Emissions

Calculate emissions, reduce them and offset remaining emissions

Messe Stuttgart is ClimatePartner-certified for the accounting scope described. This means that Messe Stuttgart calculates its greenhouse gas emissions, defines reduction targets, continuously implements reduction measures, and finances climate protection projects.

The individual steps:

1. Calculating carbon footprints

In cooperation with ClimatePartner, Messe Stuttgart has been calculating its Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) for non-trade-fair operations since 2019. This refers to the carbon footprint generated outside trade fair periods, when the exhibition halls are not in operation.

For Scope 1, the CCF includes emissions from self-generated heating and cooling as well as the company’s vehicle fleet. Scope 2 covers emissions from purchased heating, electricity, and cooling. Scope 3 comprises indirect emissions along the value chain. At Messe Stuttgart, this includes, for example, business travel, commuting, the purchase of new electronic equipment, printed materials, water consumption, and operational waste.

2. Setting reduction targets

For 2019, Messe Stuttgart calculated its Corporate Carbon Footprint for its overall operations. Based on this assessment, Messe Stuttgart defined ambitious climate protection targets.

As part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Messe Stuttgart aims to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40.4% by 2030 compared with the 2019 baseline. This corresponds to a reduction of 1,537 tonnes of CO_2.

3. Implementing reductions

In line with its reduction targets, Messe Stuttgart has introduced various reduction measures and is implementing them continuously. These include, for example:

  • converting the building heating system from natural gas to heat pumps;
  • achieving an electrification rate of 80% across all company-owned vehicles;
  • introducing a travel policy that prohibits flights covering distances of less than 600 km;
  • creating incentives for rail travel, such as subsidizing BahnCards and covering the cost of the Deutschlandticket.

Establishing a reliable supply of electricity from renewable sources with guarantees of origin does not in itself create any additional CO_2 reduction. However, it is a key enabling measure for all further decarbonization plans. Messe Stuttgart will therefore also invest in installing additional photovoltaic systems on the exhibition grounds.

In addition, the CCF is updated annually in order to monitor progress in reducing emissions and identify further areas for action.

4. Financing climate protection projects

However, some emissions remain that Messe Stuttgart is currently unable to avoid. Messe Stuttgart assumes responsibility for these currently unavoidable emissions by offsetting them through internationally certified climate protection projects from the ClimatePartner portfolio within defined accounting boundaries: