The first Nordic Swan Ecolabelled event: Nordic Tourism Conference in Stockholm

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel's new requirements for events were officially launched on 3 June and the Nordic Tourism Conference, which was held on 4 June, is one of the pilot projects that has now been approved according to the new criteria. The host of the Nordic Tourism Conference in Stockholm is Visit Sweden, a state-owned marketing company for Sweden as a tourist country. Minnesota Communication is the first license holder in the Nordic region.

– Congratulations to Minnesota Communications, which through the Nordic Tourism Conference is the first to meet the Nordic Swan Ecolabel's requirements for events! And congratulations to Visit Sweden who is the first organizer. We hope that many organizers will follow you, and that the Nordic countries will experience lots of Nordic Swan Ecolabelled events in the future. Not least, thank you to the Nordic Council of Ministers for your support for our Nordic work to develop the criteria, says Sara Bergman, criteria manager at Ecolabelling Sweden, who was present and handed out the license certificate to Minnesota Communication.

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is the official Nordic ecolabel and a credible way to communicate excellent environmental performance.

– We are incredibly proud to be the first. Hosting an event that meets such high environmental standards requires courage, clear leadership and strong collaboration – and that is exactly what we have had together with Visit Sweden and in dialogue with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, says Helena Österberg, account director at Minnesota Communication.

– Sustainability is a natural and integrated part of our mission and our work to promote Sweden, which is why we are especially pleased that this particular event is the first to fully meet the Nordic Swan Ecolabel's criteria, says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden.

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel's new criteria for events mean a new direction for the development of environmental responsibility, something that the industry has requested.

– Organizers want to act but need support in the practical implementation. They are unsure which measures have the greatest effect, how to prioritise sustainability work or what should be required of suppliers. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel's criteria provide answers to these questions, says Kristoffer Lawner, product advisor for events, at Ecolabelling Sweden.

Resource-efficient and circular requirements

The new criteria set high standards, especially in areas where there is great potential to reduce the event's overall environmental and climate impact, with a focus on resource efficiency, waste reduction and biodiversity.

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel requirements are intended to promote a circular economy. Decorations must be reusable or recyclable, and there are strict requirements for takeaway packaging as well as the use of reusable cups and other containers. There are also requirements for waste sorting and preventative measures against littering.

From the food to the exhibition stand

Another important aspect is to reduce the environmental impact of food and drink. Organic and vegetarian options must be included. Energy use, especially for lighting and equipment, is also a crucial part of the climate efforts. The use of fossil fuels is prohibited at outdoor events.

In addition, all outdoor events must document measures taken to protect biodiversity. Employees and suppliers must be involved in the environmental efforts, and guests – as well as, for example, trade fair exhibitors – are encouraged to contribute through various actions.

About Nordic Swan Ecolabelled events

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel has developed criteria for events for several years. The work has included in-depth research and dialogue with stakeholders in the Nordic region and the rest of Europe. It is the individual event that can be ecolabelled with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

The criteria have been developed with the support of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

For more information, please contact:

Kristoffer Lawner, advisor, events,
+46 72 250 17 55

Helena Österberg, account director Minnesota Communication,
+46 708 52 15 52

Jim Hofverberg, corporate communication officer, Visit Sweden,
+ 46 70 644 64 12