Solutions for climate-smart events

CO2 emissions from transport must be reduced to almost zero by 2030. This goal must be achieved without curbing people's travel needs, which include the opportunity to meet others and to experience new things. In this project, we will develop, test and evaluate new solutions for the hospitality industry and make progress towards sustainable, emission-free events.

The proportion of events' total emissions that is attributed to transportation is commonly significant. Transportation is, however, not the only source of emissions related to events. This project adopts a systems approach to focus on goods and passenger transport, catering, overnight accommodation and other energy-consuming resources that are required for the production and consumption of events. For each of these areas, the project aims to develop and trial new solutions within the Gothenburg area. 

Events comprise a unique opportunity to showcase new innovations and simultaneously reach people in situations where they are more open to change. The project's focus on climate measures aims to support Sweden's innovativeness and benefit the Swedish hospitality industry. The project also aims to create spinoffs in terms of transport and mobility innovations that can be implemented in other Swedish cities, municipalities and regions, and which can scale globally.

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Planned activites: 

During fall 2024 further tests of the digital tool are planned to be performed with project partners, but also  by external stakeholders. For more information, please contact Erik Lundberg.

A few more tests are planned to take place during fall 2024. 

A final seminar will be held on November 6th 2024. For more information contact Kristina Holmgren.

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Previous project events:  

Workshops and Innovation labs:

On January 29th, 2024, a matchmaking event for project partners was organised to find additional solutions to test during summer and fall. For more information, please contact  Steven Sarasini or Filip Eklund @goteborg.com 

On November 20th 2023 the second Innovation lab was orgnised. Two cases of transportation of goods to events were in focus. The results from the lab show promising solutions that will be worked on further within the project. For more information, please contact Azadeh Kazemi @businessregion.se 

On October 4th 2023, a workshop with focus on transportation of goods and climate smart solutions was held. For mor information contact  Kristina Holmgren or Michael Browne @handels.gu.se

On September 20th 2023, a workshop with focus on mobility and passenger transport was organised. The workshop was built upon the results of the previously held Innovationlab. The workshop collected information to the digital tool that is being developed as a support for event organisers. Some general conclusions regarding timing for information to event visitors were drawn. For more information contact Hans Arby.

On September 6th 2023 a follow-up meeting of the earlier workshop on ”Roads to a climate smart and more delicious event” (Vägar till ett klimatsmart och godare event) was held. Checklists for event organizers, educational materials, and climate calculations for meals were discussed. Event organizers presented the actions, trends, and changes they see within the field, as well as the concrete measures they have already implemented at their events. For more information, contact Maria Nehme O’Neill.

On 28^th August 2023 a digital workshop focusing on “Energy and resource utilisation at events” (Energi och resursanvändning) was held. At the workshop, discussions were held regarding the support and tools that can assist event organizers in changing the structure and offerings of energy, merchandise, consumables, and waste management. The discussions also included what has been tried already, and what one would like to try at events to reduce energy and resource consumption. For more information contact Jamilla Nilsson

On April 19^th 2023, a digital workshop with focus on “Climate smart solutions for food and drinks” was held. The discussions circled around the challenges, demands and potential solutions from the perspectives of mealtime providers, event organisers and visitors. For more information, contact Maria Nehme O’Neill.

On April 18^th 2023 the first Innovation lab with focus on passenger transport/mobility was performed. For more information, contact Azadeh Kazemi @businessregion.se

Other project happenings: 

During fall 2023 the project has organised meetings where project partners and reference group have been able to test early version of the digital tool, and to provide input for improved functionality and layout. 

During summer 2023 the project have performed two tests regarding visitors travels to Coldplay’s concerts at Ullevi. In addition tests regarding the reuse of textiles for merchandise and personnel at events were evaluated in collaboration with Anna Lindgren Sicence Park Borås. For more information regarding the tests performed within the project, please contact Steven Sarasini.