The Leipzig Fair is the first major exhibition company of Germany which has dedicated itself to the principles of sustainability through entrepreneurially responsible action. This sustainable approach has now been recognized with the Green Globe certification, a globally recognized certification in the tourism and event industry. At the same time, the Leipziger Messe is launching a sustainability process in the company under the brand “growth in balance”, thus becoming a trendsetter in the German trade fair industry. “As the first major German exhibition company we have successfully passed the Green Globe sustainability audit. Thus, our sustainability management is now transparent and measurable,” says the Managing Director of the Leipziger Messe, Martin Buhl-Wagner.

Under the headline “growth in balance” the Leipziger Messe is stepping up its efforts to bring economic growth and the responsibility for the environment and society into a new equilibrium. The starting point was the opening of the so-called “2-degree-office” late last year - a prototype office with instructions on how trade fair workers can save resources and energy during their daily work. This year, the focus will be on workshops that look at how other sustainability goals can be achieved. A sustainability statute followed by a sustainability report will also be developed. “The certification established where we need to continue working,” said Buhl-Wagner.

“We don’t want to preach abdication. Our company wants to and will continue to grow”, said the fair manager. Long-term growth will only be possible if the interests of the environment, for fellow men and women and the partners in the economic cycle are respected and if they are allowed to grow at the same time as the fair. “By acting sustainably, we are investing into the future foundation of our existence,” said Buhl-Wagner.

www.leipziger-messe.de