Green Focus At Viennese Palace

Investments in sustainability and eco-meeting consulting services and support are drawing green-certified events to the imperial Hofburg.

Green thinking is in the ascendancy throughout the conference and meetings industry. The Hofburg Vienna is constantly investing in sustainability projects. Measures include the exclusive use of environmentally friendly hydroelectricity, a proactive approach to sorting waste and room-by-room air conditioning. “Around a third of all lighting systems have already been changed over to energy-saving carbon LED bulbs. Work on a centrally monitored PC power supply system is ongoing,” explained Hofburg Vienna Managing Director Renate Danler. 

The Hofburg conference centre has been focusing intensively on promoting sustainable meetings. The “How to Make a Green Event” guide and support from green meeting partners such as the Vienna Convention Bureau help organisers look at some of the different ways they can make their events more eco-friendly. In 2012 six larger-scale green-certified events were held at the Hofburg Vienna, including the Green World Forum and the first European conference on the use, operation and conservation of historically important buildings. “We are particularly proud of the fact that two high ranking political conferences – the UNIDO Global South-South Development Expo and the IIASA Conference – were both held as certified green meetings for the first time,” said Mrs Danler. This year a further two green meetings have already confirmed their slots at the Hofburg Vienna.