Environmental

The quality and efficiency of MCH Group's significant trade fair infrastructures form the basis for numerous projects and initiatives. When it comes to energy efficiency and emissions, it is the production locations that account for the greatest share within the group.

Global data collection
In 2023, data was collected in cooperation with myclimate at the Business Units worldwide, at our own events and at the venues. This data collection enables us to identify energy and emission-intensive locations and define specific reduction potential. The 'Smart 3' tool has been introduced for recording and analyzing ESG data.

Reduction pathway
Under the SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative), MCH Group has committed to defining a reduction pathway consistent with the Paris Agreement and to specifying emission reduction targets at global level.

Own trade fair infrastructure
In the case of its own trade fair infrastructures (Messe Basel and Messe Zurich), which it is able to influence directly, MCH Group has already been investing in infrastructure, its own photovoltaic systems and its operations for many years. It has won widespread acclaim for the extent of its renewable energy use and emission reductions. In 2022, MCH Group made a start on optimizing the lighting systems in its halls. A total of 1,400 lights were replaced in Basel. Energy consumption was cut by 50 % in this way. In Zurich too, 226 lights were replaced.

Further initiatives to reduce and separate waste are currently being examined. MCH Group has already implemented comprehensive, experience-based and needs-based measures at the major exhibition sites: waste separation, availability of the necessary number of containers, cooperation with recycling partners, and waste reduction through the reuse of carpeting in the exhibition halls.

The focus here is on the exhibitors. The aim is to minimize waste at the procurement stage already, during set-up and dismantling, and also by having fewer giveaways. We intend to make even better use of the available recycling opportunities in future. We also use the services of professional third-party providers and partners to this end. The options are kept under constant review.

Implementation of the Supplier Code of Conduct
The Supplier Code of Conduct adopted in December 2023 comes into force in 2024. It is planned to categorize suppliers. A-suppliers will be obliged to sign the Supplier Code of Conduct. Suppliers accounting for 80 % of the purchasing volume will thus be bound by the Code. Audits with the 20 most important suppliers are also planned for 2024.

The Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the overarching principles of MCH Group and hence governs the requirements for working together in an appropriate manner. Six principles underpin the content:

1) Compliance with the applicable legislation, and MCH regulations and guidelines
2) Honesty in dealings with private and public organizations and individuals
3) Fair treatment of people and respect for human rights
4) Assumption of social and environmental responsibility
5) Fair competition and integrity in business transactions
6) Protection and respect of private and proprietary information

To the Supplier Code of Conduct

Transport and logistics have to meet complex requirements in order to ensure that trade fairs can adhere to their tight schedules. At certain times, significant quantities of what, in some cases, are highly valuable goods (art for art events) need to be delivered without obstructing regional traffic. Logistics and traffic also need to be optimized in terms of their environmental impact and cost.

Logistics and transport are material topics in the sustainability strategy that we are currently compiling. These have an impact on exhibitors, suppliers and visitors. We want to conserve resources and reduce the CO₂ emissions of vehicles and products – by switching to electric vehicles or promoting the use of public transport, for example. We are currently analyzing and optimizing our logistics and transport concepts in a bid to further reduce our ecological footprint. These measures are intended to positively impact both our group and our customers.

Traffic regime via checkpoints
Delivery traffic to the MCH Group's exhibition and congress centers is organized on the basis of a traffic regime via checkpoints (Basel and Zurich). In Basel, an online logistics tool has been developed to support this regime: All journeys made to transport goods to and from the exhibition site must be registered in advance for a specific time slot. Drivers are required to proceed to a checkpoint where their lorries are directed to the delivery zone of the hall in question for the specified time via a given route. They then have a set time slot for completing their loading or unloading. To ensure that this process can be optimally steered, all movements on the exhibition site are performed by Messe Basel's logistics partner.

In 2023 (base year), MCH Group collected environmental indicators worldwide for all locations and events (excluding Art Basel Miami Beach). The Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions have been verified independently (independent limited assurance) and form the basis for defining the reduction pathway (in 2024). MCH Group has committed to reducing emissions at global level as per the SBTi (Science Based Targets Initiative).

