Sustainability
Get informed. Get involved. Use resources more consciously.
Sustainability affects many aspects of a trade fair – from event operations and transport to the use of materials and your own trade fair presence. On this page, we show you the measures Messe Düsseldorf is implementing, the services you can make use of, and how sustainability is embedded in our corporate strategy.
What we do in event operations
Managing energy. Reusing materials. Sorting waste.
As an organiser, we manage the framework conditions on the exhibition grounds. We address this across many aspects of event operations – from energy and building services through to stand construction and logistics, right through to catering and waste separation. Some of these measures are immediately visible to our customers, whilst others operate behind the scenes.
Less aisle carpeting
We have largely done away with aisle carpets. The carpets we do use, for example to mark out pathways, are Cradle to Cradle certified.
Reusing stand components
For our own stand construction, we use modular stands and components that are stored and reused at future events.
Keeping transport distances short
When working with service partners, we also take short transport routes into account. Partners with warehouses at or near the exhibition venue can supply materials and equipment over short distances.
Travelling electrically
We have four fully electric pool vehicles available for business journeys in Düsseldorf. We use five electric cargo bikes for transport around the exhibition grounds.
Gradually rolling out LED technology
We are gradually switching the lighting on the exhibition grounds to LED technology.
Limiting water consumption
In the administration offices and exhibition halls, washbasins are fitted with flow restrictors and touchless controls.
Planning catering to meet demand
When planning catering, we take expected demand into account to minimise food waste as far as possible. In addition, we incorporate regional produce into our catering.
Facilitating waste separation
We provide appropriate collection bins and collection points for different types of waste and recyclables. For individual events, additional solutions are in place for specific types of production waste.
Furthermore, thanks to our certified energy management system and other measures, we have succeeded in reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 62 per cent compared with the base year of 2019.
What you can do yourself
Travelling to the fair. Thinking about resource use. Passing on materials.
Exhibitors and visitors alike can make choices regarding transport and the use of materials when attending the trade fair. We provide information, offers and practical guidance to help with this.
Well connected by bus and train
Please use trains and public transport to get here. The exhibition centre is directly connected to the public transport network. Tram and bus routes link the exhibition centre with the main railway station, the city centre and the airport. Bike-share and e-scooter stations complement the transport options around the site.
Show Smart: Thinking about resources right from the planning stage
Decisions regarding materials, construction, transport, packaging and subsequent reuse are made right from the planning stage of a trade fair presence. Our guide to a more resource-conscious trade fair participation provides exhibitors and stand builders with practical suggestions for planning, set-up, operation and follow-up.
Pass on rather than throw away
Materials or products that are no longer required after an event do not necessarily have to be left behind or disposed of. There are options for passing on or donating suitable surplus stock.
Messe Düsseldorf cooperates with Tafel Düsseldorf e.V. Subject to the Tafel having sufficient capacity for collection and storage, its volunteers will be happy to collect any leftover food, giveaways and other goods from your stand at the end of the trade fair and make them available to people affected by poverty in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area. Here you will find a list of the items that the Tafel collects. For hygiene reasons, the donation of leftovers from open catering is not permitted.
We will take care of the logistics in consultation with the food bank. All you need to do is register the goods with the food bank (contact: Tafel Düsseldorf e. V., Ms Bruns, Ms Schütze, Tel: +49 211 4360103, info@tafel-duesseldorf.de, office hours: Monday–Friday, 8.30 am–2.30 pm)
Sustainability at Messe Düsseldorf
In the strategic development of our company and our events, we take economic, environmental and social aspects into account.
We structure our activities across four dimensions: Planet, People, Performance and Governance. These encompass 13 key themes – ranging from energy and climate protection, the circular economy and resources, through to knowledge, diversity and networking, right up to responsible corporate governance and regional value creation.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as our guiding principles in this regard.
Find out more about Messe Düsseldorf’s sustainability strategy
Let’s get started!
And we’d love to discuss this with you – including your ideas!
If you’re looking for suitable partner companies, simply get in touch with Service Alliance:
