The sustainable management of its space and the events held there, with energy as the main focus, is one of the main objectives of the Bilbao Exhibition Centre. For this reason, BEC maintains its commitment to sustainability and the SDG 2030 agenda with specific actions. A good example of this is the progress in the expansion of its photovoltaic solar plant to reach a power capacity of one megawatt. The structure, whose installation is already well advanced and will be completed this March, will enable the company to achieve self-sufficiency of between 10 and 12%, in addition to the one already installed in 2004.

In the area of alliances, BEC has multiple projects underway. Locally, the trade fair and convention center is involved in “Bilbao Arima Berdea“, a sustainability plan for the MICE sector. Its main objective is to advance, in a collaborative way, in building strategies, action plans and sustainable practices in its organizations. Currently, and according to the international ranking GDS-Index 2022, which groups cities committed to sustainability in social, economic and environmental matters, Bilbao has reached the 33rd position worldwide.

In addition, BEC has joined the “Net Zero Carbon Events” initiative promoted by UFI-International Association of International Trade Fairs. This movement, which seeks to tackle climate change and achieve the goal of zero emissions by 2050, is currently supported by more than 400 organizations from 55 countries. 2023 will be the year of definition of the program, which has been presented at COP27 in Egypt.

Along the same lines, BEC has begun, together with IHOBE, the Basque Government’s Public Company for Environmental Management, to certify its own events with the Erronka Garbia seal. This procedure makes it possible to minimize the negative environmental impacts associated with the holding of events and to create a positive legacy for the organizing entities and the agents involved.

For more information on current lines of action, certifications, technical improvements, figures, etc. on sustainability, see “BEC! Sustainable“.