11 July 2024
The 26th edition of the World Energy Congress, held in Rotterdam, was a major gathering point, attracting almost 4,000 attendees, more than 300 speakers and over eighty exhibitors. Our team at MCI The Netherlands managed and marketed this grand event; featuring an enticing programme of keynote sessions, group discussions, interactive exhibitions, tours and practical experiences. We took a green approach, using recycled materials and promoting green habits to reduce waste.
When organising a high-level international congress there are many elements, especially when considering its environmental impact. In this case study we will showcase the efforts of the MCI The Netherlands team and their partners, and how the 26th World Energy Congress in Rotterdam was an example of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision of sustainability, innovation and global collaboration.
Our aim was to host an event that was as engaging as it was kind to the environment, paving the way for breakthroughs in energy, sustainability and leadership on a global scale.
Commitment to Sustainability: We made the Congress as eco-friendly as possible, with the support of the Congress venue, Rotterdam Ahoy, known for its gas-free environment and CO2-reducing moss sedum roof. Other key initiatives included:
- Using eco-conscious materials for our print materials, badges and signs.
- Encouraging eco-friendly practices such as train travel and reduced energy use.
- Reducing waste by reusing coffee grounds for growing mushrooms and cutting down on food waste.
The 26th World Energy Congress was anchored by the presence of esteemed individuals including high-ranking government officials, CEOs, mayors from across the globe and other influential international guests. The logistics of travel to and within the Congress city were of paramount importance.
In past editions, it was customary to provide private transfers and shuttle services to the delegates. However, given Rotterdam’s public transport network, a conscious decision was made to prioritise sustainable transport options within the city.
Frankly, international flights, are an unavoidable aspect of an international congress, and remain the largest source of emissions. Despite this, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering, and we continue to explore and implement environmentally friendly practices wherever possible.
Our selected venue, the Rotterdam Ahoy, matched the World Energy Congress’s progressive stance on global energy transitions, reflecting a mutual dedication to forward-thinking energy strategies.
The architectural design of the Rotterdam Ahoy prioritises low energy usage. It functions completely gas-free and features a moss sedum roof spanning 1,713 square meters, which effectively reduces CO2 emissions. This extraordinary feature has already compensated for one ton of CO2, marking a substantial ecological contribution. Furthermore, the venue’s rooftop solar panels cater to a quarter of its yearly energy requirements, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
Catering for a Congress of this magnitude has the potential to make a significant impact when the right decisions are made. It was crucial not to lose sight of the international delegations, dietary preferences, and of course, the personal preferences.
Lunch at the 26th World Energy Congress featured fresh, locally sourced seasonal dishes to minimise our ‘food miles’ to the barest minimum. Meals were thoughtfully prepared to cater to different dietary preferences, with clear signs indicating each option. Our aim was to offer delicious and inclusive choices for everyone in attendance.
The disposables at Ahoy (plates, cups and cutlery) were made from 100% recycled materials and FSC-certified wood, which helped to reduce our environmental footprint. Furthermore, any leftover coffee grounds from the coffee machines were collected and used for the cultivation of oyster mushrooms, through the award-winning circular concept ‘RotterZwam’. Last but not least, the Rotterdam Ahoy also utilised Orbisk to assist with waste reduction in the catering department. For more details about this, feel free to check www.orbisk.com.
Our partners and suppliers were carefully selected to provide high quality and sustainable merchandise. Wherever possible, all Congress materials and giveaways were made of natural fibres and recycled / recyclable elements.
Limited printing: pocket programme and city maps were available digitally in pdf format.
Delegate give-aways (bags and water bottles) were all made from recycled materials in Europe.
Crew shirts were BCI certified (world’s largest cotton sustainability programme).
Badges: no plastic, printed on demand.
Exhibition: Rewind® carpet: backwashed and 100% recycled polypropylene. No water was used for production and it was latex free. Lightweight material making the carpet easy to collect and fold for loading and transport.
MCI The Netherlands used Trace® to measure the emissions, waste and sustainable efforts made for the 26th World Energy Congress. The following learnings were captured:
- The main source of carbon emissions in an international Congress remains travel. Starting early by providing offset options to attendees during registration is crucial. Sustainability should be a collective endeavour, not solely an organisational one.
- Seek out partnerships or sponsors interested in supporting the offsetting of the congress’s carbon footprint.
- Freight; collaborate with a freight forwarder willing to make the effort to consolidate shipments, thereby reducing your freight footprint (primarily for exhibitions).
- Waste; be proactive in managing your waste! From the planning phase, involve your exhibitors and venue in waste management strategies, including recycling aspects of their booths.
- Prioritise local sourcing.
Embrace vegetarian/vegan options; it’s a given. The emission levels associated with meat/fish are high.
The 26th World Energy Congress joined forces with the City of Rotterdam to ensure that the local community also enjoyed benefits from the Congress. In a collaborative effort, we initiated the ‘Legacy Project’, inviting participants to contribute and assist the city of Rotterdam in shaping the sustainable street of the future.
There are plenty of methods to integrate a Legacy Project into your initiative. It’s essential to create opportunities to give back.
Are you interested in learning more about what we do at MCI The Netherlands? Contact our Director of Associations at