Sustainable MCE

Decarbonising the events industry, together. At RX, we’re serious about sustainability. We are founding members of the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge to make our company, our events and the wider events industry net zero. We commit to being net zero by 2040 and to make a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In 2023 we will publish our pathway to net zero, setting out our reduction strategy with key milestones for all our events. Given the complex nature of our supply chain and the emissions associated with a show, it is only by working together as an industry that we will be able to reduce our impact. We are building a company of net zero heroes to take action and ensure a sustainable future.

It’s only by working together as a industry that we will achieve our goals. 

Rx Italy and MCE are committed to promoting technologies, applications, products, solutions and communication models that combine production ethics, respect for the environment, diversity and quality of life for everyone. The goal is to showcase the excellences of the sector, to build a better future and enhance "ethically-minded" models, with the 17 goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda (Goals for Sustainable Development) as the guiding reference point.

RX Italy obtained the ISO 20121:2013 certification – sustainable event management system with the certifying body ICIM Spa and accreditation by Accredia. Getting certified not only represents RX Iyaly's commitment to sustainability; but also the desire to become a ‘sustainable’ driving force for the entire supply chain, from exhibitors to visitors and partners.

MCE: designed and provided according to ISO 20121:2013

For MCE sustainability always come first. To protect this important objective, the event is designed and provided according to ISO 20121:2013 sustainable organization of trade fairs certification.

Our Sustainable Development Goals

Several initiatives at MCE underline the importance of sustainability, which goes through the transformation of the event according to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), defined by the United Nations Organisation as the winning strategy "to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all", signed in September 2015 by the 193 UN member countries' governments.

SDG2 – Zero hunger

The 'Together Against Hunger' project in support of Banco Alimentare della Lombardia consists in the donation of 1 euro per each top seller product sold in the various outlets during the days of the event. This enables the Association to distribute free meals to people and families in need through local charitable organisations. In 2024, 32,630 meals were donated. 

In addition, thanks to the collection of surplus food, managed through Banco Alimentare's Siticibo programme, 143.5 kg of food were saved from disposal and distributed to families in need.

SDG4 – Quality education

It is in the DNA of MCE Mostra Convegno Expocomfort to offer exhibitors and visitors training on the most advanced technologies and solutions at the show.  Continuous training is becoming one of the main drivers of competition in the energy efficiency market. The rich programme of educational, training and updating events on the future of plant design realised thanks to the activities of the Associations and Partners will cover air quality, incentive mechanisms for energy efficiency, BIM, circular economy, energy transition and decarbonisation.

SDG6 – Clean water and sanitation

Since 2019 we have been participating in the 'Just a Drop' initiative, demonstrating how an exhibition event, in addition to producing wealth, optimising meetings and stimulating innovation, can become a driver for the promotion of charitable initiatives thus contributing to improving the quality of life and the environment of our society. The 2024 donation will enable Just a Drop to provide 240 people in Kandorl, Cambodia, with access to clean water through 60 Biosand filters and to improve sanitation by building 20 latrines.

SDG8 – Decent work and economic growth

The goal encourages us to promote entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. In line with the essence of the trade show itself and the pillars that drive our actions, we work to let the show be a platform for business development and innovation. 
We realise specific projects like the MCE Excellence Awards, a path to enhance technologies, products and solutions combining productive ethics, respect for the environment and the quality of life.

SDG12 – Responsible consumption and production

All packaging and tableware products for the catering and restaurant industry have been converted to biodegradable products, as well as plastic bottles that are recycled by the Coripet consortium. 
All our material used for the set-ups will also be reusable or recyclable, with graphics printed on recyclable material. As far as lighting is concerned, all lights have been converted to energy-saving LED lights.

SDG13 – Climate action

During the event, connecting buses between the fair and the city centre are provided free of charge for visitors and exhibitors. Bus transport services are also provided for installers in order to optimise transport from all over the country and reduce environmental impact. Finally, a special promotion with Trenitalia, Italy’s train operator, allows all visitors and exhibitors to travel to the Milan and Rho Fiera stations by train with discounts of up to 80% compared to the basic ticket.

SGD17 – Partnerships for sustainable development goals

The head office, RX, carefully monitored the development of partnerships with all stakeholders, committees, and publishers to outline the best solutions, defining the guidelines to be followed for the maximum dissemination of knowledge of the SDGs to every MCE stakeholder.

The good habits

Achieving concrete and lasting results in terms of sustainability is only possible thanks to everyone's contribution. This is why we invite visitors and exhibitors who participate in our events to join our effort to protect the environment, making responsible choices and adopting ethical habits.

Transport
Travel using collective means of transport, such as the train and the underground (red line M1 – Rho-Fiera stop).

Accommodation
Stay at hotels that show a real commitment to the environment. Among the hotels recommended in collaboration with MiCodmc for MCE, those deemed more sustainable are marked with the eco-friendly label.

Ticket
Do not print the entrance ticket but save the digital version directly on your smartphone.

Waste
Respect the differentiated waste collection by using the special bins present in the aisles and in the catering areas of the pavilions.

Water
Avoid using plastic bottles: bring a water bottle.

Fittings
When creating your stand, limit the use of non-reusable materials destined for disposal, prefer high energy efficiency and low-consumption lighting (e.g. LED) and reusable or recyclable set-up elements and furnishings.

Logistics and transport
Where possible, select suppliers and materials based on the procurement distance and the type of means used for transport.

Travel and accommodation
Travel using collective means of transport, such as the train and the underground (M1 red line – Rho-Fiera stop).
Stay at hotels that show a real commitment to the environment. Among the hotels recommended in collaboration with MiCodmc for MCE, those deemed more sustainable are marked with the eco-friendly label.

Catering
Limit the use of plastic and single-serve packaging as much as possible and choose instead reusable crockery and cutlery, compostable or biodegradable packaging, napkins, containers, etc. Choose local, seasonal food and offer some vegetarian and/or vegan alternatives.

Waste management and disposal
Do not abandon waste. During set-up and dismantling, special waste - cardboard packaging or mixed materials, wood scraps, panels, cellophane, paint or plaster containers, strips of carpet - must be removed from the Exhibition Center by contracting a company authorized to perform this service, registered in the National Register of Environmental Managers. Click here to view the complete list.

For further info, please contact:

Sara Mazzucchi
e-mail: [email protected]