15

Stockholm, Sweden

Contact: Jenny Berthling

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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.

Performance Overview

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.

Total

0%

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.

Sustainability Journey

Summary
Environmental
Supplier
Social

The City of Stockholm is an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable city where people want to live, grow old and raise their children. The city has actively reduced its climate impact and achieved strong economic development, and the Stockholm living environments are generally good and safe. Sustainability plays an important role in the city’s overall policy document: Vision 2040 Stockholm – City of Opportunities. This document outlines the city’s long-term ambitions with regard to sustainable development. The vision is based on the city’s three principal operational goals: • A modern city with opportunities for everyone • A dynamic and sustainably growing city • A financially sustainable and innovative city In September 2024, the City Council adopted a new environmental program for the period 2025-2030. This program establishes the goals for the city's efforts in environmental and climate work. We need to transition, and this transition can only be achieved together. Stockholm aims to become climate positive by 2030 and fossil-free by 2040 through significantly reduced emissions and carbon capture. A key focus will be on drastically reducing the climate impact of the transport sector. The city's organization itself will be fossil-free by 2030.

Does Stockholm Business Region have a Sustainability Strategy?

Does Stockholm have a sustainable destination certificate?

Does Stockholm Business Region report on its sustainability performance?

Stockholm was the first city ever to be named European Green Capital by the EU Commission in 2010. The award was granted primarily thanks to Stockholm's integrated administrative system, which ensures that environmental considerations are incorporated into budgeting, operational planning, reporting, and monitoring. In other words, sustainability is at the core of nearly every activity in Stockholm. Over 80% of the city's hotels hold sustainability certifications, and 88% are conveniently accessible either by foot or public transport from major congress and exhibition centers. Many of these venues are also certified, making it easier for event organizers to plan sustainable meetings. Swedavia, the operator of Stockholm's airports, has been climate-neutral since 2006. By the end of 2020, Swedavia became one of the world’s first airport operators to achieve fossil-free operations across all ten airports it manages.

100%

OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES

20%

OF WASTE
RECYCLED

779 ha

HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION

Stockholm was the first city to be named European Green Capital by the EU Commission in 2010, well before sustainability became a key selling point for cities aiming to attract meetings and events. We take pride in the fact that Stockholm has consistently adhered to its unique approach to sustainability. Here, you can be confident that nearly everything is done with sustainability in mind. In 2015, the first city-organized event, the Stockholm Culture Festival, achieved eco-certification. However, even without formal certification, organizing a sustainable event in Stockholm is straightforward—sustainability is simply how we operate. With extensive public transportation, major attractions within walking distance of hotels, and most accommodations sustainability-certified, hosting an eco-friendly event in the city is seamless. To support event organizers, the City of Stockholm has developed a Guide to Sustainable Events, aligning with our city’s sustainability vision. The guide incorporates socially and environmentally responsible criteria to ensure that every event is conducted sustainably.

96%

OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

75%

OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

37%

OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED

The City of Stockholm works strategically across four key areas to promote social sustainability: 1. An inclusive city where everyone can thrive: Stockholm is a vibrant and inclusive city that ensures all its residents have opportunities for growth, regardless of where they live. The city fosters a sense of community, with public welfare as a cornerstone for ensuring quality of life and security at every stage of life. 2. A climate-smart city: Balancing the serenity of nature with the energy of a bustling metropolis, Stockholm prioritizes smart, sustainable solutions that make it easy for residents to live in an environmentally friendly way. 3. An economically sustainable city: Stockholm’s economic policy is grounded in creating a fair and sustainable urban environment. The city encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning itself as a key player in the global network of successful cities that attract international entrepreneurs, students, and visitors. 4. A democratically sustainable city: Stockholm champions civic engagement, ensuring residents are actively involved in the city’s development and feel connected to its future. The city is also a role model in protecting human rights. Stockholm’s commitment to these areas is reflected in numerous international rankings, where the city consistently performs well across various measures of social sustainability.

INCLUSION SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGESS INDEX

PERSONAL SAFETY SCORE ON SOCIAL PROGESS INDEX

SCORE ON CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX

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