Although the operation of its own exhibition infrastructures in Basel and Zurich is demanding, MCH Group has effectively implemented key measures over the past few years. At all the Swiss locations – Messe Basel, Messe Zurich and Expomobilia – 100 % of electricity consumed comes from renewable sources. Photovoltaic systems on the roofs of Messe Basel and Messe Zurich and also at the Expomobilia location in Effretikon generate up to 1.8 million kWh every year. This corresponds to the electricity requirements of around 400 single-family homes with four-person households.

Messe Basel
A photovoltaic system was installed on the roof of Hall 1 in Basel in 1999 already, making it possible to use solar energy. Vegetation was also planted on the roof in conjunction with this. The panels have an area of 1,900 m² and an output of 215,000 kWh per year. A system four times this size was set up on the green roof of the new Messe Basel complex which was completed in 2013. This photovoltaic system, which was installed in cooperation with an investor, feeds approximately 1.1 million kWh of electricity into the grid of Industrielle Werke Basel (IWB), which took over the system in 2014. MCH Group also supports the “Wettstein 21” platform, which is responsible for a further photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the Congress Center Basel. This was realized at the end of 2014 and supplies up to 1.8 million kWh of electricity each year. The roof area was made available free of charge.

Messe Zurich
Since 2009, a photovoltaic system with a panel area of 1,200 m² and an annual output of 150,000 kWh has been in operation on the roof of Messe Zurich.

Expomobilia
Expomobilia operates two photovoltaic systems at its sites in Effretikon and Fehraltorf with a total surface area of 3,000 m². These generate approximately 435,000 kWh per year, covering the company's electricity requirements. Any surplus electricity that is produced is fed into the grid.

Messe Basel has exhibition space totaling 141,000 m², including 122,000 m² in the two main halls 1 and 2. The Congress Center Basel also belongs to Messe Basel, with 25 rooms and capacities for up to 5000 persons.

The Basel-Stadt Minergie certification agency awarded the new Messe Basel complex the BS-054 Minergie Label, which was developed especially for this building (2013). In addition, the target values of SIA Standard 380/4 are met with regard to lighting and ventilation/air-conditioning. The new complex satisfies stringent energy standards in respect of both the insulation of the shell and the resource-saving provision of the necessary heating and cooling energy. All heating, ventilation and cooling systems are operated according to demand and most of the waste heat generated is used.

For 2023, Messe Basel was issued with a certificate confirming that the site uses 100 % renewable electricity in Wind Europa quality (EWZ: Certificate No. 1395035).

Messe Basel has a cantonal target agreement (KZV) for major consumers with Canton Basel-Stadt. This is aimed at achieving a measure-based increase in energy efficiency by 2029 (starting in 2019). The goal is an energy efficiency of 118.7 % based on specific measures and success monitoring.

Messe Zurich has exhibition space totaling 30,000 m². Around 27,000 m² of this is located in halls 1 to 7 in the main building, while the separate hall 9 accounts for some 3,000 m². The main building additionally has seven smaller conference rooms accommodating 30 to 80 people. The main exhibition building is noted for its operational functionality and flexible room configuration.

The key figures are comparable with those of the previous year. For 2023, energy consumption at Messe Basel is 16,984 MWh (2022: 15,062 MWh) and at Messe Zurich 2,714 MWh (2022: 2,244 MWh). Energy consumption for the administration in Basel has fallen 20 % to 719 MWh (2022: 903 MWh). Energy consumption at Expomobilia increased in 2023: 1,042 MWh (2022: 783 MWh). With the exception of Arcual (new), almost 100 % of the electricity consumed is renewable.

Various energy-saving measures have been tested and implemented at Messe Basel, Messe Zurich and Expomobilia:

MCH Group promotes the use of public transport at its events by offering a range of special tickets in partnership with SBB RailAway, BVB, and Deutsche Bahn DB. Combined tickets are also available for certain events with admission to the event and overnight accommodation (Basel Card, via hotels).

MCH Group offers its employees a “U-Abo Job Ticket”. Our employees can purchase this with a discount of around 35 % which is paid by the employer. We motivate our employees to switch to public transport. This reduces the burden on the environment and the amount of road traffic.