Long before it became fashionable, Ghent was investing heavily in sustainability. Ghentians have enthusiastically set up sustainable initiatives, and reducing their ecological footprint comes naturally to them. As a conference organiser, you can build on their expertise.
Ghentians are used to thinking and acting sustainably and have led the way in this field. Of course, the City of Ghent has made a contribution as well. Within this scope, the city aims to be climate neutral by 2050 and strives to be ‘climate proof’. Attention is paid to pavement removal, greening, water supply and water management This is certainly an advantage for conference organisers, since sustainability is a growing concern in the conference sector as well. In Ghent, you are in the right place. Visitors will be inspired to take sustainable action – even little, everyday things can make a difference. By paying attention to sustainable transport, vegetarian food or energy efficiency during your conference, you drive an important point home to each participant.
In Ghent, you will find everything you need to organise your conference in a sustainable manner. For instance, you can leave the catering to environmentally responsible food professionals or fill your social programme with sustainable activities. Overnight stays are possible in accommodations with a ‘Green Key’, ‘Green Globe’ or ‘Fairbnb’ label.
The City of Ghent supports venues aiming to obtain a Green Key label. This is an international quality label for tourism industry operators who adopt environment-friendly practices. This way, the City helps ensure that you can choose from a wide range of Green Key venues for your conference.
Do you wish to make a conscious choice for the conference participants’ accommodation? Then look for places with a Green Key, Green Globe or Fairbnb label. These sustainable accommodations have made a variety of efforts, including investments to reduce their water, gas or electricity consumption, a menu with vegetarian and/or organic options, and the promotion of sustainable transport.
Ghent is not only centrally located, but also boasts a wide array of sustainable mobility solutions: train, tram and bicycle. So be sure to make use of these solutions for your conference. The following formula has been implemented countless times by GentCongres: Conference participants arrive in Ghent by train, and their luggage is dropped off at their hotel by a bicycle courier. The participants can then go to the city centre on foot or by public transport. Handy and pleasant!
You can follow the sustainability principle down to the smallest detail during your conference: by offering a vegan lunch, replacing access badges by a paperless alternative, or organising a sustainable activity as part of the social programme of your conference. Why take half measures if you can go all the way?
You can rest assured: a sustainable conference is absolutely possible in Ghent! Want additional tips or assistance? GentCongres will gladly help you on your way.
