Bilbao Exhibition Centre has started 2025 with an important milestone in its sustainability strategy: the achievement of the Biosphere seal, an international recognition of its commitment to sustainably economic, social and environmental practices. BEC thus becomes the third venue in Bizkaia to achieve this certification, after Bilbao Convention Bureau and Torre Iberdrola.

This award is part of the Bilbao Convention Bureau’s strategy, which since last year has been promoting Biosphere certification among its members with the aim of consolidating a more sustainable Bilbao-Bizkaia. In this context, the joint work within the Bilbao Arima Berdea project has enabled the city to climb to 14th place in the GDS ranking in 2024, making it the number one destination in Spain in terms of sustainability.

Obtaining the Biosphere seal is the result of intensive documentation and evidence gathering carried out over the course of 2024, reflecting BEC’s efforts to move forward in terms of sustainability. The Biosphere certification, developed by the Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) and endorsed by UNESCO and the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), is awarded to organisations that meet high standards of continuous improvement. Present in nearly 80 countries, this system requires annual renewal, consolidating a long-term sustainability plan.

In addition to this recognition, BEC is committed to sustainability in its events through the Erronka Garbia seal, awarded by the Ihobe-Public Society for Environmental Management of the Basque Government. This label certifies that the fairs and congresses organised at the venue incorporate environmental measures in their design and execution in order to reduce their environmental impact and include actions aimed at raising awareness and promoting responsible practices. Events such as BIEMH, Expovacaciones, Egurtek, Steel Tech and Gustoko already have this certification, and the aim is to extend it to other key events such as AdditƐD and BeDIGITAL.