Good practices that are not just greenwashing: SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE
In June 2019, SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE gained the ISO 20121 international certification. This standard aims to apply a set of procedures to the events themselves that will address the key issues of sustainable development. A few years ago, SQUARE had already obtained a one-star rating as an ‘Entreprise Ecodynamique’ company, a Brussels-only label attesting that SQUARE has fulfilled the strict initiatives required in waste prevention, circular economy, rational use of energy, management of workers’ mobility and sustainable food.
Green Key, EMAS, ISO 20121, Ecodynamic Event Venue… Evaluating environmental efforts and trying to make sense of all the different certifications is not always easy, and can’t be dealt with in 20 minutes. So Brussels Special Venues has done it for you.
SUSTAINABLE VENUES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND YOUR EVENT: HOW TO FIND ONE’S WAY?
SQUARE’s APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
As a result of several months of successful hard work by the whole team, SQUARE obtained its ISO 20121 certification, rewarding the many actions taken for sustainable development.
Concerned about its ecological footprint, SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE took action aimed at reducing its environmental impact and contributing to local development.
This approach to sustainable development is the fruit of collaborative work lead by a highly motivated cross-departmental team from all the services and general management.
Memorable sustainable events happen here
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SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE
Concrete actions aiming at reducing the environmenal impact OF OUR OPERATIONS and contributing to local development
Eco-gestures to raise awareness
An awareness campaign for eco-gestures and waste reduction was carried out with notably, the distribution of reusable bottles and bags for the purchase of bulk food for clients, prospects and employees.
Waste
Very committed to reducing waste, sorting at source has been implemented in all offices and will soon come into effect in all committee rooms and kitchen areas.
Energy
In addition to optimising energy consumption, SQUARE is a site that is 100% powered by “green” electricity (renewable energy mix).
Co² emissions
SQUARE has acquired a fleet of electric bicycles for commuting and for clients and visitors to explore Brussels.
Responsible food & beverage
Almost 100% of sea produce comes from responsible fishing, and all meat offered is certified as non-OGM and antibiotic-free. The site works mainly with local suppliers and producers (within 150 km) who offer locally sourced, seasonal products.
Biodiversity
In order to preserve biodiversity and to raise the alert on the extinction of bees, many beehives have been set up on SQUARE’s roof.
It is thanks to all these actions that SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE validated its ISO 20121 certification.
BUT SQUARE WON’T STOP HERE… AMBITIONS
“Mindful of the legacy and ecological footprint of our events, SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE received the IS0 20121 label in June and we aim to further implement our sustainable development policies and ground our actions by obtaining the EMAS (European Eco Management & Audit Scheme) and the Green Key eco label. In order to meet these commitments, and the expectations of our stakeholders, our activities focus on three key challenges: to optimise waste management, increase the safety and security of individuals and property, and to develop an environmentally friendly food and beverage service.
This sustainable development policy consists of a conscious, active, and collaborative approach. All the teams and partners of SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE implement good practices and eco-gestures each and every day in their quest for continuous improvement.
I am convinced that this goal is an opportunity to strengthen our collective performance and, as such, we are open to new proposals!’”
Ariane Deguelle, CEO of SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE
MORE ABoUT SQUARE BRUSSELS
Embedded in the historical and cultural heart of the Capital of Europe and easy to access, SQUARE-BRUSSELS CONVENTION CENTRE offers 13,000 m² event spaces: 5 state-of-the-art auditoria with capacities ranging from 140 to 2,200 seats, 6 large multipurpose halls, as well as 25 modular rooms with daylight able to accommodate all types of events: conventions, corporate events, conferences, international congresses with exhibitions, European summits, seminars, product launches, gala dinners, awards ceremonies, fairs, fashion shows, concerts, etc.
