Faced with global warming and diminishing resources the exhibition industry is conscious that it must strive to improve its impact on the environment both locally and globally.
As a result, exhibition venues and exhibition managers around the world are taking steps to reduce waste, convert to sources of renewable energy, recycle frequently used materials and ensure that they contribute to the development of staff and the local community.
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, contributes to sustainable development by encouraging, sharing and promoting sustainable development practices in all aspects of exhibition venue and event organisation and management, whether from an environmental, economic or social perspective.
Through its activity across the globe the exhibition industry contributes to the three pillars of sustainable development:
- Environmentally by adopting measures to improve energy, resource and waste management
- Economically, by supporting the development of international trade in the sectors it services and contributing revenues to the local and national economy
- Socially by raising awareness within the exhibition sector and the wider community of the need for sustainable development and by educating and training employees to implement sustainable practices.
Exhibitions are the most efficient way of bringing together a multitude of buyers and sellers in a single venue, providing direct experience of material goods and services, stimulating business opportunities and facilitating business negotiations.
At the same time exhibitions and trade fairs open up channels of communication which encourage social networking and understanding between peoples.
UFI is pursuing its support of sustainable development for the exhibition industry.
UFI’s Sustainable Development Committee, chaired by Michael Duck (UBM Asia), provides the association’s members with best practice guidance and a forum to exchange knowledge and information.
Manfred Wutzlhofer, UFI President, said, “trade fairs play a significant, beneficial role in supporting international trade and economic growth. The challenge for the exhibition industry is to retain the many benefits it brings to business and industry while ensuring that its impact is increasingly sustainable now and in the future.”
For more information, visit UFI
Related Article:
