Building a sustainable future
Nekkerhal – Brussels North, as an event venue, embraces an ambitious sustainability policy.
We want to:
- limit our environmental impact and reduce waste
- promote innovation
- support local suppliers
- embrace diversity in all its dimensions and ensure the well-being of every visitor and employee
As part of the Easyfairs Group, we are members of the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge and commit to being net zero by 2050 and to halve our greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
THE 6 MAIN INITIATIVES
to achieve these objectives:
1.
Production & waste
We have implemented a strict waste management and waste reduction plan
- We put sorting bins at strategic locations
- We have a fully equipped container park, including a compactor container, with 16 fractions
- All exhibitors receive a waste kit
- Exhibitors are given the choice of 100% recyclable carpet
- We are committed to reducing plastic and paper waste:
- Reusable tableware is our preference
- Our toilets are equipped with energy-efficient hand dryers
- We use eco-friendly cleaning products
2.
Energy
We implement energy conservation measures
- Our hall, parking area, and offices are equipped with LED lighting, resulting in a 80% energy reduction per light
- We have a smart temperature and CO2 control system
- We limit our energy consumption by not only strictly controlling the heating, but also the lighting and HVAC levels during the buildup and dismantling of events:
- We limit the temperature to 18°C
- Only 50% of overhead lighting is on
- Together with our partners Hysopt and Zero Emission Solutions, we are examining how we can further optimize our energy consumption
- Employees and suppliers get trained in efficient water management
- Nekkerhal – Brussels North is equipped with low-flow toilets and hydro-economical taps
- Currently, we are conducting a study to investigate how we can efficiently reuse the collected rainwater
3.
Travel & accomodation
We are aiming for climate-neutral mobility
- We have 4 electric charging stations available for visitors, exhibitors, and staff
- We actively promote sustainable transportation options for visitors to Nekkerhal – Brussels North on our website and social media, including walking, cycling, public transportation, and carpooling
- Nekkerhal – Brussels North is easily accessible and is located just 2 km from the center of Mechelen
- We provide a mobility package to employees, encouraging them to commute to work sustainably
We have implemented a strict waste management and waste reduction plan
- We put sorting bins at strategic locations
- We have a fully equipped container park, including a compactor container, with 16 fractions
- All exhibitors receive a waste kit
- Exhibitors are given the choice of 100% recyclable carpet
- We are committed to reducing plastic and paper waste:
- Reusable tableware is our preference
- Our toilets are equipped with energy-efficient hand dryers
- We use eco-friendly cleaning products
We implement energy conservation measures
- Our hall, parking area, and offices are equipped with LED lighting, resulting in a 80% energy reduction per light
- We have a smart temperature and CO2 control system
- We limit our energy consumption by not only strictly controlling the heating, but also the lighting and HVAC levels during the buildup and dismantling of events:
- We limit the temperature to 18°C
- Only 50% of overhead lighting is on
- Together with our partners Hysopt and Zero Emission Solutions, we are examining how we can further optimize our energy consumption
- Employees and suppliers get trained in efficient water management
- Nekkerhal – Brussels North is equipped with low-flow toilets and hydro-economical taps
- Currently, we are conducting a study to investigate how we can efficiently reuse the collected rainwater
We are aiming for climate-neutral mobility
- We have 4 electric charging stations available for visitors, exhibitors, and staff
- We actively promote sustainable transportation options for visitors to Nekkerhal – Brussels North on our website and social media, including walking, cycling, public transportation, and carpooling
- Nekkerhal – Brussels North is easily accessible and is located just 2 km from the center of Mechelen
- We provide a mobility package to employees, encouraging them to commute to work sustainably
5.
Food & food waste
We apply sustainable food sourcing principles at our catering points
- 50% of the served fruit and vegetables at our catering points originate from Belgium
- We only serve sustainably caught fish (Planet Compass), and fair trade or organic tea and coffee at our catering points
- We provide vegetarian and vegan options at all catering points
We are working to reduce food waste
- We apply portion control
- We compost food surpluses with the assistance of our catering partners
6.
