Green Events

Stephanie Rauscher: Green Events Tirol was founded in 2013 and is a regional initiative implemented by Klimabündnis Tirol and Umwelt Verein Tirol and funded by the state of Tyrol. Thanks to the funding, the entire consultation and award process can currently be offered free of charge. Green Events Tirol is a partner in the nationwide Green Events Austria network. The aim of the initiative is to sensitize the Tyrolean event scene accordingly and thus reduce the environmental impact of events, strengthen the regional economy, break down barriers and set social and cultural accents. It is aimed at event organizers of all kinds and accompanies them on their way to environmentally and socially responsible events - voluntarily, with a low threshold and without the need for certification, based on an accompanied self-commitment.

The first events were recognized in 2014. Since then, clearly measurable developments and positive side effects have been observed:

• The focus on the essentials often results in an increase in the quality of events.
• Over 95% of event organizers remain loyal to Green Events at subsequent events, underlining the high level of acceptance and practicality.
• Green events have an impact beyond the actual event itself: they provide impetus that continues to unfold in association structures, companies and municipal administrations and initiate long-term change processes.

In doing so, green events tackle the key issues of everyday life: Over 80% of the average Austrian citizen's ecological footprint is created in the areas of mobility, food, housing and energy. This is where there is the greatest potential for savings - and this is where green events consciously start by linking practical measures with the everyday topic of sustainability. A green event creates a protected framework for trying out, learning and experiencing - for both organizers and guests. It becomes clear that a sustainable lifestyle does not mean doing without, but rather quality of life.

Stephanie Rauscher: First of all, the event team needs to be committed to taking this path. Once the commitment is there, our checklists can be used to make transparent which measures have already been implemented and where potential challenges lie. The Green Events Tirol team is available at any time if you have any questions or need support. Basically, there are measures for resource conservation and social responsibility in all areas relevant to events, such as event location, energy and water, waste, catering, procurement, mobility, social responsibility and communication.

Our comprehensive information platform provides background information on all areas, provider and partner lists, a calendar of events, good practices and a download area with checklists, planning aids and text templates. You can also arrange a consultation (online or in person) with us at any time, as well as larger information events or workshops. Apart from the corona years, the number of events submitted has increased every year. In 2025, 190 events have been submitted so far (deadline 8.7.).

Stephanie Rauscher: Green events are of great importance in tourism, as they make a significant contribution to the visibility of sustainability. The consideration of resource conservation and social sustainability at events lends significantly more credibility to the efforts of regions to become sustainable. For around two years now, some Tyrolean tourism associations have been addressing the issue intensively, while others still have some catching up to do.

Green events are far more than just a passing trend. In view of the growing awareness of the urgent need for eco-social change, it is crucial that events not only serve as entertainment, but also take a responsible stance. Our aim is to make it easier to hold green events by making appropriate products and services available across the board and ensuring that all event organizers are aware of the possible measures. In this way, implementation should become the standard and thus a matter of course.