Bilbao
A sustainable destination
Bilbao has undergone a total revolution in recent decades: from being a completely industrialised city to today, where the city’s transformation and its strong commitment to sustainability are notable. It has established itself as an attractive and welcoming city for the people who live there and for those who, year after year, choose Bilbao as a place to enjoy a few days getting to know its people and its streets.
Bilbao Convention Bureau (BiCB) works to promote and carry out sustainable activities involving as many stakeholders from the city as possible. The activities and the effort put into these are evidence of this:
Here are some of the more representative achievements of both the city suppliers and of the Bilbao Convention Bureau.
For further information do not hesitate to go to the Good Practices section.
GOOD PRACTICES OF SUPPLIERS
GOOD PRACTICES BILBAO CONVENTION BUREAU
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY AND STRATEGY
The mission of the Bilbao Convention Bureau Sustainability Policy is to carry out different activities in order to promote sustainability in the MICE sector and to promote Bilbao as a venue for corporate and associative meetings. That is why we also consider the values defined by #BilbaoArimaBerdea (INCLUSION AND RESPECT, COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION, PROGRESS AND INNOVATION and QUALITY OF LIFE) and align them with the SDG most relevant to Bilbao in order to achieve the objectives.
Building on close contact with the different players from the sector, we make every effort to be able to respond to any need that may arise and to fulfil our commitments, never forgetting the process of continuous improvement we seek to implement.
The confidence placed in local products and the promotion of the use of reusable and sustainable materials is of great importance.
Download Sustainability Policy
Taking as an example the huge capacity for work and commitment shown in the reconversion and sustained growth of the city of Bilbao in recent years, the Bilbao Convention Bureau Sustainability Strategy lists the measures and initiatives proposed to convert Bilbao into a cutting-edge city in terms of sustainability.
Of note is the commitment acquired on entering the GDS-Index, a world ranking of the most sustainable cites and, consequently, the most attractive for holding events and business meetings. Therefore, it is necessary to work alongside representatives from all the subsectors and to consider the vision and ideas offered by each one for the common good, and to encourage public participation in order to obtain the people’s impressions about options for improvement.
Lastly, an in-depth revision and analysis is required of the indicators, both for the dashboard control and measurement system (CO2 emissions avoided, people helped, Kg of waste avoided) and those necessary for the preparation of reports and the control of strategy milestones.
Download Sustainability Strategy
2021-2022 YEAR REPORTS
BILBAO CONVENTION BUREAU SUSTAINABILITY REPORT JUNE 2021 - JUNE 2022
INDICATORS
Kg of waste avoided
People helped
60 people
CO2 emissions avoided
2,45 [teCO2]
SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES
Here are some of the different initiatives that we are promoting from the Bilbao Convention Bureau in collaboration with other stakeholders. We hope that thanks to these sustainable initiatives we are able to make progress in terms of sustainability.
TRAINING
Sustainable food
Food 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.
OFFERING A SECOND OPORTUNITY
Reuse of materials
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.
EASY AND SIMPLE
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.
BILBAO GREEN BELT
Routes and nature
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. 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.
INNOVATION AND TRADITION
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.
DESIGN,LEISURE,RESTAURANTS
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.
ACCESIBLE TOURISM
Accesibility
Both cultural and leisure spaces and catering establishments are prepared to offer a complete and satisfactory experience for everyone.
STRONG POINTS
More sustainable events
Bilbao has worked hard to obtain a series of characteristics which make it into a suitable destination for holding a sustainable event.
SCARCE AND VALUED
Water
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.
POSITIVE IMPACT AND LEGACY
POSITIVE IMPACT AND LEGACY
Bilbao Convention Bureau works to promote social actions and a positive impact on the destination during a business event. The aim is that a conference does not only make an impact while it takes place, but that thanks to different initiatives and collaborations with associations, it leaves a legacy for the local society of Bilbao.
To achieve this, some of the different options include:
