The GDS-Index is a destination-level programme that measures, benchmarks, and improves the sustainability strategy and performance of tourism and events destinations.
The GDS-Index is aligned with international standards; UN SDGs, GSTC Destination Criteria, UNWTO.
Click here to read more about the benchmarking methodology including data collection and verification, the four benchmarking categories, governance and criteria development and performance scoring methods.
This page highlights each destinations sustainability journey and will showcase their journey.
The 2023 GDS-Index comprises 69 indicators across four categories. Here is the total score and the score for the four categories for this destination.
Environmental
Social
Supplier
Destination Management Organisation
Environmental
Includes a city's performance pertaining to its policies and infrastructure, such as climate change commitment, carbon emissions, renewable energies, resource and water management, public transport, and air pollution levels.
Social
Indicates the performance of the city against indicators of SDG integration, Corruption, Personal Safety, Access to Information and Communications, Health and Wellness, and Inclusivity, using external sources such as the Social Progress Imperative Index, and Corruption Perceptions Index.
Supplier
Addresses the sustainability commitment and performance of the local meetings' industry supply chain, including airports, events agencies, hotels, venues, and restaurants.
Destination Management Organisation
Indicates the sustainability commitment, including questions pertaining to maturity of a destination's sustainability and regeneration strategy, leadership, communication of sustainability initiatives (to support client planners), and the accuracy of their reporting on sustainability operations.
Geneva was the first Canton to adopt a public law on sustainable development. Determined to keep its commitment, Geneva has implemented a sustainable strategy in response to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The city has many ambitions with regards to waste and energy, for example, the city’s public areas became free of single use plastic as of January 2020. The Geneva Convention Bureau pursues this vision by being a pioneer with respect to the GDSI benchmark. Setting a strategy and implementing training sessions for hotels and venues has become a key focus for the team. This policy is part of a continuous improvement plan for the sustainable development of the destination.
Does Geneva Tourism and Conventions Foundation have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Geneva have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Geneva Tourism and Conventions Foundation report on its sustainability performance?
Geneva is proud of its landscape and meets the highest standards in terms of protecting the environment. The State department for Sustainable Development has established a strategy to improve the environment as well as the sustainability and quality of life. Many projects relating to air quality, renewable energies, social issues, equality and diversity have been undertaken. Geneva is ranked 9th in terms of quality of life in the latest Mercer report. Its 50 peaceful parks make it one of the greenest and relaxing destinations in Europe. Many describe Geneva as the “smallest of the largest capitals”. Free public transportation is offered to any guest staying in a hotel for the entire duration of their stay. Geneva takes 80% of its drinking water from Lake Geneva and 20% from water tables. The GeniLac project, a 100% renewable innovative thermal solution, uses the lake water to cool and heat connected buildings in Geneva. Lowering the canton’s CO2 emission by 70’000 tons per year in 2025. Geneva has twice been awarded the European Energy Award Gold (EEA Gold) label, in 2010 and 2014.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE
RECYCLED
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Geneva is well known for the large number of international organisations that have their headquarters there. Most secretariats of international organisations working in the field of environmental protection are also based in Geneva, ensuring the close collaboration and coordination of activities focused on the global issues that affect our planet (WMO, UNEP, IRENA). The destination’s sustainable portfolio is wide and legitimates the fact that many sustainable events already take place here. Many stakeholders are committed to improving sustainability programmes and are involved in different labels such as GRTA for restaurants (locally grown products) or GreenGlobe for hotels. Palexpo, the largest exhibition and convention centre in Geneva, Palexpo is proud to host the second largest solar power plant in Switzerland on its roof (15'000 solar panels). The site produces the equivalent to the annual consumption of 1’350 Genevan households and to cover 2/3 of Palexpo's electrical needs. Palexpo recently renewed its ISO 20121 certification. In 2020, Palexpo was awarded the N ega Watt Prize for its efforts to significantly reduce energy consumption.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Aside from sustainability issues, social concerns are also taken into account. Discover a city where Human Rights are a long-lasting tradition. Famously known as the “Capital of Peace”, the city hosts the European seat of the UN as well as the headquarters of the Red Cross. Culture in Geneva has always been an important aspect and most of the city’s museums and public attractions are free. The city also emphasises access to culture for people with special needs. Furthermore, a section in the Geneva Convention Bureau’s website, called “Geneva affordable for all”, provides tips and information to visit and enjoy the city on a limited budget.
The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions. Our mission is to empower tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in.
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