Körnerpark, BerlinSustainable Meetings Berlin
Certified Sustainable Partners
A key element of Berlin’s sustainable event infrastructure is its extensive network of certified Sustainable Partners, which includes venues, event agencies, caterers, and logistics providers.
Berlin offers a range of certified sustainable venues that combine historical charm with modern eco-conscious solutions. Notable examples include:
- Motorwerk Berlin, a former industrial site that has been transformed into an energy-efficient event space. This venue integrates sustainable solutions such as LED lighting, energy-saving ventilation systems, and eco-friendly waste management.
- Tagungswerk, a contemporary venue offering energy-efficient spaces that operate on renewable energy sources.
- Mercure Hotel MOA Berlin, which offers 40 event spaces featuring energy-efficient lighting and comprehensive waste reduction strategies.
Berlin’s catering sector also embraces sustainability with partners such as:
- FLORIS Catering GmbH, which prioritises locally sourced ingredients and provides climate-friendly menus. The company holds a TÜV-tested climate certificate and offers services aligned with sustainable food trends, including plant-based options and minimal food waste initiatives.
Event planning agencies committed to sustainable practices include:
- Berlin Event, an ISO 14001-certified agency that incorporates eco-friendly concepts into all aspects of event planning, from logistics to execution.
- MR Congress & Incentive GmbH, which integrates sustainability into the MICE industry by focusing on eco-friendly materials, local sourcing, and emission reduction strategies.
Service providers such as Party Rent Group and UCM – 2.0 Agency for Event Staffing are also part of this sustainable ecosystem, offering environmentally responsible solutions for furniture rental, event staffing, and logistics.
At the forefront of Berlin’s sustainable conference initiatives is Sustainable Meetings Berlin, a comprehensive programme offered by visitBerlin and developed to assist event organisers in hosting environmentally responsible gatherings. This initiative provides guidelines and resources that encompass key sustainability areas such as energy efficiency, waste management, climate impact reduction, and ethical resource use. The Deutsche Bahn (German railways) event ticket, for instance, offers discounts for groups and individual travellers.
One of the programme’s standout features is its certification system, which helps event planners identify Sustainable Partners across various service categories, including hotels, venues, catering, and logistics. Businesses participating in the programme undergo thorough evaluations to meet stringent sustainability criteria, ensuring transparency and accountability.
And if environmental responsibility wasn’t enough, Berlin also offers the MEET+CHANGE concept, which enables events to take place in socially responsible venues such as community centres, social enterprises, and cultural institutions. visitBerlin’s approach to sustainable events aligns fully with Germany’s broader National Sustainable Development Strategy, which is designed to achieve long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A City-Wide Commitment
Beyond its role as a conference destination, Berlin has embedded sustainability into its daily life, offering numerous eco-friendly experiences for visitors and residents alike. Sustainable transport options are widely available, with Berlin boasting an extensive network of electric buses, bike-sharing services, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
For those keen on exploring Berlin’s green spaces, the city offers over 2,500 parks and gardens, including the famous Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned expansive public park, ideal for outdoor activities and eco-conscious recreation.
Berlin is also a haven for sustainable shopping. The city is home to numerous organic markets, upcycling boutiques, and fair-trade shops. Local initiatives like “Original Unverpackt”, a zero-waste supermarket, reflect Berlin’s dedication to reducing plastic consumption and promoting conscious consumerism. The Umweltkalender Berlin provides a guide to eco-friendly events, workshops, and activities, ensuring that residents and visitors can engage with sustainability-focused initiatives year-round.
Green Energy Integration
Berlin’s sustainability initiatives extend to energy infrastructure, with the city making substantial investments in renewable energy and smart urban solutions. It aims to become carbon neutral by 2045, with significant strides already made in transitioning to clean energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass.
A significant step towards this goal was taken in 2024, when “the City of Berlin remunicipalised the largest part of the district heating network, which was an important step towards enhancing decarbonisation of heating,” explains Dr. Stefan Franzke, CEO of Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH. “Berlin-owned utility Berliner Stadtwerke supplies green electricity from more than 400 solar systems and 16 wind turbines.”
Private sector players are also making strides in supporting these ambitious goals. “BTB, a regional subsidiary of E.ON and the city’s second-largest district heating operator, is implementing innovative technologies like river and wastewater heat pumps as well as aquifer heat storage,” notes Dr. Franzke.
The Berlin Energy and Climate Protection Programme (BEK 2030) remains a cornerstone in the city’s approach to sustainable energy. This initiative focuses on reducing energy consumption, increasing the share of renewables, and promoting energy-efficient building practices across Berlin. Companies such as E.ON and Kraken Technologies collaborate with local projects to develop intelligent energy management solutions that align with the city’s ambitious sustainability targets.
Beyond infrastructure, Berlin is also home to some of the most innovative energy technology companies in Europe. Dr. Franzke says: “Think of electrolysers produced here by Siemens Energy AG, SF6 gas-free switchgear from Siemens AG, or GE Vernova equipment for long-distance transmission made in Berlin.”