Sustainability at Messe München
As a trade show company, we view sustainable practices as a key priority for the future. For us, this means firmly embedding environmental and social considerations in our corporate strategy and incorporating them into our decision-making.
Messe München’s approach to sustainability covers two areas of impact
Corporate Sustainability
As a trade fair company, we create opportunities at our trade fairs for discussion and presenting innovations on key future topics. To ensure that we live up to this transformative role ourselves, we also view sustainability as a cross-cutting issue in our own corporate governance.Responsibility for sustainability issues is firmly anchored within the Corporate Strategy division. That allows environmental, social, and governance aspects to be included in decisions, processes, and projects as early as possible. In order to strategically integrate these aspects, we are currently developing the database based on the statutory reporting standards for implementing the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and conducting a materiality assessment. We will then use it to set new strategic goals and continue to advance measures that have already been established—in an effective and economically viable manner.
Sustainability at events
At our events, we highlight innovations on key future topics—for example, through curated exhibition spaces, themed guided tours, and conference formats. We create space for discussion, inspiration, and cooperation—also on issues related to future and sustainability topics in the industries represented at our trade fairs.Events are our core business, which is why we focus on specific levers when implementing them: For many of our own events, we dispense with aisle carpeting and, for spaces used by Messe München, we primarily use the woodi stand construction system developed by our stand construction subsidiary meplan, based on the principles of the circular economy—as, for example, at IFAT 2026 in the Blue and Orange Stage forums, and the IFAT Lounge in the East Entrance. We create incentives for exhibitors and visitors to travel by public transport and electric vehicles—for example, through Deutsche Bahn’s event ticket, airport shuttles, good public transport connections, and the expansion of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure on the exhibition grounds. Details on measures at our own events can be found on the respective trade fair homepages.
Impact area: Company
Site infrastructure in Munich-Riem
The exhibition center in Munich’s Riem district comprises 18 halls with an exhibition area of approximately 200,000 m² and an outdoor area of 414,000 m², as well as the International Conference Center Munich (ICM) and the Conference Center North (CCN). As owner and operator, Messe München has a special responsibility with regard to energy supply and the further structural development of the site.
Ever since the exhibition center opened in 1998, a photovoltaic system installed on the roofs of the B trade fair halls has supported the power supply for the exhibition center. Since being commissioned—back then as the world’s first rooftop PV system with a peak output of over one megawatt—the PV system has been scientifically monitored by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerd Becker (formerly of Munich University of Applied Sciences), thereby providing valuable data on long-term PV operation. On sunny days when there are no events, this PV system can cover up to 50% of the base load of the electricity required by the exhibition center.
The PV system on the roofs of the A trade fair halls also has a peak output of one megawatt and feeds electricity into the power grid of the Riem district.
With the construction of an additional PV system on the roof of the trade fair parking facility, scheduled to go online in 2027, the installed PV capacity for electricity generation will increase to a peak output of approximately 4 megawatts.
However, since Messe München cannot meet the majority of its electricity needs through its own production from PV systems or the on-site combined heat and power plant during event operations, it has to purchase additional electricity. In this regard, Messe München had already switched entirely to green electricity by early 2020.
Just under a quarter of Messe München’s total electricity needs are currently still met by the natural gas-fired combined heat and power plant. As part of the company’s climate strategy, this remaining fossil share is to be replaced by 2035 at the latest through further expansion of the PV systems and the purchase of green electricity.
Approximately two-thirds of the heating supply for the Riem exhibition center is provided by district heating from the local district heating network operator, Stadtwerke München (SWM), a portion of which is already generated using deep geothermal energy. Unfortunately, we do not know the exact share. SWM states that it currently plans to decarbonize district heating in Munich by 2040 and intends to rely mainly on the use of geothermal energy (Source: M-Fernwärme: District Heating for Munich). If SWM sticks to this goal and the accompanying reduction in the fossil share, the corresponding emissions from Messe München’s district heating consumption will also be reduced.
The remaining heating needs at the exhibition center (approximately one-third) are met by a combined heat and power plant and decentralized gas boilers, which are located at the exhibition center and connected to the natural gas grid. How and to what extent this fossil share can be replaced by renewable energy in the future is currently being examined in a simulation-based feasibility study with our partner HEITEC Innovations. The most practical solutions currently being explored include the expansion of geothermal district heating, the use of a heat pump to lower the return temperature, and the use of groundwater heat pumps.
Since February 2026, Messe München has been certified according to ISO 50001, which is internationally recognized and defines standards for the sustainable use of energy. Through ISO 50001 certification, the legislature requires energy-intensive companies to set binding, measurable energy management goals and to continuously strive to make improvements in energy efficiency. In addition to the company’s current energy management processes, economic assessments, and technical infrastructure, for example, for electricity and heat supply, Messe München’s longstanding measures to improve energy efficiency, such as converting lighting to LED technology, the use of high-efficiency pumps, or consistently switching off all systems that are not needed, also contributed to the successful certification. Before the ISO standard was introduced, Messe München was already conducting annual energy audits in accordance with the DIN EN 16247-1 standard.
To ensure successful certification, it was also necessary to ensure a broad awareness of energy-efficient practices among the employees and management of Messe München. A key element of company policy is to continually reduce energy consumption in order, among other things, to conserve resources.
During the construction of the exhibition center, priority was given to maximizing the use of natural light. All exhibition halls also have glazing and skylights that are darkened only upon request.
The lighting at the exhibition center is being gradually converted to LED technology. The installation of LED lighting in the exhibition halls will be completed in 2026.
To counteract the land sealing that inevitably results from the construction of larger building complexes, the flat roofs and courtyards at the exhibition center were largely landscaped. The exhibition center in Riem features a total of 220,000 m² of green space, approximately 2,500 trees, and 73,000 m² of green roofs.
On the decentralized parking and logistics areas for visitors to world-leading trade fairs such as bauma, approximately 20 hectares of land were landscaped as rough grassland with trees to promote biodiversity. On average, for 98 percent of the days per year, these areas serve as local recreational space for the population. The status of these areas as rough grassland is assessed through regular monitoring inspections and restored as needed.
A new parking and logistics area, covering around five hectares, was connected to the outdoor exhibition area via a bridge that features a three-meter-wide green strip in the middle; according to the underlying landscape plan, the aim of this strip is to enable the habitats of amphibians, insects, and other wildlife to be connected.
Messe München has excellent public transport connections and is gradually expanding the electric vehicle charging infrastructure on the exhibition grounds.
The Messe München site in Riem is connected directly to the two subway stations Messestadt West and Messestadt Ost for the U2 line. It will take you just under 20 minutes to reach us from Munich Central station without having to change trains. In addition, several bus routes stop at various stops around the exhibition center.
To date, 153 charging stations for electric vehicles are already in operation on the exhibition grounds, 80 of which are available to visitors in the Parking Garage West alone. Visitors to the administration building, as well as employees and service partners of Messe München, can also charge their electric vehicles. By the end of 2027, there should be an additional 172 electric vehicle charging stations, 160 of which will be located in the Parking Garage West for visitors to our trade fairs and events. You can find more information on e-mobility at the exhibition center here: https://messe-muenchen.de/en/services/plan-your-visit/e-mobility/
At the exhibition center
Messe München is deeply committed to avoiding waste as much as possible at its trade fairs. It therefore relies on the cooperation of exhibitors and their stand builders, and with, among other things, a guide to waste prevention (https://messe-muenchen.de/en/services/waste-prevention-guide/), provides targeted recommendations for a trade fair presence with as little waste as possible, for example, when selecting stand construction materials and systems. These recommendations also serve as the standard for the stand spaces that Messe München uses itself at its own trade fairs at the Riem exhibition center.
