Sustainability at GES Europe, Middle East & Asia (EMEA)

We’re transforming how events are built by prioritising reusable systems, lower‑impact materials and responsible end‑of‑life planning. From expanding our Rewind® carpet initiative to increasing the use of modular and reusable stand systems, we’re helping clients design out waste from the start. These circular solutions reduce carbon, improve efficiency and deliver high‑quality experiences that can be reimagined across multiple events, proving that sustainability and creativity work best together.

Sustainability doesn’t stop at the show floor. We continually improve logistics, travel, waste management and energy use across our offices, warehouses and event operations. By working closely with suppliers, contractors and venues, we encourage responsible sourcing, greater transparency and shared innovation across our supply chain. This collaborative approach strengthens resilience, reduces environmental impact and supports our collective journey toward Net Zero.

We help clients make informed, confident sustainability decisions through clear, transparent carbon measurement. Our reporting tools show the real environmental impact across a range of our events. By understanding where emissions occur, we can work together to reduce them and demonstrate measurable progress year after year.

GES has achieved FESPA UK Gold Accreditation, recognising our commitment to sustainability, innovation and best practice within print and graphics. Through our partnership with FESPA, we stay at the forefront of emerging sustainable materials and production techniques.

As proud signatories of the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, we are supporting the events industry’s ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Net Zero Carbon Events recognised our 2024 Impact Report as Best Practice, demonstrating our commitment to transparent reporting and continuous improvement.

GES is a key member of Better Stands, an industry initiative focused on eliminating single-use exhibition stands in favour of reusable, modular alternatives. Our Head of ESG, Kate Holliday, sits on the Better Stands Steering Committee, helping to shape industry best practice and accelerate the transition towards more circular event delivery.

We are proud supporters of the National House Project charity, helping to create brighter futures for young people leaving care. Through fundraising, volunteering and employee engagement initiatives, we are committed to making a positive social impact in the communities where we work. Jason Stead, President of GES EMEA Exhibitions, also serves as a Trustee of the National House Project, reinforcing our commitment to creating positive social impact for young people leaving care.

GES EMEA is certified to ISO 20121:2024, the internationally recognised standard for Sustainable Event Management. This certification demonstrates that sustainability is embedded throughout our event delivery processes, providing a framework for continual improvement across environmental, social and economic performance.