REMEDIES partner National Institute of Chemistry of Slovenia participated at the Europe Day 2023 which have won Sustainable Events Awards 2024 in the category of large public events (over 1,000 participants) at the internal annual competition of the European Commission for the best sustainable events. This is an annual competition involving all departments of the European Commission. It is part of the European Commission’s strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and to become climate-neutral by 2030. Among the various measures are more sustainable events and gatherings.
The awarded Europe Day 2023 took place on May 9, 2023, at Congress Square in Ljubljana. The organizer – the European Commission Representation in Slovenia – focused on the themes of the green transition with the motto “Principles of Sustainability for the Europe of the Future.” In collaboration with numerous partners, Europe Day presented to many visitors in a practical and fun way what changes we can make together in our daily lives and how the European Union supports the green transition through various programs and incentives.
The jury particularly highlighted the zero-waste design and execution of the event, the accessibility of the venue, and the inclusion of diverse organizations and people, including vulnerable groups in the program, as well as the media and digital communication support. The media partner was Val202. The event attracted 2,800 people, but despite its size and numerous activities, it generated only 24.4 kilograms of waste, 94% of which was separately collected. All waste was carefully monitored, measured, and weighed by Ecologists Without Borders. This earned it the title of an event on the path to less waste.
European Commission warmly thank all partners, including the team of Scientists Against Plastic from the National Insitute of Chemistry lead by Uroš Novak, the REMEDIES program coordinator, for accepting the challenge of an event on the path to zero waste. With their knowledge and creative approaches, they ensured that the initial idea grew and succeeded. The award for the best large sustainable public event in the European Commission is also an award for everyone of you who co-created the event.