Any waste that is nevertheless generated during trade fairs and events is then sorted by our disposal partners, properly recycled, or thermally recycled at a waste incineration plant. The company is constantly working on ways to optimize waste separation at the exhibition center. The following measures for waste separation are already being implemented on site:
- Separate collection of wood waste during setup and dismantling of trade fairs and events to prevent contamination at the point of origin. We are currently phasing in a separate collection system for paper, cardboard, and foil during setup and dismantling.
- Use of Tork PaperCircle©: The paper towels in the restrooms are collected separately and then sent to the service provider for recycling, turning used paper towels back into paper towels or other paper hygiene products.
- Starting in 2026, separate waste containers for plastic, paper, and general waste will be introduced in the exhibition halls. To prevent trash from being thrown into the wrong container, infographics on the trash cans will serve as a guide.
In the administration building in Munich-Riem
Even in the administration building, Messe München employees are required to avoid waste. That also includes working as paperlessly as possible. In addition to separate collection of paper, packaging waste, and general waste, the kitchenettes are also equipped with compost containers. A central recycling collection point has been set up on site for other types of waste and recyclables generated in day-to-day work, such as regular and rechargeable batteries, office chemicals, or small office equipment. A total of 19 different types of waste are collected separately in the administration building. A corresponding guide is available for employees to ensure correct waste separation. Discarded IT hardware, such as old laptops, is collected by the afb Group (link), where it is recycled and resold, or disposed of professionally.
Social sustainability and responsible business governance
Social responsibility is an integral part of our corporate strategy. What does that mean for us?
We establish a clear framework for treating each other in a fair and respectful manner, guided by the principles of our Code of Conduct for Employees. These also include dealing with each other responsibly, adhering to legal and ethical standards, and maintaining a working environment free from discrimination.
We support the individuality of our employees through our internal Proud Network—an open LGBTQI+ network for all employees (link Proud Network). In addition, we host the “ Frauen-Verbinden” network for women in leadership (link Frauen-Verbinden)—a cross-industry and cross-sector network for women in management positions in business, politics, science, media, and culture.
As a neighbor in Messestadt Riem, we are actively involved in the local community—through projects, partnerships, and employee initiatives, such as our annual participation in the nationwide Read Aloud Day together with the Riem Public Library, as well as a career insights day for students at the Lehrer-Wirth School, organized together with our service partners
You can find specific insights into our initiatives here.
We are committed to respecting and complying with internationally recognized human rights and labor standards, and require our business partners to do the same. This includes, in particular, ensuring fair working conditions, protection against discrimination, the prohibition of forced and child labor, respect for the freedom of association, and the guarantee of a safe and healthy working environment. Corresponding principles and requirements are laid down in both our Code of Conduct for Employees and our Code of Conduct for Business Partners.
Links:
Code of Conduct for Employees
Code of Conduct for Business Partners
We create the conditions for a working environment free from discrimination, guided by the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) and the principles of our Code of Conduct. Since March 2023, the internal Proud network has been offering additional opportunities for networking and exchange within the company. In addition, Messe München hosts “Frauen Verbinden,” a cross-industry and cross-sector network founded in March 2015 for women in management positions in business, politics, science, media, and culture. Messe München has been a signatory to the Diversity Charter since 2024.
In 2025, we developed a diversity roadmap that is being implemented gradually. Key priorities include informing our employees and raising their awareness about diversity. Since March 2026, there has been a mandatory training course on the topic of diversity for all employees; since May 2026, voluntary in-depth workshops have been added. Other formats and activities, for example, in the context of action days are also available. When it comes to diversity, we follow the Diversity Charter and its seven dimensions. In addition, Messe München has its own Diversity Manager.
Links:
Diversity Dimensions of the Diversity Charter
Proud Network
Women Connect
Depending on the role, we currently offer mobile working and workations in eight countries. In addition, we offer benefits that support employees at different stages of life, including family benefits and an employer-funded pension. We also expect our business partners to adhere to social and labor standards in accordance with our Code of Conduct for Business Partners. More information about our offerings can be found on the Benefits page linked below.
