Sustainability is key for the GCB German Convention Bureau e.V., which makes a long-term commitment to safeguarding natural resources and habitats. To reflect this commitment, the GCB successfully staged a climate-neutral general meeting for its members in Mannheim on 9 and 10 June. In other words, all greenhouse gas emissions generated by travel to and from the destination, catering, overnight stays, and local energy consumption of the 120 attendees from all over Germany were completely offset.

In co-operation with First Climate (Germany) GmbH, the GCB calculated the amount of generated emissions: Additional investments in the project "Small Hydro Power Project in Southern Brazil" compensated for greenhouse emissions worth a total of 16 tons of carbon equivalents.  

"As the umbrella organisation of the German meetings and conventions industry, the GCB considers it a responsible task to be a role model in the field of sustainability and to set an example with its commitment. Germany is considered the top event destination in Europe, and number two world-wide behind the USA. In 2007 the number of events saw a six per cent increase to 2.8 million. This clearly shows the great potential for active environmental protection in the meetings and events sector. If we all make a small step, we can achieve great progress together," says the GCB's managing director Lutz P. Vogt.

The prime goal of the climate project is to contribute to meeting rising demand for energy caused by the economic boom in Brazil and to improve the energy supply in remote regions. Simultaneously, it boosts local and regional economic development: In the course of constructing the project facilities over 100 jobs were created for each hydroelectric power plant - a total of 300 so far. In addition, social programmes were initiated enabling the local population to participate in the proceeds from the sale of allowances. Environmental education activities are another part of these programmes, involving more than 600 children from neighbouring schools.
The GCB's general meeting took place at m:con Congress Center Rosengarten in Mannheim. The convention centre offers perfect conditions for green meetings: "The glass absorbs sound - as does the newly laid whisper asphalt in the outdoor area - in order to eliminate undesirable noise caused by events. All technical facilities are frequency or demand-controlled. As part of efficient operation and maintenance, there is a reporting system that indicates future optimisation potentials. The entire centre works with energy-saving lighting fittings, and a combination ticket offered in co-operation with Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar gives visitors free access to public transport," points out m:con director Michel Mauge.

The GCB German Convention Bureau e.V. markets Germany as a destination for conventions, meetings, events and incentives both on a national and international level, and is the place to contact for anybody planning an event in Germany. Its 246 members include leading hotels, convention centres and destinations, car hire firms, event agencies and service providers of the German meetings and conventions industry. Maritim Hotels and Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH are Preferred Partners of the GCB.

The GCB is an interface between organisers of meetings and conventions and suppliers of the German meetings market, offers advice and support for planning and organising events, and provides contacts and addresses.