background

Sustainability: a shared commitment

Our commitment to sustainability

Lugano Convention & Exhibition is committed to organising events with a low environmental impact, with a strategy based on a clear vision, mission and values. Our aim is to make it easier for people to meet, offering quality services with a sustainable perspective and minimising environmental, economic and social impact.

Sustainable initiatives
We have adopted concrete solutions to make every event more sustainable: renewable energy, separate waste collection, free drinking water, food waste reduction and partnerships with certified local suppliers. We also promote green mobility and accessibility for all participants. Below you will find a selection of our best practices that we can apply to your next more sustainable event and our full Sustainability Manual.

Certifications for a concrete commitment
Lugano Convention & Exhibition and all its locations are certified ISO 20121, the international standard for sustainable event management, recognised by Swiss LiveCom Association EXPO EVENT and Acting Responsibly. In addition, we are part of the Swisstainable programme, with the highest level of certification (Level III - Leading), confirming our commitment to a more sustainable future in the conference industry.

ISO 20121 by EXPO Event   Swisstainable_Level III

©Davide Adamoli

©Davide Adamoli

Sustainability Manual

Our manual for the sustainable organization of events offers practical guidelines for organising responsible events, reducing costs and environmental impacts. It includes a checklist for planning venues, catering, suppliers and transport in a more sustainable way, contributing to the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.

Why choose to organise sustainable events?

- Resource optimisation: More efficient use of energy and materials leads to reduced costs.

- Credibility and attractiveness: Organising sustainable events improves the image of the event and attracts potential sponsors and investors.

- Respect for the environment and the community: Every choice, from suppliers to catering, can help make a difference.

- Positive legacy: Leaving a positive impact on the local community and participants is one of the main objectives of a sustainable event.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals by the United Nations

Download the full manual here
  • Best Practice for your next event
    • All delegates travel for free on the regional public transport network thanks to the Ticino Ticket
    • The electricity within Palazzo dei Congressi is 100% renewable energy
    • Translate your speech with our experts of sign language  to ensure full accessibility
    • Collaborate with our local suppliers to reduce your event's carbon footprint
    • Provide free natural water with fresh water fountains to avoid PET bottles
    • Reduce food waste and donate extra meals to charity
    • Produce your gadgets locally, with recycled material and through socially inclusive foundations
    • Reduce CO2 emissions promoting transfers on foot or by bike within the City of Lugano
    • Avoid printing material and take advantage of our digital screens for directions and programs
    • ...contact us for more ideas!
    Biscuits by Fondazione Diamante

Sustainable and carbon-neutral congress

In 2022 at Palazzo dei Congressi in Lugano we hosted the Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), the international event organised annually by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).

More than 750 delegates from all over the world and from the various fields of outdoor tourism gathered in Lugano for the first Summit after the convid pandemic with a strong accent on sustainability and preservation.

Accordingly, this was the first congress held in Switzerland that was totally sustainable and carbon-neutral.

Together with our partner Switzerland Convention & Incentivee Bureau we collected the full testimonial of the event and created a Best Case video to share and inspire other event organizers.

©Adventure Travel Summit

©Adventure Travel Summit

Read the full testimonial

Success story of sustainable congress in Lugano - Adventure Travel Summit

©Switzerland Convention & Incentive Bureau

‘...One thing is certain: we can't do without international events. Shaking hands and looking each other in the eye. This kind of exchange is priceless and keeps us going. We do this in a place like Lugano and Ticino, where participants can travel by clean and reliable public transport, as well as free of charge for all participants thanks to the Ticino Ticket initiative.’

Shannon Stowell - CEO - Adventure Travel Trade Association

Sustainability strategy

Lugano Convention & Exhibitions's strategy is based on the concept of a ‘sustainable event’, defined as an event that ‘is conceived, planned and implemented in such a way as to minimise the negative impact on the environment and to leave a positive legacy for the host community’ (UNEP 2009 - United Nations Environment Programme).

In order to host environmentally friendly events in Lugano, it is essential to collaborate with all stakeholders, from the event organisers, partners and services, to the participants themselves and the host destination.

Vision: To facilitate people coming together to foster dialogue, innovation, growth and development.

Mission: To provide quality spaces and services, with agility, efficiency and with a view to sustainable development.

Values: Innovation - Quality - Reliability - Enthusiasm

©Lugano Region_Milo Zanecchia

©Lugano Region_Milo Zanecchia

Plan with us your next sustainable event

Lugano is the ideal location for any public or private event. All Lugano Convention & Exhibition venues can be used for different types of events, they are all located in the city centre and are well connected by the public transport system. Each structure offers unique features that can be customised according to your needs.

Credits: Eventmore SA

Credits: Eventmore SA

Credits: Eventmore SA

Credits: Eventmore SA

Organise your event

Send your feedback