Green Events Tirol at Werkstätte Wattens

Sustainable practices, careful use of resources and social responsibility are the principles on which Destination Wattens Regionsentwicklung GmbH is based, with the principal initiative of Werkstätte Wattens, which was launched in 2011. Werkstätte Wattens, as an event location, is of particular importance in this respect. In order to further intensify previous commitments and make them quantifiable, the decision was made to become a certified partner of Green Events Tirol. The process took around a year and the certificate was awarded in January 2023. We asked Cornella Langer, Hospitality & Infrastructure, some questions regarding the partnership.

Green Events Tirol

Green Events Tirol is a joint initiative between Klimabündnis Tirol and the Umwelt Verein Tirol (Environment Assoc.) in cooperation with the province of Tirol, to promote an environmentally and socially responsible event industry.
Events have a special focus on ecological, social, economic and cultural sustainability. Attention is paid to reducing environmental pollution, as well as the careful use of resources and support for the regional economy.

Starting point and challenges

A project team consisting of four people was established to accompany the certification process, in addition to their existing departmental responsibilities.
Criteria to be fulfilled include areas such as catering, energy and environmental issues, social responsibility and procurement. Based on the certification as a Climate Alliance company in 2022, some overlaps in terms of requirements could be identified and synergies utilised.

Procurement management was scrutinised and new guidelines for purchasing defined. Werkstätte Wattens was already well prepared prior to the certification process in the cleaning management and energy source sectors: the cleaning agents meet a high ecological standard and a high proportion of the electricity is eco-electricity, as it is obtained from a hydroelectric power plant belonging to the Swarovski company.

What presented a challenge was the issue of accessibility. Werkstätte Wattens is located in Swarovski Factory 2 – where the crystal company found its origins over 125 years ago. The meeting and event facilities are located in carefully restored, historic industrial buildings and the grounds – currently 7,500 m2 – are extensive. The accessibility of the grounds and premises will be communicated even more clearly and continuously improved.

Strong awareness

Customers are made actively aware of the possibility of organising a green event from the very onset, when making enquiries or booking events at Werkstätte Wattens. If organisers then decide to have an event certified in accordance with Green Event Tirol, they are accompanied and supported by Werkstätte Wattens.

Werkstätte Wattens has observed an increasing awareness of the sustainability aspect of events among its customers.

Three tips for a Green Meeting by Werkstätte Wattens:

• Come to us with all open questions and uncertainties – we will be happy to accompany you personally on your way to a Green Event!
• It is advisable to plan enough time in advance for the implementation of your event – some adaptations may be necessary due to the organisation of a Green Meeting vs. a “classic” meeting.
• Have the courage and the guts to think differently about your events – you will be amazed at the positive effects the “green framework” will have on your events and your event guests!

Author
Kathrin Horntrich
Digital Communications & Community Management
kathrin.horntrich@convention.tirol