SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES
PORTFOLIO OF SUSTAINABLE TOOLS
We present our Portfolio of Sustainable Tools for congress and event organizers who are interested in implementing environmental and social sustainability solutions.
If you are interested in these tools write us to bicb@bilbaoturismo.bilbao.eus and we would send you a link to the portfolio.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD
Sustainable food is increasing in importance, and both Bilbao Convention Bureau and its partners do not want to be left behind.
It is one of the areas of most concern today, given the quantity of resources required to feed the population. This is why it is important to know about the benefits of promoting a diet based on sustainable products.
In Bilbao work is carried out to promote sustainable food and also to boost the level of knowledge and resources available to the city’s suppliers.
Part of the success lies in the consumption of menus with a low ecological footprint. Therefore, it is advisable to eat less meat and more grains, pulses or fruit as the production of animal products requires more energy, water and space. In addition, local products should be used. In the vicinity of Bilbao we have a wide variety of high quality local products.
REUSE OF MATERIALS
As with sustainable food, the reuse of materials at conferences and exhibitions has a long way to go to improve.
Until recently, tonnes of waste would be left after a business event, with the consequent negative impact, making the conference harmful to the environment and with no positive impact on society.
This is why it is time for a drastic change in the way in which a conference is planned and the type of materials used.
The use of sustainable alternatives to the materials most used in hotels, restaurants, catering establishments and venues will be promoted. In addition, measures will be taken to extend the life of materials by using reusable stands or donating material to associations specialised in material management after the event.
MOBILITY
Mobility in Bilbao is easy and simple. Following the urban concept of the 15-minute city, in a relatively small area participants have access to shops, hotels, the historic centre and event venues, promoting mobility on foot or by bike.
In addition, Bilbao City Council is committed to following the mobility directives of the urban mobility pyramid. This promotes mobility on foot or by bike as these are more efficient and sustainable means of transport, and tries to avoid the use of private vehicles.
There is firm commitment for sustainable mobility. This is why recent years have seen significant investment in the city’s public transport network.
BILBOBUS
A large proportion of the buses in the fleet are electric or hybrid. There are more than 44 lines and 525 stops, connecting all areas of the city. In addition, several lines run by Bizkaibus (intercity coaches) connect Bilbao to the rest of Bizkaia.
RED FERROVIARIA
Rail network connecting Bilbao with the rest of Euskadi (Euskotren) and the main national cities (Renfe).
CABLE CAR
Artxanda, the balcony of Bilbao. This reveals a unique landscape with incredible views of the city of Bilbao. To see the city from high up, we show you real-time images from a very special place.
AEROPUERTO
Just 10 km from the city centre with direct connections to the main national and European cities.
TRAM
The tram crosses Bilbao, from Bolueta station to la Casilla station, passing the Historic Centre, the Zubizuri, the Guggenheim Museum, Euskalduna and San Mamés.
METRO
The Metro network has two lines (L1 and L2), one on each side of the Bilbao Estuary, thus connecting the entire population of the Greater Bilbao area. A third metro line (L3) connects to the Euskotren railway network.
BILBAOBIZI
The use of bicycles for medium distances is encouraged and to this end the number of roads and kilometres of cycle lanes have been increased. In addition, the City Council has an electric bicycle service called Bilbaobizi.
Thus, there are 41 points distributed throughout the city where you can pick up or drop off your electric bicycle.
GREEN TRAILS
The city of Bilbao is surrounded by mountains and green zones. Around and within the “botxo” are green spaces for the practise of sport and leisure activities in a natural environment.
Five forest parks (Artxanda, Monte Pagasarri, Arraiz and Arnotegi) with a total area of 770.2 hectares, 18 urban parks, of which Etxebarria Park and Doña Casilda Park are the most important, with an area of 217.75 hectares.
The Bilbao Grand Route (GR-228) runs around the urban centre, grouping together the municipal forest parks and urban parks, with access from every district of Bilbao. A green belt measuring 39.20 km long with 30.97 km of auxiliary trails, making a total length of 70.17 km.
This serves to promote the natural and scenic values of Bilbao, as well as offering leisure and recreational activities.
BASQUE CUISINE
Basque cuisine and in particular, that of Bilbao, is one of the most highly valued cuisines in the world and its international success is well-known.
This is partly due to the excellent quality of local products. There is strong support for zero km products, and the Eusko Label helps to strengthen support for local producers while also guaranteeing the quality of the food.
Furthermore, the traditional Basque cuisine of all time combines perfectly with the new innovative Basque cuisine of the new generations. At the same time, there is a strong poteo (drinking wine with friends) culture, usually linked to eating pintxos.
This is reflected in the large number of restaurants which have been awarded a Michelin Star.
This status is achieved thanks to the professionals who have put in so much effort and worked hard all their life. Many of these trained at the Bilbao Hotel and Catering School.
LOCAL COMMERCE
In Bilbao, we are proud to still have many long-standing local shops. Local stores of every type are found mostly in the Historic Centre but also all over the city.
– Restaurant stores with bars and long-standing restaurants combine with other modern and innovative restaurants.
– Food stores including groceries, delicatessens, fishmongers and greengrocers.
– Beauty, fashion and accessory stores.
– Household and décor stores.
– Health shops including chemists and opticians.
– Sports shops.
Perfect for whiling away the time while enjoying a wide variety of products. These shops may also come in use for ordering a souvenir of the event held in Bilbao to give to participants at the end of the event.
Lastly, an app called GERTU offers information via mobile phone about all the offers and deals available from the stores in Bilbao and Getxo and which can only be validated in store. Yet one more example of the fusion between local commerce and digitalisation.
ACCESIBILITY
In Bilbao we want everyone to be able to enjoy a full and satisfying experience.
Any visitor who comes to see us will find a city where they will receive exceptional treatment and enjoy accessibility everywhere.
To achieve this, the city has carried out conversion work in all the infrastructures.
Hotel and catering establishments have adapted their premises. In public transport, buses have an access ramp and seating reserved for people with reduced mobility. All the metro stations have lifts with direct access to the platform.
Lastly, cultural and leisure spaces have adapted both the buildings and the different experiences on offer.
Further details can be found at the following link and on the web pages for the different forms of public transport.
CREATING MORE SUSTAINABLE EVENTS
The following document highlights certain reasons why Bilbao should be considered a leading destination in terms of sustainability.
Advances in energy, waste reduction, water savings, support for mobility and sustainable food, the natural environment and commitment and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals make the city one of the best with respect to sustainability.
All this would be impossible to achieve if were not for the involvement of both the leaders and the people living in the city.
More sustainable events.
WATER
Water is one of the most valued and scarcest resources in the world at present. Although Bilbao is located in a region with plenty of rain, it is imperative to use water correctly and to minimise consumption. It is also important to treat waste water properly before it reaches the sea to prevent environmental pollution.
The Bilbao Bizkaia Water Board is the organisation responsible for water management throughout the water’s life cycle, from collection, drinking water treatment and distribution to the disposal of waste, waste water treatment and return to the natural environment.
99.36% of Bilbao’s urban waste water is treated at Galindo waste water treatment plant. In addition, there are another 26 waste water treatment plants, 42 pumping stations, 51 main pipelines and 84 overflow stations where more than 130 million cubic metres of waste water from the districts of the Greater Bilbao area are treated.