Social responsibility
We embrace diversity and inclusion in all its dimensions
- With the guidance of Tourism Flanders, we are committed to being an accessible venue for everyone
- We have gender-neutral toilets
- We are committed to providing equal employment access for everyone
- We support initiatives such as the Special Olympics (2023) and the closing event of the Kom op tegen Kanker (2022), both of which took place on our premises
- Local suppliers and suppliers that adhere to socially responsible practices are our preference
- We promote tourism in the city of Mechelen and, in turn, support local businesses, restaurants and hotels
- In collaboration with the city beekeeper of Mechelen, we installed 13 beehives on our site in 2023
We apply sustainability criteria when selecting our suppliers
We apply sustainable food sourcing principles at our catering points
- 50% of the served fruit and vegetables at our catering points originate from Belgium
- We only serve sustainably caught fish (Planet Compass), and fair trade or organic tea and coffee at our catering points
- We provide vegetarian and vegan options at all catering points
We are working to reduce food waste
- We apply portion control
- We compost food surpluses with the assistance of our catering partners
We embrace diversity and inclusion in all its dimensions
- With the guidance of Tourism Flanders, we are committed to being an accessible venue for everyone
- We have gender-neutral toilets
- We are committed to providing equal employment access for everyone
- We support initiatives such as the Special Olympics (2023) and the closing event of the Kom op tegen Kanker (2022), both of which took place on our premises
- Local suppliers and suppliers that adhere to socially responsible practices are our preference
- We promote tourism in the city of Mechelen and, in turn, support local businesses, restaurants and hotels
- In collaboration with the city beekeeper of Mechelen, we installed 13 beehives on our site in 2023
VISITOR
Here’s what you can do:
- Come on foot, by bike, or by public transport to Nekkerhal - Brussels North. If you still choose to drive, share a ride with your colleagues and/or friends!
- Dispose of your waste in the correct sorting bin.
- Stay in an (eco)hotel within walking distance or come to Nekkerhal - Brussels North from the city center using public transport.
ORGANISER?
Here’s what you can do:
- Encourage your visitors to bring their tickets digitally to your event.
- Advise your visitors to stay in a (eco)hotel within walking distance or in the centre of Mechelen.
- Promote public transportation to your visitors.
- If you provide a shuttle service to your event, then opt for electric minibuses or vehicles.
- Favour digital communication whenever possible. Do you prefer print? Use recycled paper and eco-friendly ink to minimise CO2 emissions.
- In coordination with us, limit the temperature to 18°C during setup and teardown, and turn off the lighting at night.
- Even if you aren’t collaborating with our catering partners, we strongly recommend integrating vegetarian and vegan options into the menu, limiting red meat, serving sustainably caught or farmed fish with certification, and choosing (local) food trucks that operate sustainably.
- Donate any food surplus to a charitable cause.
- Incorporate sustainability principles into your agreements with suppliers and service providers, such as sustainable transportation, local procurement of products and materials...
- Try to use recyclable materials as much as possible, such as reusable flooring.
- If you distribute lanyards or badges during your event, don't forget to collect and recycle them when your visitors leave your event.
- ... & don’t forget: Reduce-Recycle-Reuse!
EXHIBITOR?
Here’s what you can do:
- Choose a reusable all-in stand from Easyfairs or design your own stand that you can reuse.
- Install LED lighting in your stand.
- Use reusable panels (e.g., without a date) made from recyclable materials, and if possible, with environmentally friendly ink.
- Try to use as much recyclable flooring as possible.
- Giving a gift to visitors? Consider whether the gift is useful and will be effectively used.
- Recycle by using our sorting bins.
- Use public transport or carpool with your colleagues if possible.
- Stay in a (eco)hotel within walking distance or overnight in the center of Mechelen and come to the event using public transportation.
- Choose sustainable and local transport and logistics companies, as well as suppliers.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Try to estimate quantities as accurately as possible to avoid food wastage.
- Inspire visitors by introducing them to your sustainable practices and/or products.