With this international seal, the institution reinforces its commitment to sustainability
Fira de Barcelona obtains ISO 14001 certification in environmental management from AENOR
Fira de Barcelona has obtained ISO 14001 certification, the most widely recognised international standard in the field of environmental management. In this way, the institution demonstrates and reinforces its commitment to sustainability, environmental protection and the fight against climate change in line with its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This certification, awarded by AENOR, accredits that Fira de Barcelona’s environmental management system complies with the requirements of the international ISO 14001 standard and highlights the actions that the institution has promoted to minimise the impact generated by its trade fair and congress activities, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energies, waste management, eco-design, circular economy and the optimisation of resources and services.
By obtaining ISO 14001 certification, Fira de Barcelona has taken another step forward in the level of application and compliance with the measures implemented in the management of its Gran Via venue, as well as in the organisation of events through initiatives such as “Towards Zero Waste”, which contribute to environmental protection and the fight against climate change. Additionally, other examples of this commitment are the consumption of green energy, the installation of charging points for electric vehicles in its car parks, or the generation of renewable energy through the photovoltaic panels installed on the roof of the Gran Via site. The institution also promotes sustainability-related events such as Smart City Expo World Congress, an international summit on urban solutions and smart cities, and BforPlanet, which focuses on promoting the SDGs.
For Constantí Serrallonga, the general director of Fira de Barcelona, “this certification is a recognition of our commitment to sustainability, which we have integrated into our corporate strategy and is a key factor in our conception of the business model and the development of our activity, which we want to extend to other organisers, suppliers, exhibitors and visitors”. In this sense, he highlighted the value of receiving this seal that “internationally accredits the institution’s commitment to the continuous improvement of its environmental management system and further reinforces its role as a generator of social value, wealth and well-being in its environment”.
The certificate was presented at the Gran Via venue to the General Manager of Fira by the Director of the Mediterranean Region of AENOR, Ángel Luis Sánchez Cerón, who pointed out that, “In this way, Fira de Barcelona promotes environmental protection and the prevention of pollution from a point of view of balance with socio-economic aspects, committed to continuous improvement”.
In addition to the achievement of ISO 14001, Fira has received other international recognitions such as the Sustainable Development Award (2017) from the UFI, the world’s leading trade fair association, which awarded Fira for its contribution to Barcelona becoming a benchmark destination in terms of trade fair sustainability. Fira de Barcelona has adhered to the BCN Sustainable Tourism programme of Turisme de Barcelona and has adhered to the Barcelona Biosphere Tourism Sustainability Commitment which recognises companies that are committed to responsible management that respects the environment, culture, working conditions, gender equality and their social and economic contribution.
Barcelona, 27th May 2021
Communications Department