7th December 2023

Monaco: Where sustainability meets elegance

What makes Monaco a destination "Like Nowhere Else" is not just its glamour, but its unwavering commitment to sustainability – a journey that gained momentum with HSH Prince Albert II's accession in 2005. In line with the Sovereign’s environmental vision, the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority has been collaborating with stakeholders to shape a more sustainable tourism and event landscape.

Main image credit: ©BVergely

Committed hotels

With 2,500 bedrooms, the Principality provides a distinct ambiance in each hotel, ensuring attendees encounter a unique experience with every visit to Monaco. More than 80% of the rooms hold certifications such as Green Globe, Green Key, and Planet 21, while 97% of hotels have committed to the National Pact for Energy Transition.

From the banning of single-use plastics to the optimisation of energy consumption and waste reduction, Monaco's hotel industry is committed to sustainable practices. This dedication extends to using hotel uniforms crafted from responsibly-sourced materials.

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort ©Monte-Carlo Societe Des Bains de Mer

Venues that lead by example

Over 5000m2 of solar panels have been installed on the roofs of the Principality. The Congress and Culture Centre, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco became the first solar power station in Monaco with its 2,500m2 of photovoltaic panels, other venues such as the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort have since followed the initiative. And it has now added a sixth ISO 14001 certification to its first ISO 20121 certification.

Monaco is also a pioneer in the use of heat pumps. Fairmont Monte Carlo has a sophisticated heating and air-conditioning system that draws water from the Mediterranean at a depth of 40m. Other venues heated or cooled using heat pumps with sea water include the Oceanographic Museum, the Rainier III Auditorium and the Grimaldi Forum Monaco.

Grimaldi Forum Monaco © Grimaldi Forum Monaco

Ideal host for responsible events

Thanks to its walkability with the close proximity of major venues and hotels, and its solid environmental policy, Monaco is a perfect host for key biodiversity events such as the Monaco Electric Boat Challenge or The Monaco Ocean week, which sees a global community of ocean leaders gather annually to debate the future of our oceans and seas.

While events such as EVER showcase the latest renewable energy technology with a focus on vehicle design. So, it is no surprise that the first ever Sustainable Gastronomy Summit was inaugurated in Monaco in September 2023.

Monaco Electric Boat Challenge 2023 © Cedric-Ragnolo

How Monaco provides the tools for sustainable events

The Monaco Convention Bureau can help you organise your event sustainably, with its new online carbon calculator(*) that has been created with the support of its dedicated CSR team and the government’s Mission for Energy Transition department.

It is an educational tool used to provide a general estimate of your event’s carbon footprint along with personalised recommendations on how to reduce it. Very soon, the Monaco CVB will additionally launch a destination guide for organisers looking for solutions for ever more responsible events.

(* It is not intended to replace a complete professional carbon footprint report)

Monaco, signatory of the Glasgow declaration

A crucial response to the need for urgent climate action in the tourism industry, the Glasgow Declaration aims to reduce emissions by 50% over the next decade, and to achieve net zero as soon as possible before 2050.

Following the publication of its Responsible Tourism whitepaper, the Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority has signed the Glasgow Declaration on climate action in Tourism in October 2022 and will submit its action plan to the UNWTO before the end of 2023 built around the five pathways identified by the Glasgow Declaration, which are: measure, decarbonise, regenerate, collaborate and finance. Through long-term, everyday efforts, we can take the measures needed to help the climate and achieve our goals.