Discover why Copenhagen is ranked as the world's third most sustainable destination and the ultimate city for hosting impactful events! 🌍✨

In this episode of our GDS Destinations Series, we explore Copenhagen's groundbreaking "All Inclusive" strategy that's transforming how events create positive change. From being the first DMO to receive Green Tourism Organization certification to their innovative Cloudburst Plan and incredible bike infrastructure, this city is rewriting the rules.

Learn about their ambitious sustainability goals, social inclusion initiatives, and practical tips for planning your next event in Copenhagen. Plus, find out how venues like Bella Center Copenhagen are leading the way with triple certifications and creative upcycling programs.

Whether you're a seasoned event planner or just curious about sustainable tourism, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about where and how you host your next gathering.

RESOURCES https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.dk/sites/wonderfulcopenhagen.com/files/2025-05/2024%20sustainability%20report.pdf

https://meetingplannerguide.com/#/

https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/convention-bureau/association-congresses/Copenhagen-congress-compass

https://youtu.be/KhFrQBVdGmM

https://meyers.dk/erhverv/baeredygtighed/

https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/biking

https://www.bellacenter.dk/en/sustainability

https://interlace-hub.com/cloudburst-management-plan-copenhagen

https://www.wonderfulcopenhagen.com/sites/wonderfulcopenhagen.com/files/2025-09/Copenhagen%20Sprint%202025%20-%20Legacy%20Case_1.pdf

https://wheeltheworld.com/accessible-travel/denmark

https://accessdenmark.com/purpose-of-the-labelsystem/purpose-of-the-label-system-105

https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/activities/green-sustainability-guide

Ready to plan a corporate event that's unforgettable AND sustainable? 🌱✨

In this episode, we share bold, experience-first event themes and creative activations that prove sustainability can be luxurious, fun, and memorable—not boring!

Perfect for event planners in BOTH hemispheres: whether you're planning December holiday parties or getting ahead for summer 2026 celebrations.

🎬 WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER:

• How to create zero-waste events that look magazine-worthy
• The "Circular Picnic Party" with gamified sustainability challenges
• An elegant "Garden Soirée" featuring take-home plants and regenerative farm menus
• The "Mindful Reset" theme perfect for leadership retreats
• Interactive activations like Upcycle Studios and Impact Tasting Lounges
• Pro tips on local sourcing, waste management, and eco-friendly entertainment

We're back with the next part of our mini-series on Sustainable Consumerism! Join us as we dive into some of North America's sustainable certifications. From ethical business practices to organic food standards, discover how these labels empower smarter, greener choices for consumers and event planners alike.

What You'll Learn:

• The origins, criteria, and pros/cons of Green America's Green Business Certification, USDA Organic Label, and Canada Organic Regime—plus the emerging Environmental Alliance of America Eco-Label bridging Central America.
• How these certifications combat greenwashing, support local economies, and guide eco-conscious shopping, with stats on consumer trends and tips for reporting violations.
• A teaser for our next episode heading south to explore South American eco-labels—perfect for global sustainability enthusiasts!

Whether you’re an event planner or an eco-conscious shopper, join us for this informative chat to shop smarter!

RESOURCES https://www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/glow-nielseniq-study-reveals-majority-of-us-shoppers-prioritize-brand-sustainability,3800

https://greenamerica.org/our-mission

https://www.greenbusinessnetwork.org/certification https://www.earthsharenj.org/green-america-certification/ https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-food-labeling-and-critical-foods/organic-food-labels https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/becoming-certified https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/organic-products/operating-manual https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/latin-america-and-caribbean-launch-first-regional-eco-labeling https://www.miragenews.com/latin-america-caribbean-launch-first-regional-1282342/ https://www.international-climate-initiative.com/en/project/greening-supply-and-demand-advancing-eco-labels-and-sustainable-public-procurement-for-climate-and-biodiversity-protection-eco-advance-22-i-457-latin-america-g-greening-supply-and-demand/?utm_source=miragenews&utm_medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news https://alianza-ambiental.org/

Welcome to back to our GDS Index Series!

In this episode we dive into why Gothenburg, Sweden, is a global leader in sustainable events!

From 88% sustainability-certified hotels to a 95% renewable-energy public transport system, Gothenburg is revolutionizing eco-friendly event planning.

We explore their game-changing Emissions-Free Events Project, innovative social sustainability efforts like the European Citiverses AI project, and practical tools like the Environmental Event Certificate.

Whether you're an event planner or sustainability enthusiast, discover how Gothenburg's strategies can inspire your next event!

𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑪𝑬𝑺

https://youtu.be/OFMIVKiOnGM - Helsinki

https://youtu.be/FsjNuS1EYPg - Carbon Reporting

https://www.gds.earth/destination/gothenburg/2024/

https://www.consultancy.eu/news/10017/european-cities-dominate-global-destination-sustainability-index

https://meetingsinternational.com/topics/destinations-and-venues/destinations/gothenburg-in-the-final-stretch-of-the-global-destination-sustainability-index-2024/

https://transport.ec.europa.eu/tourism/communication-toolkit/gothenburg_en

https://goteborgco.se/en/events/a-sustainable-events-city/

https://goteborgco.se/uploads/2024/04/Handlingsplan-Evenemang_Eng-1.pdf

https://www.eventimpacts.com/

https://blob.iihf.com/iihf-media/iihfmvc/media/2024/wm20/oc/2024_iihf_wjc_sustainability_policy_eng.pdf

https://goteborgco.se/en/meeting/meetings-with-impact/

https://venuefindergoteborg.premium.se/index.php

https://goteborgco.se/uploads/2023/05/The-City-of-Gothenburgs-destination-development-programme-2023-2030.pdf

https://goteborgco.se/uploads/2021/08/Strategic_plan_Gothenburg_meetings_EN.pdf

2030 Climate Neutrality Action Plan: https://netzerocities.app/_content/files/knowledge/4455/2030_ccc_gothenburg.pdf

The Environmental Event Certificate:

https://susa.nu/om-oss/in-english/

https://www.lindholmen.se/en/news/groundbreaking-project-promotes-accessibility-and-inclusiveness-european-cities

https://goteborgco.se/en/2023/07/gothenburg-is-developing-emission-free-events-during-coldplay-at-ullevi/

https://index.goodcountry.org/

Discover One of France’s Most Sustainable Event Venues – Le Grand Pavillon Chantilly ✨

