Echoing the government's 2050 net-zero emissions target and promoting sustainable MICE, the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE) held its first seminar on April 10th, bringing together government authorities, private enterprises, and design firms to exchange sustainable carbon reduction action plans for MICE, enhancing the green momentum of the MICE industry in adherence with global standards to achieve the net zero goal.

TAISE has been showcasing the achievements of various industries in promoting sustainable development while facilitating intergenerational and interdisciplinary exchanges by holding the Asia-Pacific Exposition for Sustainability every summer since 2022. In 2023, TAISE received the inaugural Sustainable Exhibition Award for Carbon Reduction Action. Chairman Eugene Chien of TAISE stated that sustainable MICE not only involves exhibits relevant to sustainability, it also requires the event itself to be sustainable. In addition to overall planning by organizers, exhibitor participation and collaboration are essential to collectively advance the transformation of Taiwan's exhibition industry.

Five Key Principles for Carbon Footprint Reduction

To establish a green mindset in the MICE industry and assist in obtaining international certifications to ensure sustainability will be a distinctive feature and have a positive impact on Taiwan's MICE industry, Rosa Liu, Director of the MOEA project ofice for MICE, proposed five key principles of sustainable MICE planning: people, goods, time, place, and objects. This is a reminder that all industry players, especially those involved with travel, accommodation, freight, logistics, food, food waste, venue energy and resources, production materials, and waste, must focus on the reduction of carbon footprints and carbon mileage accumulation.

In practical terms, she suggested that exhibitors prioritize carbon reduction in various ways, such as choosing green transportation, using eco-friendly tableware at venues, utilizing energy-saving and low-power consumption equipment, reducing unnecessary print materials and publicity, presenting exhibition content electronically or with recycled materials, and using recyclable materials for booth decorations.

Showcasing Core Business and Creating Circular Business Opportunities

In line with the concept of sustainable exhibition planning, the TCC Group planned the Ecological Ark exhibition at the second Asia-Pacific Expo for Sustainability, successfully recreating the ecological restoration scene of the Su'ao Plant's Taibai Mountain quar[LSH1] ry. It attracted many plant enthusiasts and won the Green Design Award at the expo. Lin Yu-Jou, deputy manager of the TCC Sustainability Office, mentioned that to demonstrate TCC's sustainable actions in MICE practices, more than 80% of the exhibits on-site could be reused. Even the fallen leaves of plants were returned to the conservation center intact, showcasing the group's determination to seek net-zero solutions throughout the entire exhibition process by using electronic and recycled materials.

Also awarded for green design, Longchen Paper leveraged its production capabilities, using recycled paper extensively as decoration materials. An immersive experience area with interactive activities was designed to engage visitors. After the exhibition, unclaimed exhibits returned to the factory as raw materials. Lin Chii-Hui, Lonchen's Director of Sustainable Development, emphasized that not only zero waste was achieved, it also created a circular economy.

Private enterprises, as well as government departments, can also lead by example in creating net-zero exhibitions. Chuang Ming-Chi, Director-General of the Comprehensive Planning Department of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, demonstrated that with the 2023 Asia-Pacific Expo for Sustainability's venue. In addition to using a large number of recyclable building materials, they also collaborated with manufacturers to develop more new materials and prioritized the use of local goods to reduce transportation fuel consumption, thereby promoting the circular economy mindset of green MICE.

As for the Tainan City Environmental Protection Bureau's exhibition structure, it consisted of discarded desks and chairs from local schools. Director Hsu Jen-Che revealed that integrating waste resources with environmental aesthetics in creating items also brought considerable economic benefits.

Exhibition Observation and Dialogue Lead Sustainability Trends

To rally more public and private sector entities to support sustainable development goals through concrete actions and to showcase Taiwan's achievements in sustainability, TAISE is organizing a third expo, the 2024 Asia-Pacific Exposition for Sustainability at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Hall 1 during August 8–10 this year on a grander scope. The Expo will feature physical exhibitions and intergenerational dialogues with visitors, inspiring more innovative sustainable solutions. Song Jung-Chi, Manager of the TAISE Exhibition Center, is confident that with collaboration from hardware suppliers and participating exhibitors, the theme Sustainable Tide will guide the MICE industry towards net zero and showcase Taiwan's sustainability achievements across various fields to international visitors.

The 2024 Asia-Pacific Exposition for Sustainability is expected to feature 200 exhibitors in 700 booths. 70 forums and summits will take place as well over the three-day exhibition period.

Sources: Commercial Times Website (www.ctee.com.tw/news/20240420700016-431208)