Building a greener future together in Madrid
Madrid is working hard to help organisers reduce the carbon footprint of their events in the city. Aiming to become one of the most sustainable business event destinations, it has launched an innovative digital platform designed to help events manage legacy and sustainability in this walkable, leafy city boasting historic architecture, traditional crafts and stunning local art, food and wine
The new PLUS tool
Madrid's deep commitment to environmental protection was the inspiration behind the launch of PLUS Legacy with US by the Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB). A pioneering digital platform, it helps organisers effectively manage the sustainability and legacy of their events in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out in the UN's 2030 Agenda. Creating individual sustainability reports for every meeting, it provides recommendations before the events are held so that changes can be made at the planning stage.
MCB is also supporting events that want to contribute to quantifiable, long-lasting positive change in the city by positioning itself as a key point of liaison for legacy.
A walking city
Take a stroll or guided tour through Madrid’s extensive pedestrian zones and along the wide pavements of Gran Via and Calle de Alcalá. With its 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, this is a city to experience outdoors and travelling on foot or by bike is the greenest way to explore.
And there is plenty to see from the redesigned Plaza de España to the Royal Palace, Temple of Debod and Puerta del Sol.
The world’s second leafiest city, Madrid boasts almost 300,000 trees helping to provide clean air and shade. Spain’s capital has been named a ‘Tree City of the World’ by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation.
The city's cycle lanes and cycle path form a ring around its urban heart and there are 3,000 electric BiciMAD cycles for hire.
Explore Madrid’s green spaces
There are more than 200 parks and gardens adding up to almost 16,000 acres of green heritage, including the historical treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site El Retiro Park. The Madrid Río Park stretches for six miles along the banks of the Manzanares River and Casa de Campo Park, offering 3,700 acres for outdoor events, is a Site of Cultural Interest.
In addition to the many magical gardens tucked away in secret corners, the city is developing the Metropolitan Forest, which will be a 75km-long green belt around the city with expansive areas for walking and sports.
Spectacular local food scene
Zero-mile food and products with the Madrid designation of origin – ensuring its quality - markets with unique, high-quality offerings and chefs working hard to include organic food on their menus can be found throughout the city’s fabulous dining scene.
El Invernadero, run by Madrid-born chef Rodrigo de la Calle, and Mario Sandoval’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Coque have been awarded a Green Michelin Star, which recognise commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
You can hold a lunch in markets like San Miguel, San Antón and Vallehermoso, where the FLOSS philosophy (Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable) plays a prominent role. In addition to its acclaimed wines, you could hold a tasting of its world-famous extra virgin olive oil.
Purchasing artisanal goods
Setting some time aside in an event programme for shopping is always popular and can also be made sustainable by supporting artisanal crafts. Explore areas like Salesas, Lavapiés, Las Letras, Chueca, Malasaña, Conde Duque, La Latina and Los Austrias or arrange a workshop to learn more about the skills of the local crafts people.
You’ll find capes, gloves, hats, crockery, fans, Manila shawls, jewellery, bags, furniture, tapestries, guitars, wicker goods and more. Trades and skills that have been passed down the generations.
New innovative designers specialise in products made from recycled materials. Browse Ecoalf, which makes designer clothes using materials salvaged from the sea, and The Circular Project, which prioritises ecodesign.
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