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 2024 GDS-Index comprises 77 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.
Leuven is a small city with a big bang! Located 16 miles to the east of Brussels in Belgium, and less than 30 minutes away on the train, it's home to one of Benelux’s most prestigious universities. Leuven combines a rich history and heritage dating back to the 15th century and beyond, with a pioneering future-orientated culture. Its historic buildings burst with dynamic ideas and initiatives, demonstrated by its world leading university and title of the European Capital of Innovation. This can-do city is a melting pot for ideas, where science, art, culture and society come together. In the pedestrian streets and on the spacious squares, the students determine the rhythm and atmosphere here. The shops, cafés and restaurants provide conviviality and gastronomy, the beer fizzes and the ideas bubble up. In Leuven, the ‘bike is king’ and residents rarely use their cars. Leuven is a small city that can be explored well by bike or on foot, surrounded by lush green hills that let the city breathe. Water is becoming increasingly more visible in the city centre. With its rich and varied cultural offering, Leuven is worth a visit all year round. European Green Leaf Award 2018 European Capital of Innovation 2020 European City of Sport 2021 - host of the finale of the 2021 Cycling Road World Championships
Does Visit Leuven have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Leuven have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Visit Leuven report on its sustainability performance?
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
THE CITY’S
2030 CARBON
REDUCTION TARGET
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Green events are destined to become the standard in Leuven. Just by choosing Leuven, you tick an important box. The Leuven Convention Bureau will guide you through the key areas you need to consider. We will assist you in caring about air quality, waste management, water conservation and energy efficiency.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world. 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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