Valencia, the first city in the world to calculate the carbon footprint of tourism

The Conference Centre contributes to these developments by strengthening its commitment to the SDGs  

Valencia is a pioneer in the world in calculating and certifying the carbon footprint of tourism activities and is the most efficient European city in terms of water consumption, thanks to its remote reading system. These are the main conclusions, unprecedented in the world, of the report drawn up by Valencia City Council, through the Visit València Foundation, and Global Omnium, through the Aguas de València Foundation, and verified by the Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification (AENOR). 

Through this study, which is part of the city’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy, Valencia has taken a giant step forward in complying with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) featured on the UN’s 2030 Agenda, and aims to become the world’s leading tourist destination with zero environmental impact. 

Using blockchain technology, the carbon and water footprints of all the city’s establishments, including the Valencia Conference Centre, can be checked from anywhere in the world.  

Coinciding with World Environment Day on 5th June, the Conference Centre announced its progress in complying with the SDGs, thanks to the implementation of the SDG Project, a comprehensive initiative that encompasses all areas of the building’s activities and aims to contribute to Valencia’s progress in its smart city strategy; adopting urgent measures to combat climate change and its effects; and guaranteeing sustainable consumption and production methods.

Currently, its sustainable investments represent 40% of the total and it is estimated that they save approximately 1 million kWh in terms of the Centre’s annual consumption. This saving prevents the emission of 707 Tm CO2 eq., the approximate amount emitted into the atmosphere by 150 vehicles on the roads during a year. Another of the sustainable goals that have been achieved and consolidated is the installation of its photovoltaic roof, which has generated more than 3 million kWh of clean energy since 2008.

If you would like further information on Valencia’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy, click on this link.