN ISO 14001?
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.
What is the GreenPackage?
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 on our website. 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!
How can I make my guests/participants aware of the sustainable features of the event?
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:
- Make basic information visible as early as the registration phase
- Set up information fields and areas in the event app or digital interface
- Label sustainable elements at the event and explain them with short texts
What options do our customers have for a more eco-friendly journey?
The event ticket
Deutsche Bahn offers sustainable and discounted travel options tailored to your event. You can find the right offer and further information via the provided link.
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.
Environmental statement
Our environmental statement 2025 contains all important contents around our commitment to sustainability as well as our EMAS validation and certification according to DIN EN ISO 14001 are summarized.
Environmental statement
Our environmental statement 2025 contains all important contents around our commitment to sustainability as well as our EMAS validation and certification according to DIN EN ISO 14001 are summarized.