Sustainable meetings & events
From electronic application forms to virtual conference apps – sustainable meetings and events don’t only protect our environment; they also have a positive effect on the company image and leave a lasting impression on participants.
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Bern: the ideal location for sustainable events
If you are planning an environmentally conscious meeting or conference, looking for a keynote speaker specialised in sustainability, or want to organise a climate-friendly team event, Bern is the perfect place – here’s why.
Energy City Gold label and European Energy Award
In 1998, Bern received the label of Energy City; in 2010, that of Energy City Gold. 2023 marked the fourth year in which Bern was awarded the Gold label, mainly thanks to the cooperation and interplay of politics, administration and companies as well as the support of the population.
The Energy City label was conceived by EnergieSchweiz, a programme of the Federal Council. And the concept has been recognised internationally: the European Energy Award is based on the Swiss assessment system and currently spans 11 countries and over 1,500 cities – including Bern.
Fair Trade Town
In 2017, Bern received the “Fair Trade Town” label. The city has since continued its commitment with a focus on the areas of Sustainable Consumption and Life/Education.
Prix Velo Infrastruktur
In 2020, the city of Bern received the "Prix Velo Infrastruktur", a cycling infrastructure award by Pro Velo Schweiz, for its cycling campaign. With this campaign, Bern took on a pioneering role in the development of bicycling in Switzerland. The award honours the city’s efforts to encourage and support cycling through improved infrastructure and promotional measures.
Sustainable Development Strategy (RAN2030)
In 2021, Bern became the first city in Switzerland to include the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a framework strategy for sustainable development, publishing its first progress report in 2024. Together with its partners, the city is working toward the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
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Projects and awareness-raising measures
The city of Bern is committed to sustainable development and is implementing various projects as well as different measures to raise awareness.
- Klimaplattform der Wirtschaft (Climate Platform of the Economy)
A cooperation between administrations and private companies with the goal of making a shared contribution toward the (economically and socially) sustainable development of Bern as a business location by reducing pollutive emissions.
- Berner Nachhaltigkeitspreis (Bern Sustainability Award)
The Bern Sustainability Award is presented every two years to innovative projects or initiatives that promote sustainable development. It honours exemplary efforts that take into account the environmental, social and economic aspects alike.
- Berner Sozialpreis (Bern Social Award)
The Bern Social Award “freiwillig.engagiert” is awarded by the City of Bern to recognise voluntary work that benefits Bern’s inhabitants. The award makes visible and recognises the diverse contributions of individuals, groups and organisations.
- Bern, bicycling capital
With its cycling campaign, Bern is going with the times and promoting the use of bicycles to get around – ideal for a lively and attractive city. The aim is to double the proportion accounted for by bicycles in total traffic by 2030.
- Berner Nachhaltigkeitstage (Bern Sustainability Days)
The Bern Sustainability Days offer a platform for people who, with their campaigns and projects, contribute to a more sustainable future of the federal city.
- Aktion KlimaBalkon (Klimabalkon initiative)
Since 2021, the association Stadtgrün Bern has been acknowledging gardens, balconies and living environments that contribute to biodiversity. This initiative aims to give visibility to the public’s commitment to natural habitats and encourage others to get involved.
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Sustainable development thanks to science from Bern
The University of Bern is actively committed to sustainable development in research, teaching and business operations and promotes the respectful use of environmental, economic and social resources. The research centres are well-connected both nationally and internationally and their work receives international acclaim.
- Centre for Development and Environment
The interdisciplinary Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) is a strategic centre of the University of Bern that pursues innovative approaches in research and teaching to promote change toward sustainable development.
- Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research
The Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research (OCCR) is one of the strategic centres of the University of Bern and conducts interdisciplinary research at the forefront of climate change studies. It brings together researchers from the fields of economy, political science, history, archaeology, philosophy, physics and medicine.
- The science/politics/economy network
The Wyss Academy for Nature is a leading research and implementation centre in the field of humans and nature. Teams of scientists from four continents join forces with practitioners and representatives from the fields of politics, economy and society to develop innovations aimed at protecting nature and ensuring its sustainable management.
Hotels and venues
Sustainability made in Switzerland: the Swisstainable programme supports service providers from the tourism industry in their sustainability efforts. The more committed they are, the higher their Swisstainable level. There are three levels in total.
Bernese event venues that are part of the Swisstainable programme:
Bern lies in the heart of Europa and is easily reached by public transport. The distances within the city are short – many locations are just a few minutes’ walk from each other. And if you’re staying at an accommodation in Bern, you can use public transport for free thanks to the Bern Ticket.
Tips and recommendations for sustainable meetings and events
Looking for inspiration for your sustainable event in Bern? The Bern Convention Bureau is well-connected in Bern and happy to assist you in planning and organising your event.
Have you thought of everything? The City of Bern’s Checklist for Sustainable Events helps to make sure nothing is forgotten.
Sometimes there’s no need for an in-person meeting. Virtual and hybrid events are just as productive and can have that personal touch, too. Bern also offers suitable infrastructure for these events.