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.
Oslo is full of people and businesses who work towards a healthy environment: From restaurants that serve organic foods to city developers searching for eco-conscious solutions. Together they have turned Oslo into a sustainable destination to be reckoned with. Oslo was named the official European Green Capital in 2019 and will continue to be a cool, green capital in the years to come!
Does VisitOSLO / Oslo Convention Bureau have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Oslo have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does VisitOSLO / Oslo Convention Bureau report on its sustainability performance?
Oslo is located at the head of the Oslo Fjord, surrounded by forested ridges. Strict laws regulate the exploitation of the forests, to the benefit of future generations of Oslo citizens as well as visitors. This unspoilt environment is an important asset for Oslo and the surrounding countryside and also provides recreational opportunities for the city's inhabitants and visitors. Oslo has a compact city centre with an efficient public transport network. There is a common fare system for all local transport within the city borders. The buses are, to an increasing extent, powered by bio-fuel and electricity. City bikes can be found all over town with over 200 bike stands, and there are approximately 5000 charging stations for electric vehicles scattered around Oslo. In the recent two years Oslo has also seen the introduction of electric scooters from a range of suppliers. Oslo was appointed European Green Capital in 2019 for its long-standing efforts in improving its environmental footprint.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE
RECYCLED
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Three major environmental certifications are available for the Norwegian meetings industry: Nordic Swan, Eco-Lighthouse and ISO 14001. 94% of the hotels are eco-certified. Oslo's eco-eating options are varied. The selection of eateries that base their foods on ecological ingredients ranges from some of of the city's most budget friendly cafes to Maaemo, the first and so far only restaurant in Norway to be awarded with three Michelin stars.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Oslo’s reputation as a green city is due to a lot more than its many parks and surrounding forests. Urban planners, politicians and businesses of different kinds all work hard to reduce Oslo’s carbon footprint and ensure a sustainable future for everyone. Core projects within social sustainability are: car-free urban living, developing green entrepreneurship, promoting green and responsible consumption as well as sustainable city planning.
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.
Copyright GDS-Movement 2024. All rights reserved.