Links:
Code of Conduct for Business Partners
Social Benefits of Messe München Social benefits
We support health, safety, and wellbeing in the workplace through corporate preventive healthcare offerings and programs to promote physical and mental health. These include programs focused on physical activity, mental health, and balanced nutrition, which support employees in their day-to-day work. For example, our employees have access to the company’s own fitness center, which is open seven days a week. The studio offers a wide variety of health and exercise programs, such as yoga classes, as well as individually tailored training plans developed in collaboration with trained physiotherapists.
To promote mental health, we offer a comprehensive mental health program. This includes, among other things, training for mental health first aiders, as well as resilience and mindfulness courses that provide employees with strategies for dealing with stress.
Occupational health and safety are governed by legal requirements and the principles of our Code of Conduct for Employees. We also expect corresponding minimum requirements from our suppliers and service providers in accordance with our Code of Conduct for Business Partners.
Links:
Code of Conduct for Employees
Code of Conduct for Business Partners
Social Benefits at Messe München
Our Equal Opportunities Representative is a neutral and confidential contact for employees for questions on equality, discrimination, or sexual harassment. She has a legal duty to maintain confidentiality and acts independently Conversations can take place in person, in a safe setting, outside the workplace, or online. This function supplements the protection rules and rules of conduct set forth in our Code of Conduct for Employees. In addition, internal reporting units are available for legally relevant issues.
The Works Council represents the interests of the employees as a collective and serves as the point of contact for questions regarding the Works Constitution Act (BetrVG) and operational changes. It also ensures compliance with company agreements and the legal requirements under works constitution and labor law.
Messe München operates an internal reporting office in accordance with the Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG). Further information is laid down in the Code of Conduct for Employees.
As a neighbor in Messestadt Riem, we are actively involved in the local community through projects, partnerships, and employee initiatives. These also include our collaboration with ECHO e. V., the bicycle repair shop and cycling school in Riem, and a project promoting young talent with the Lehrer-Wirth School at the exhibition center, in which more than 100 young people, together with some of our service partners, gained insights into job profiles and processes in the event industry. We also participate annually in the nationwide Read Aloud Day, during which our employees read aloud at the regional public library. In addition, every year in the pre-Christmas season, we select a wish tree campaign to support people in the local community.
The Code of Conduct for Business Partners sets out binding standards in areas such as compliance with applicable laws, human and labor rights, environmental and resource issues, as well as ethical business conduct. It is based on statutory regulations such as the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) as well as internationally recognized standards, principles, and guidelines (e.g., United Nations Global Compact, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, ILO standards, and OECD Guidelines). It thus provides the legal framework and foundation for lawful and trusting collaboration with our suppliers, service providers, and business partners.
Impact area: Events
Sustainability in event management is challenging. Many decisions depend on safety regulations, site conditions, individual customer requirements, and a large partner network. That is why we approach this topic in a step-by-step and structured manner.
We want to analyze key event processes and develop a basis that should generate guidelines and guidance in the future. They include, among other things, tests on the use of carpets, the digitalization of advertising media, and requirements for stand construction. The goal is to develop practical solutions that meet the organizational requirements and expectations of our exhibitors and visitors.
In the area of waste prevention, we already provide information material, including the Guide to waste prevention, which offers exhibitors and service providers guidance on planning and carrying out their trade fair participation.
For selected trade fairs, we offer the optional PLUS TICKET: Visitors and exhibitors can financially support climate protection and climate adaptation projects by paying a voluntary surcharge of €5 gross on the regular ticket price. The additional net proceeds (4.20 euros per ticket) will go to selected projects of the BayWa Stiftung and myclimate. The PLUS TICKET does not offset trade fair-related emissions, but is instead a voluntary initiative to support specific climate change mitigation actions. You can find out whether the PLUS TICKET is available for an event on the respective trade fair website.
Our events also serve as platforms for professional exchange on future topics in the industries represented at our trade fairs. Formats such as curated exhibition spaces, themed tours, or conference programs offer space for discussion and new ideas. We announce the key topics of individual events on the respective trade fair websites.
Information current as of: July 2026