Planning an unforgettable event that’s kind to the planet AND people? In this episode of Sips for Change, we take you inside Le Grand Pavillon Chantilly, a historic 18th-century hamlet turned eco-luxury venue, just 45 minutes from Paris!

From Green Key–certified sustainability to farm-to-table gourmet dining, accessibility for all guests, and hands-on event team support, this venue proves you don’t have to choose between elegance and responsibility.

Whether you’re organizing a wedding, conference, or retreat, this venue could be your next big win for ESG-focused clients or ALL clients!

💬 Have a favorite sustainable venue? Tell us in the comments, we might feature it in a future episode!

If you love this kind of content, subscribe and tap the 🔔 so you never miss our venue highlights and sustainable event tips.

RESOURCES https://legrandpavillonchantilly.com/fr/ https://www.greenkey.global/ https://legrandpavillonchantilly.com/fr/actualites-chantilly.html https://www.lavorelhotels.com/en/our-commitments-to-the-planet/ https://youtu.be/Ic1Wp0eTDbM

We're back with the next part of our mini-series on Sustainable Consumerism!

In this episode, we dive back into some other globally recognized certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Rainforest Alliance, and Cradle to Cradle (C2C)—your guide to eco-friendly and ethical products.

What You'll Learn:

- How GOTS regulates organic textiles from farm to label, ensuring ethical and eco-friendly practices.

- Why Rainforest Alliance’s green frog seal supports sustainable agriculture and thriving communities.

- How Cradle to Cradle drives innovative, circular design for a healthier planet.

- Pros and cons of each certification to make informed shopping choices.

- Tips to spot authentic certifications and avoid greenwashing.

Whether you’re an event planner or an eco-conscious shopper, join us for this informative chat to shop smarter!

RESOURCES

https://global-standard.org/about-us/organisation

https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/about/

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/food-drink/is-rainforest-alliance-ethical

https://www.leighday.co.uk/news/news/2021-news/women-claim-systemic-sex-abuse-on-tea-plantations-owned-by-british-brand-suppliers/

https://c2ccertified.org/the-institute

https://goodonyou.eco/cradle-to-cradle-certification/

https://c2ccertified.org/our-community/brands-manufacturers

https://blog.egecarpets.com/explore/why-should-architects-and-interior-designers-use-cradle-to-cradle-certified-building-materials

https://www.sciencealert.com/lego-will-no-longer-aim-to-use-recycled-plastic-heres-why

Join us in kicking off our new six-part mini-series as we dive into eco-labels like Fair Trade and B Corp. Discover what these certifications mean for your vendors as well as your everyday purchases—coffee, clothes, chocolate—and how they ensure sustainable practices.

This episode will be part one of two, diving into some of the commonly recognized global certifications, before we dive into the regionally accepted certifications in future episodes.

What you’ll learn in this episode: - How Fair Trade, 1% for the Planet, and B Corp drive social and environmental impact - The rigorous processes behind these certifications - Real-world pros and cons to guide your sustainable choices

Whether you’re an event planner or an eco-conscious shopper, this episode empowers you to make purchases that align with your values!

RESOURCES:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainability/articles/10.3389/frsus.2023.1188069/full

https://ecocult.com/eco-friendly-ethical-sustainable-labels-certifications-clothing-fashion/

https://www.fairtradecertified.org/

https://www.fairtrade.net/us-en.html

https://thesustainableagency.com/blog/sustainability-certifications-and-ecolabels-guide/#fairtrade

https://www.foodunfolded.com/article/does-fairtrade-really-work

https://danwatch.dk/en/child-labour-found-in-fairtrade-cocoa-plantations/

https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/

https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/annual-reports

https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/

https://www.businessinsider.com/b-corporation-b-lab-movement-and1-cofounder-2018-11

https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/certification/

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20240202-has-b-corp-certification-turned-into-corporate-greenwashing

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/truths-behind-b-corp-criticisms-why-now-time-walk-rippeteau-msmob-rfcjc

https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/princess-polly-b-corp-fast-fashion-australia/

Welcome to the first episode of our new series! Today we're starting with a deep dive into one of the most powerful — and surprisingly under-the-radar — tools for sustainable event planners: the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index). In this episode, we uncover what the GDS-Index is, why it’s a game-changer for finding sustainable destinations, and how it ranks cities across 77 criteria — from climate action and inclusivity to renewable energy use and circular economy practices.

✨ What you’ll learn: - How the GDS-Index measures sustainability across environmental, social, and industry benchmarks - Who's the #1 destination on the list for 2024 - Real examples of award-winning cities and their innovative initiatives

Whether you’re sourcing venues across the globe or just starting your sustainability journey, this series will show you how to choose destinations that align with your vision — and maybe even inspire your next event location.

𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑪𝑬𝑺

https://www.gds.earth/index/

https://www.myhelsinki.fi/business/meet-in-helsinki/

https://www.myhelsinki.fi/live-work/equality-in-helsinki-freedom-to-be-equal/