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A sustainable future for the events industry. In the Grand Est region, many business tourism professionals are actively committed to a sustainable and responsible approach to organising their events. For several years now, they have been implementing initiatives aimed at minimising the environmental and social impact of their activities. These responsible practices protect the environment whilst promoting social and economic sustainability, making the Grand Est an exemplary destination for responsible business events.

ISO 20121 certification

ISO 20121 certification is the international benchmark for responsible event management. It aims to manage environmental, social and economic impacts throughout the value chain, whilst ensuring efficient and sustainable organisation. In the Grand Est region, it demonstrates the concrete commitment of many MICE stakeholders to responsible, high-quality events.

Internationally recognised expertise

With a particularly high number of ISO 20121-certified organisations, the Grand Est region demonstrates solid expertise and a collective drive towards sustainability. This commitment enhances the region’s appeal and positions it as a leading MICE destination, capable of meeting the expectations of organisers seeking events that fully manage their environmental impact and create value.

ISO 20121-certified destinations

Troyes

A pioneer in sustainable event management, Troyes became, in 2014, the world’s first convention bureau and the second event organiser to achieve ISO 20121 certification for responsible event management.

Nancy

Since 2018, DESTINATION NANCY has been ISO 20121-certified for all its activities: the Prouvé Conference Centre, the Exhibition Centre, the Convention Bureau and the Metropolitan Tourist Office. This certification guarantees high standards for hosting responsible events.

Metz

The Metz Convention Bureau andTourist Office have been ISO 20121-certified since 2022. The Technopôle Convention Centre and the Parc Expo also hold this certification.

Strasbourg

The Strasbourg Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre are ISO 20121-certified, as is the iconic ‘Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas’ event . In 2025, Strasbourg Tourisme, Loisirs & Congrès (STLC) committed to carrying out its carbon footprint assessment and to pursuing ISO 20121 certification.

Reims

Since 2023, Reims Events, the operator of the Congress Centre, the Parc Expo and the Reims Arena, has been ISO 20121-certified. In March 2026, M Réceptions by Philippe Mille also achieved this certification.

Colmar

In 2026, Colmar Expo was awarded ISO 20121 certification for the Parc des Expositions and the Espace Auguste.

Innovative and Sustainable Destination (DID)

A structured regional governance framework

Based on the ISO 20121 standard, the French Innovative and Sustainable Destination (DID) label recognises destinations that have developed a comprehensive sustainable development strategy applied to the events sector.

Troyes

Having been awarded the DID label, Aube en Champagne Events’ sustainable events ecosystem now comprises 21 certified partners (institutions, venues, accommodation providers, tourism stakeholders and experts). This collaborative governance structure provides organisers with a single point of contact, ensuring consistent quality throughout the entire hospitality chain.

Nancy

A pioneering destination for the DID label, Nancy was awarded the label in 2022 and successfully had it renewed in 2025. Under the leadership of DESTINATION NANCY, 14 local partners are now involved, includingthe Opéra national de Lorraine, the first opera house in France to be awarded the DID label.

Metz

As a pilot destination for the DID scheme, Metz has four organisations involved.

Le Temple neuf
Coucher de soleil

Biodiversity, green cities and environmental labels

In 2026, two of France’s ten greenest cities are located in the Grand Est region, according to the Green Cities Observatory:

  • Metz (3rd)
  • Strasbourg (5th)

The Clé Verte label, an international benchmark for the environmental management of tourist establishments, will recognise 207 establishments in the Grand Est region in 2026, including 60 new award winners.
The cities of Strasbourg, Metz, Reims, Nancy and Mulhouse are recognised for their efforts to promote biodiversity, with the support of the French Biodiversity Agency.

Examples of inspiring local initiatives

Gare de Sarreguemines
Strasbourg

A member of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement since 2023, Strasbourg achieved a score of 72 % in 2025, ranking 37th out of 80 international destinations. As France’s leading cycling city, it holds the ‘Territoire Engagé Transition Écologique’ (5-star) label and provides event organisers with a guide dedicated to sustainable events.

Metz

As the capital of urban ecology, Metz has developed the Mettis hybrid transport system and is planning a transition to hydrogen. The city is also innovating with the Metz’0 river shuttles, an alternative soft mobility solution.

Reims

Reims has 242 km of cycle paths and has launched a Sustainable Tourism Plan aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of business events. The city also stands out for its high-service-level electric buses.

Troyes

Troyes offers the free ‘Cœur de Troyes’ electric shuttle and supports sustainable food supply through its Regional Food Plan, prioritising short supply chains and local producers for events.

Nancy

Nancy is accelerating its green transition with a 100 % electric trolleybus, a Low Emission Zone, an energy efficiency strategy based on solar power, and the renewal of its ‘Territoire engagé pour la nature’ (Territory Committed to Nature) label (2025–2027).

Mulhouse

A pioneering city in the fight against climate change, Mulhouse was the first to sign up to the ‘1 billion trees with France’s local authorities’ initiative . It protects its biodiversity through projects such as Mulhouse Diagonales.

Colmar

Colmar is committed to responsible tourism by optimising energy and resource management, promoting waste sorting and actively supporting sustainable transport, particularly cycling.

Vittel

Recognised as a Positive Energy Territory for Green Growth (TEPCV), Vittel is rolling out a comprehensive energy transition programme across the housing, transport, economic activities and leisure sectors.

Organise your sustainable event in the Grand Est region

The Grand Est region offers event organisers much more than just high-quality facilities: a committed ecosystem, certified partners and a shared vision of sustainable event management.

Our MICE teams will support you in planning and delivering successful, sustainable conferences, trade fairs and business events, in line with your CSR commitments.