GSTC MICE Criteria for Venues
GSTC MICE Criteria for Venues with Performance Indicators and SDGs
The GSTC MICE Criteria for Venues with Performance Indicators and SDGs were created in an effort to come to a common understanding of sustainable MICE, and are the minimum that a venue should aspire to reach.
The GSTC MICE Criteria are organized around four main themes: effective sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts to the environment. The GSTC MICE Criteria for Venues are the same as for Event Organizers and Events & Exhibitions, but the Performance Indicators vary between each other.
The performance indicators presented here are designed to provide guidance in measuring compliance with the GSTC MICE Criteria for Venues.
GSTC MICE Criteria for Venues – suggested performance indicators Version 1, 2024
The performance indicators presented here are designed to provide guidance in measuring compliance with the GSTC MICE Criteria for Venues
SECTION A: Demonstrate effective sustainable management | ||
Criteria | Indicators | SDGs |
A1. Sustainability policy and plan The venue has a sustainability policy and plan that applies to all events they host. A person or group is responsible for implementing the policy and plan and reviewing it periodically. The policy and plan drive continuous improvement. |
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A2 Risk management The venue manages risks and has contingency plans for unexpected situations during the event. |
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A3 Legal compliance The venue is in compliance with all applicable local and national laws and regulations. |
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A4 Reporting and communication The venue communicates its sustainability policy, actions, and performance to stakeholders, including the local community, and seeks to engage their support. |
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A5 Staff Engagement Staff are engaged with the development and implementation of the sustainability policy and plan. Staff receive guidance and training regarding their roles and responsibilities in their delivery. |
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A6 Stakeholder collaboration Stakeholder feedback, including aspects of sustainability, is monitored and corrective action is taken. |
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A7 Destination sustainability The venue aligns its activities to the destination’s sustainable tourism plans and goals and contributes to their development. |
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A8 Sustainable practices and materials in buildings and infrastructure The venue uses local and sustainable practices and materials. |
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A9 Purchasing and contracting The venue’s purchasing policies favor sustainable, local and fair-trade suppliers and products. Purchasing procedures are managed to minimize impact on the environment. |
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SECTION B: Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize negative impacts | ||
Criteria | Indicators | SDGs |
B1 Community support The venue supports the local community. |
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B2 Local employment Local residents are given opportunities for employment, including temporary and management positions. |
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B3 Community services The activities of the venue do not jeopardize the provision of basic services. A feedback mechanism is in place for communities in the event destination, and any reduction in the availability of basic services caused by the venue is addressed. |
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B4 Local livelihoods The activities of the venue do not restrict local access to livelihoods. A communication mechanism is in place for local communities to report instances of restricted access, and corrective action is taken where appropriate. |
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B5 Code of conduct The venue has a code of conduct to guide the behavior of staff, suppliers, and clients. |
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B6 Exploitation, harassment, and human trafficking The venue has implemented a policy against sexual or any other form of exploitation, harassment, and human trafficking, including forced labor, particularly for children, adolescents, women, Indigenous people, minorities, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. |
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B7 Access for all The venue provides access and information for people with disabilities, pregnant and nursing mothers, people with allergies, and the elderly. |
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B8 Employment inclusion and equality The venue promotes inclusion and equal opportunities, including in management positions, without discrimination. |
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B9 Decent work Labor rights are respected, a safe and secure working environment is provided, and staff are compensated appropriately. Staff are offered appropriate training. |
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SECTION C: Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts | ||
Criteria | Indicators | SDGs |
C1 Cultural interactions The venue provides information about local culture to clients and staff as needed. A communication mechanism is in place for local communities to report adverse impacts from visitors, and corrective action is taken where appropriate. |
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C2 Protecting cultural heritage The venue supports the protection, preservation, and enhancement of local properties, sites, artifacts, and traditions of historical, archaeological, cultural, and spiritual significance and does not impede access to them by local residents. |
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C3 Presenting culture and heritage The venue incorporates authentic elements of traditional and contemporary local culture. The venue consults with local and Indigenous groups as applicable about its presentations of culture and respects intellectual property rights. |
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Section D: Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts | ||
D1 Conserving resources | ||
Criteria | Indicators | SDGs |
D1.1 Energy conservation Energy consumption is measured by type, and steps are taken to minimize overall consumption. The venue makes efforts to increase its use of renewable energy. |
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D1.2 Water conservation Water risk is assessed, water consumption is measured, and steps are taken to minimize overall consumption. Water sourcing is sustainable and does not adversely affect environmental flows. In areas of high water risk, context-based water stewardship goals are identified and pursued. |
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D2 Reducing pollution | ||
Criteria | Indicators | SDGs |
D2.1 Greenhouse gas emissions The venue measures its greenhouse gas emissions, has specific reduction targets, and has a plan to avoid and reduce emissions. The remaining emissions are offset. |
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D2.2 Transport The venue seeks to reduce transportation requirements and actively encourages the use of cleaner and more resource-efficient alternatives. |
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D2.3 Wastewater Wastewater has no adverse effects on the local population and the environment. |
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D2.4 Solid waste The venue measures its waste and has mechanisms in place to reduce waste and reuse, donate, or recycle materials. Any residual waste disposal has no adverse effect on the local population or environment. |
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D2.5 Harmful substances The venue minimizes the use of harmful substances and substitutes when available with innocuous products or processes. All storage, use, handling, and disposal of chemicals are properly managed. |
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D2.6 Minimize pollution The venue implements practices to minimize pollution from noise, light, runoff, erosion, ozone-depleting substances, and air, water, and soil contaminants. |
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D3 Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes | ||
Criteria | Indicators | SDGs |
D3.1 Biodiversity conservation The venue supports biodiversity conservation and minimizes disturbances to natural ecosystems. |
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D3.2 Invasive species The venue takes measures to avoid the introduction of invasive species. |
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D3.3 Natural sites and wildlife interactions The venue manages visits to natural sites, wildlife interactions, and procurement from the wild in order to minimize adverse impacts. |
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D3.4 Wildlife interactions The venue supports the welfare of any on-site animals. |
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Note on the usage of the GSTC Criteria:
- The GSTC encourages broad use and application of the GSTC Criteria, which are available from this website free of charge for their non-commercial use.
- However, the GSTC reserves the right to assess and charge fees for the commercial use of the GSTC Criteria.