Koelnmesse has once again secured its position as Germany’s leading and most innovative trade fair organiser in the field of sustainability, according to the latest “Pioneers in Sustainability 2025” study conducted by ServiceValue in cooperation with the F.A.Z. Institute. The evaluation, based on AI-supported analysis of around 6.4 million online references to approximately 16,000 companies, confirms Koelnmesse’s strong public reputation for sustainable business practices for the second consecutive year.
The independent study assessed companies on environmental, economic and social sustainability indicators, as well as innovation strength. Koelnmesse also ranked first in 2024, further consolidating its role as a sustainability frontrunner within Germany’s events industry.
Gerald Böse, President and Chief Executive Officer of Koelnmesse, emphasised that sustainability remains a strategic priority:
“Bringing together ecological, social, and economic responsibility is central to our work and firmly embedded in our corporate strategy. Every initiative that highlights the public resonance of sustainable business practices is welcome.”
Böse also highlighted the importance of measurable progress:
“By investing in innovative solutions and resource-efficient services, we enable our customers to participate in trade fairs more sustainably. This not only creates added value for our partners, but also supports the future-oriented transformation of the global events sector.”
Koelnmesse continues to advance ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving climate-neutral energy supply by 2030. Key milestones already achieved include the installation of Cologne’s largest inner-city photovoltaic system and the transition of Germany’s third-largest exhibition venue to fossil-free geothermal energy. Additional initiatives include modern lighting technologies, high-efficiency ventilation systems, expanded electric vehicle charging infrastructure, smart logistics and traffic control, as well as innovations in circular flooring materials, resource-efficient stand construction and overall waste reduction.
With its renewed top ranking, Koelnmesse strengthens its leadership role in shaping a more sustainable global trade fair industry.
