Bilbao Exhibition Centre has taken a new step in its sustainability strategy by obtaining the Biosphere certification—an international recognition that endorses our commitment to sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices.

This achievement is part of the strategy led by the Bilbao Convention Bureau, which since last year has been promoting Biosphere certification among its members with the goal of building a more sustainable Bilbao-Bizkaia. In this context, joint efforts within the Bilbao Arima Berdea project have contributed to the city rising to 14th place in the 2024 GDS (Global Destination Sustainability) Index, making it the top-ranked destination in Spain for sustainability.

The Biosphere certification is the result of a thorough process of analysis, documentation, and evidence collection carried out throughout 2024. The certification, created by the Responsible Tourism Institute and supported by UNESCO and the World Tourism Organization, is awarded to entities that meet strict standards of continuous improvement. Present in nearly 80 countries, the system requires annual renewal, and BEC is already working on this to establish its own long-term sustainability plan.