Busan's Efforts to Protect the Earth Through MICE Sustainability

Dec. 2, 2024 - PRLog -- The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry contributes significantly to environmental degradation through carbon emissions from travel and waste generated during events. Recognizing these challenges, Busan and the Busan Tourism Organization (BTO) Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) are working to host MICE events that align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management principles. Their goal is to organize environmentally-responsible events while fostering community engagement and maximizing positive impacts.

In 2022, Busan released the "2022 Busan Sustainable MICE Event Management Guidelines," which have gained attention within the MICE industry. These guidelines provide practical measures for hosting sustainable events, offering detailed recommendations to help companies implement ESG strategies. The guidelines include a checklist format, which makes them easy to follow, and suggest sustainable practices such as selecting eco-friendly accommodations, reducing food waste and carbon emissions, and using reusable materials in exhibition halls.

As part of its efforts, the BTO CVB has collaborated with MICE businesses, government offices, and other entities to promote sustainability. They held a sustainability management declaration ceremony and conducted environmental campaigns. Additionally, the BTO CVB has been actively engaging MICE companies in Busan through events like MICE Alliance Day and meetings with the Busan MICE Alliance (BMA), where ESG management practices are discussed and shared.

Busan has also implemented eco-friendly practices during major MICE events. For example, during the COSPAR 2024 conference, held from July 13 to 21, the BTO CVB set up a booth made from recyclable timber, which was reused for the IGC 2024 conference in August. This booth promoted "paperless conferences," reducing paper usage and improving participant satisfaction through IT services. The commitment to sustainability continued with the 27th IAVE event, held in Busan on October 22, where efforts to maintain a waste-free booth were further demonstrated.

Busan's continued efforts reflect a proactive approach to sustainable MICE events. By integrating ESG principles into its MICE operations, the city aims to become a global leader in hosting eco-friendly events, contributing to its vision of sustainable growth. The city's ongoing commitment ensures that MICE events in Busan leave lasting positive impressions while minimizing their environmental footprint.