Sustainable meetings in Stockholm the first ever European Green Capital

Transcription

1 Sustainable meetings in Stockholm the first ever European Green Capital photo: JENS ASSUR

2 Stockholm Makes conscious travel easier! Contributes to a sustainable event! Makes green meetings a reality! Enables you as an organizer to be part of the solution! photo: JENS ASSUR

3 Sustainability and green practices are on the agenda to stay for most companies and organizations. And while there are a lot of factors to take into account when planning an environmentally responsible meeting or conference, at least there is one leading meeting destination as dedicated to a more sustainable future as you are: Stockholm. This is what the jury had to say when the European Commission chose Stockholm for its first ever The European Green Capital Award: Stockholm winner 2010: has an outstanding, long historical track record of integrated urban management also confirmed by its ongoing credible green credentials. Ambitious plans for the future clearly demonstrate continuity. Or to put it another way: when you plan for a green meeting or conference in Stockholm, you not only give the participants memories for life, you also get the added benefit of knowing that you are part of the solution. The European Green Capital Award was conceived by the European Commission as a new initiative to promote and reward efforts to improve the environment. The prize will go to a city that: Has a consistent record of achieving high environmental standards Is committed to ongoing and ambitious goals for further environmental improvement and sustainable development Can act as a role model to inspire other cities and promote best practices to all other European cities

4 Green thinking is evident in every part of the Stockholm meeting industry Transport to and from the city Stockholm-Arlanda Airport the world s leading sustainable airport: - Best practice in responsible aviation globally - The first airport in the world to be accredited the highest level in a European programme that grades the climate change impact of airports - Green approaches a system permitting approaching aircraft to descend continuously from cruising altitude to the runway, using almost no engine thrust, thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions Sustainable transport from the airport to the city centre: - The fast and never delayed Arlanda Express high speed train - Eco-labelled airport shuttles (bio gas/ethanol buses). Fossil free by 2010! - Almost 50 % of all taxis are ecotaxis, which have their own queue in front of the other taxis - Congestion tolls to reduce traffic into the city Or walk still the best and most beautiful way to get around in compact and cosy Stockholm! Venues The leading meeting venues in Stockholm offer a variety of sustainable solutions: Stockholmsmässan offers ecological catering Kistamässan an environmentally approved venue has a number of solutions for saving energy (such as fast-closing doors in the exhibition hall, energysaving lamps and reduced lighting during setup and breakdown) Most innovative in the sustainable/environmental field is the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre (opens in 2011), being built from material from an old building (post terminal), sun cells on roof, unique energy-saving solutions for heating and cooling the venue Transports within the city It is safe and easy to travel by public transport The largest venues are only 10 minutes away from the Central Station by commuter train Well maintained and modern subway, trams and commuter trains Bio-fuelled taxis and buses More than 760 km bicycle lanes and a community bicycle programme that allows renting one of the programme s 1000 bicycles photo: White Arkitekter AB/Jarl Asset Management AB

5 Hotels Stockholm s hotels are world leading when it comes to environmental thinking. The highest number of Ecolabelled hotels in the world Scandic being the leader, with all 18 hotels in Stockholm carrying the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. As an example, Scandic has abandoned bottled water and use only local water. Training in sustainability among staff, learning to use as little resources as possible Other major eco-certified hotels: Sheraton, Hilton, Radisson and the Choice hotels Note: The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is one of the world s most stringent licensing systems where the applicant agrees to follow a certain criteria set outlined by the Nordic Ecolabelling in cooperation with stakeholders. These criteria include environmental, quality and health arguments. The criteria levels promote products and services belonging to the most environmentally sound and take into account factors such as free trade and proportionality (costs vs. benefits). Activities Stockholm, with its clean environment, clean waters, clean air and low levels of noise pollution, is the perfect place for extracurricular activities. Nature and the ever-present, clean (and portable!) waters of Stockholm is an important part of any visit to Stockholm Wide range of activities within the city: running, kayaking, swimming, fishing, bike riding, skiing, long distance skating The accessible unique archipelago For more information about sustainable meetings in Stockholm, please contact us: photo: scandic Stockholm Convention Bureau Phone: conventionbureau@stockholm.se

6 PHOTO: MATTON, Nicho Södling, GETTY IMAGES Stockholm The Capital of Scandinavia There are many reasons why Stockholm is the natural Capital of Scandinavia. One is that Stockholm is positioned at the heart of the region, and enjoys the benefits of a world-class transport infrastructure. Another is that Stockholm is the largest city in the largest country in Scandinavia. It is also where you find the most multinational companies, the largest stock market and, not least, the most visitors. People come to Stockholm for the food, the design and the music. Stockholm also offers a unique range of galleries and museums, and every year the eyes of the world are on Stockholm when the Nobel Prizes are awarded. Welcome to Stockholm The Capital of Scandinavia. Stockholm Visitors Board P.O. Box SE Stockholm, Sweden Ph