In brief

We measure in two different ways:

• With the Green Leaf method, we measure every project with a green yardstick. We developed this measurement method in-house, and it provides us with real-time insight into areas for improvement and our progress status.
• When we want extra insight into CO2 emissions for a project, we employ the tool Trace by Isla. New developments like CSRD, in which organizations are required to map out their CO2 emissions, have ensured that our experience with Trace has grown quickly.

We utilize the Green Leaf for every project, while Trace is deployed for projects with high sustainability ambitions. A Trace analysis demands a considerable time investment, with departments like work planning, planning, graphics, logistics and sustainability contributing input.

In this article, we will scrutinize both of these measurement methods. At the foot of this article, you can read about how these tools facilitate compensation of the entire CO2 emission of your project, if you so wish.

Insight into the impact of Green Leaf choices

With the Green Leaf method, we are able to reveal the impact of our choices. We do this through attributing positive and negative points to environmentally friendly or damaging choices.

Let us use stand components as an example:

• The most sustainable option is rental, because this negates the need for manufacturing anything. This option gains 2 positive points.
• Reuse of components that have previously been manufactured for the client and stored in our warehouse, earns 1 positive point.
• If we build something new, we attribute negative points. A single negative point if the new item is used 2 or 3 times. Two negative points if the item is only used once.

This is how we score all the choices made in a project, and we transform this into a performance score for each component. In addition, we stimulate rental or reuse, look at reducing the use of harmful materials, utilize knock-down connectors, reduce transport emissions, employ local personnel, and choose hotels based on location.

You will find the entire overview with all the points, positive and negative, here:

This is how Green Leaf helps us to look critically at our approach to projects, and to visualize the impact of our choices. Because we have done this for each project for a few years now, we can see that our scores are good and where there is room for improvement. This also allows us to provide our clients with better advice on how to minimize the environmental impact of their participation in exhibitions.

Measuring CO2 emissions with Trace by Isla

Each project has a CO2 footprint. We are able to calculate this through utilizing Trace by Isla. This tool was developed especially for the events industry and exhibition construction. It is a complex calculation that scrutinizes an entire project from start to finish. This can include manufacturing, images and signage, transport, travel movements, accommodation, waste, catering, and energy consumption.

Trace delivers a report, this provides us with insights into how we can reduce the CO2 footprint. Through for example opting for less or a more sustainable material, or for rental and reuse. And not forgetting donating or recycling materials at the end of their lifespan. Transport and travel movements also leave a serious impression on the CO2 footprint, which can often be reduced through smart choices. Our team is on hand to advise.

Compensating your CO2 emissions

The residual CO2 footprint that is left after all the measures have been taken, can be compensated. Trace transforms the CO2 footprint into a number of trees that need to be planted to compensate for the emission. In cooperation with Trees for All we are able to realize this, including the required certificates. Trees for All plant the trees in places where this is necessary – in the Netherlands and beyond – and ensures that they can flourish.