forward the sustainable transformation in the company is seen by the Messe Frankfurt Executive Board as a core management task. Environmental and sustainability performance is being improved continually and made accessible to everyone transparently. A sustainability target architecture forms the basis for a structured approach relating to ecological, social and economic dimensions. With the Sustainability Board, which includes senior management from different disciplines, the company has established a broad base for formulating objectives and identifying and prioritising measures. These will be implemented and expanded with the relevant departments. In its Sustainability Governance Code, Messe Frankfurt defined the relevant areas of activity for sustainable development, both in the company and at its events around the world. The Code is based on the accepted general standards with regard to sustainability and climate protection. Messe Frankfurt’s Code of Conduct formulates the company’s own standards regarding ethical conduct and business practices. Its leading principles include working with others in a spirit of respect and cooperation, social responsibility, protecting the environment and natural resources, and a wide range of governance issues. As a whole, they confirm Messe Frankfurt’s principles and form the basis for the company’s long-term commercial success.
Messe Frankfurt has been EMAS-certified at its Frankfurt base since 2023. The internationally recognised environmental management system (Eco Management and Audit Scheme) also meets the requirements of environmental management norm ISO 14001. In this way, the company commits itself to continually improving its environmental performance and calculates its greenhouse gas emissions as a basis for managing this and for specifying climate targets. This also includes establishing a sustainable water management system. Messe Frankfurt is a signatory of the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge and is committed to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the company supports the ‘fairpflichtet – rightandfair’ industry code for the sustainable organisation and implementation of events. Messe Frankfurt is also a member of the Charter of Diversity.
The Frankfurt exhibition grounds are among the largest and most modern anywhere in the world and its appearance, functionality and environmental efficiency are constantly being optimised. The Kap Europa congress building, which has been in operation since mid-2014, was the first congress building worldwide to be awarded Platinum Certification by DGNB (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen). Energy efficiency and the conservation of resources are of central importance for the company. Messe Frankfurt’s energy policy is defined by a common understanding of energy and by strategic paths of action. Suitable measures in the area of energy efficiency and resource protection were defined as part of long-term energy monitoring activities. By using efficient exhibition hall technology and tailoring systems operation to actual needs, it is possible to bring about a sustainable reduction in the consumption of electricity, water and heating energy. In 2024, the company’s current total of three photovoltaic systems generated around 1.9 GWh of solar energy, allowing it to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 700 tonnes.
Messe Frankfurt switched over entirely to green power in the beginning of 2020. This includes the power supply for the stands, halls and exhibition grounds at its Frankfurt base. Efforts to reach the objective of permanently reducing the base load consumption on the exhibition grounds by ten percent are being implemented resolutely. Since 2024, the company has been sourcing 30 percent of its power requirements – including for its event operations – from a solar farm in Brandenburg. This makes it possible to trace the origin of climate-friendly power completely. In the long term, a further 30 percent of our energy requirements are to be covered by wind energy. As well as optimising the efficiency of our operations and systems, we are using an energy-saving campaign to make all colleagues and service providers even more aware of the importance of energy efficiency – both at work and at home.
Messe Frankfurt is at the forefront of the sector through the systematic separation and recycling of waste at its exhibition grounds each year. Up to 90 percent of the waste generated each year is fed back into the material cycle.
Environmentally sustainable business practices also apply to the catering sector. At Accente Gastronomie Service GmbH, our catering subsidiary, this begins with the purchase of predominantly local and regional food. Wherever possible, the company avoids using disposable packaging and food containing dyes, preservatives and additives. The 80 or so catering companies that provide meals and refreshments during events only use reusable dishes and easily biodegradable materials.
Supporting cultural institutions and events – especially sports and art – is an important part of Messe Frankfurt’s social involvement. The company is also involved in long-term educational projects like its cooperation with the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences. As well as this, it plays an active role in a series of social projects such as collecting donations for children’s charity Children for a Better World e.V. at its Frankfurt base in keeping with the slogan ‘With Children. For Children’.
As innovation forums, Messe Frankfurt’s flagship events are clearly also a driving force when it comes to sustainability. Its worldwide events are ideal interaction formats for communicating future trends and the importance of social responsibility. Messe Frankfurt works closely together with the sectors to increase awareness of the need for greater sustainability within its events.
Press information and photographic material:
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Your contact:
Markus Quint
Tel.: +49 69 75 75-5905
markus.quint@messefrankfurt.com
Messe Frankfurt GmbH
Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1
60327 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
www.messefrankfurt.com
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/background-information
Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt
www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability-information
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