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.

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.

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.