MW:M 2024
Sustainability

1. Sustainability Policy and Certification

• In 2024, we introduced our comprehensive Sustainability Policy and Guidelines. These documents outline our commitment to a sustainable MW:M and ensure that everyone involved—from our team to suppliers and partners—understands our goals and the steps we’re taking to achieve them.
• We have embarked on the ISO 20121:2024 certification process this year, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable event management practices, aligning us with international standards.

2. Transport

• Promoting Sustainable Transportation: Our venue is conveniently located near subway, tram, and bus stations. We encourage you to walk, cycle or take public transport to the event.
• For longer trips, please consider lower-impact travel options like trains. We’ve partnered with Deutsche Bahn to offer discounted train tickets to MW:M speakers and attendees, promoting eco-friendly travel.
• Monitoring: We track our artists’ and speakers’ means of transport to reduce our overall environmental impact. This year, through a collaboration with Crowd Impact, we’ll be gathering data on audience travel patterns to guide future improvements.
• Minimising Negative Impact: We prioritise service providers within the Berlin area and arrange accommodations close to the venue to reduce ground transportation.

3. Energy

• Renewable Energy Sources: The Kesselhaus, Palais, and Soda Salon are powered by green electricity, taking us a step closer to a sustainable energy future.
• Monitoring: We continuously monitor our energy consumption and seek opportunities for further reduction.

4. Water

• Raising Awareness: We encourage responsible water use among all participants.

5. Catering

• Local Vegetarian Food: Our culinary offerings have been shaped with sustainability in mind. Our entire menu is vegetarian and vegan and we aim to serve as many local and seasonal food choices as possible, sourced from regional Berlin catering, with clear allergen labelling.
• Serveware: Crew catering will use reusable dishware, while guests will receive compostable bamboo dishes.

6. Waste

• Reducing Waste: We’ve eliminated single-use plastic cups, plates, and cutlery. Our deposit systems for returnable glass bottles and reusable cups for the MW:M team and volunteers are in place. Also, we’ve decided not to provide goodie bags to minimise waste.
• Digital Program and Paper Reduction: We’re using digital screens for our event programme instead of printed brochures and minimising unnecessary printed materials, to reduce waste. Essential printed documents are on recycled paper.
• Recycling: Attendees will find dedicated bins for paper, packaging, and general waste to encourage responsible sorting. Additionally, we’ll use separated waste containers in the disposal process to support recycling efforts.
• Continuous Improvement: We continuously monitor our waste and strive to improve our waste management strategies.

7. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

• Social Sustainability: Social sustainability is an essential pillar of sustainability. We promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) through our Awareness & Inclusion concept, ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all (read more about it here and here). In addition, this year, we proudly support the Open Music Lab, an initiative offering marginalised communities free music education and a safe, inclusive space for creative expression. We invite attendees to contribute to this cause with donations at the entrance during our LISTEN TO BERLIN: AWARDS and convention.
• Accessibility: We have taken measures to improve the accessibility across the event site. We are collaborating with Handiclapped, who will be present on Wednesday in Palais. We are doing our best to make the venues more inclusive and to ensure that everyone feels welcome. We are also implementing a real-time language-to-text translation provided by Interprefy. Please check all our accessibility measures here.
• Reducing Noise: Earplugs will be available at the Awareness Stand to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all MW:M Live attendees.

8. External Reach

• Communication: We actively communicate about our sustainability measures on our website and social media and keep attendees informed about our efforts.
• Community Engagement: We support and involve initiatives like the sustainability working group ak:n, musicBwomen, Handiclapped and Open Music Lab, extending our commitment beyond the event.
• Sustainability Knowledge Hub: This year, we are thrilled to introduce a dedicated sustainability stage offering a 2-day programme that encompasses all three pillars of sustainability — environmental, social, and economic, as part of the Sustainability Knowledge Hub project, funded by Initiative Musik with project funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media. Curated by Nicky Böhm, the programme features workshops, sessions, and discussions on a variety of sustainability topics, providing practical insights and inspiring action in the music industry.

Join Us on Our Sustainability Journey

At MW:M we are on a continuous journey to reduce our environmental impact and foster sustainability in every aspect of our convention. While we may not have  reached all our goals yet, our dedication is unwavering, and we invite you to join us in this mission. 

We actively encourage our team, suppliers, partners and sponsors to follow our sustainability guidelines. We also invite you, our audience, to help us on this journey. Please pay attention to the trash separation system and opt for eco-friendly travel options like walking, biking, or using public transport when possible.

Together, we can inspire positive change within the music industry and set an example for others. Join us at Most Wanted: Music as we work towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Let’s make a difference, one step at a time.