Copenhagen ranked 2nd on the Global Destination Sustainability Index
The city of Copenhagen and Copenhagen CVB was ranked 2nd in the first-ever sustainability ranking for event destinations worldwide with a performance score of 79% excelling in social and environmental performance.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
The GDS-Index was initiated by ICCA’s Scandinavian Chapter and MCI earlier this year and aims to promote the sustainable growth of international meeting destinations, highlighting best practices and responsible business tourism. In a world increasingly focused on responsible business and environmental impact, the GDS-Index helps destinations to engage clients with sustainability, align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and drive the adoption, promotion and recognition of sustainable practices in their city.
Cities are measured on their environmental, social, supplier and Convention Bureau performance. Copenhagen was given a total GDS-index of 79% just 4% after 1st ranked Gothenburg but well above the GDS-index average of 55%. Copenhagen scored a perfect 100% in social performance. Compared to the index average of 39% on the Convention Bureau performance, Copenhagen CVB scored a satisfying 75% but with room for improvements.
GDS-Index Destination Rankings Top-10:
1. Gothenburg
2. Copenhagen & Reykjavik
3. Zürich
4. Stuttgart
5. Uppsala
6. Helsinki
7. Glasgow & Tampere
8. Västerås & Stockholm
9. Espoo
10. Frankfurt, Sapporo, Karlstad & Sydney
About the Global Destination Sustainability Index
Developed by MCI Sustainability Services in collaboration with the founding cities, GDS-Index methodology measures and compares the social and environmental sustainability strategies, policies and performance of the participating destinations.
Guy Bigwood, MCI Group Sustainability Director and GDS-Index project leader commented:
“Our vision is to have over 100 cities benchmarking and collaborating together by 2020. I am pleased to announce we have 25 Scandinavian cities based in Finland, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and Sweden, as well as our first wave of global cities including Barcelona, Geneva, Stuttgart and Sydney.”
In collaboration with the destination in question, the GDS-Index consultants will assess over 80 criteria across 6 categories: Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement, Monitoring & Reporting, Policy and Incentives, Standards & Education, Marketing Communications and Community Development.