Concrete measures have been put in place at our fairs to reduce our environmental impact. In addition, Art Basel is proactively defining long-term strategies for a more sustainable fair.
In particular, the immediate priorities are:
→ The live measurement of carbon emissions across all four fairs, done in close collaboration with its parent company, MCH Group, and myclimate, a climate strategy consultancy
→ The development and implementation of a holistic reduction strategy across all four fairs and associated activities including the reducing of carbon emissions following guidelines established by The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Art Basel has already taken steps in:
Furthermore, as an Active Member of the Gallery Climate Coalition GCC, Art Basel supports this important initiative founded by gallerists and other art world professionals and is committed to collaborating closely with the GCC around the topic of sustainability.
More information on the MCH Group sustainability strategy can be found here.
Art Basel is focused on better understanding the fair’s waste materiality breakdown through continued collaboration with waste management expert reusecity.
In Miami Beach we work closely with the show venue, the Miami Beach Convention Center, to foster and support sustainable practices.
The reimagined Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) is committed to supporting sustainability and climate change actions as part of its corporate social responsibility program, as well as resiliency initiatives in the City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County by incorporating environmentally friendly building features and sustainable business practices for all meetings, tradeshows, events, conferences, and conventions held at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
The renovated MBCC is Silver LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and the new design reduces energy consumption by 20 percent. For further information, please visit: miamibeachconvention.com/sustainability
See our current initiatives below.
The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), reimagined in 2018, features state-of-the-art sustainable design and eco-conscious operational procedures.
Builders used recycled materials throughout the building, with more than 20 percent of materials sourced locally in Miami and Florida. Ninety six percent of construction waste is recycled, and the project has so far diverted more than 38,000 tons of waste recycling.
The MBCC is surrounded by architectural “fins” that provide sun-shading along the exterior perimeter of the building. Specially designed fin-like structures reduce the heat inside the facility, and bay lighting takes advantage of natural sunlight, high-efficiency units, and LED bulbs. This new design reduces energy consumption by 20 percent.
In an effort to reduce electrical consumption, the new MBCC relies on daylight in the public spaces.
The MBCC has also installed high efficiency LED lighting throughout the ballrooms, meeting rooms and public spaces.
New occupancy light sensors throughout the building also reduce electricity consumption by automatically turning off lights in meeting rooms and ballrooms when the spaces are not in use.
The entire wall-system, aluminum truss system and energy-saving LED lighting is reusable. The wall-system for all our shows is fully reusable and has a lifespan of between 7-10 years, after which it is repurposed for other trade shows. The central storage and restoration facility is located near Düsseldorf due to its proximity to the Rotterdam harbor, and the walls are shipped by boat to Miami Beach. The show does not install any aisle carpet and takes an approach to minimize carpet in any of its special areas.
For catering, where feasible non-disposable tableware is provided, alternatively biodegradable and compostable products are in use. Art Basel works together with Sodexo Live!, who implement the following five sustainable practices: Boosting plant-based meals, driving responsible and local sourcing, reducing waste, supporting communities through food donations and volunteerism, and transitioning to biodegradable and compostable products.
Water fountains are located throughout the MBCC and aluminum bottles are distributed to exhibitors, partners, and staff.
Waste management for our show is aligned with the overall regulations implemented by the venue the MBCC. Art Basel works with local suppliers as much as possible to reduce the overall carbon emissions from transportation.
Art Basel works with suppliers that provide sustainable products in our catalogue of services: Laminate Eco labels (Blue Angel, PEFC Certified, PVD Free), ceilings (EPD certified).
Art Basel is launching a carpooling initiative to promote carsharing amongst the hosts as well as security staff working for the Miami Beach show. Art Basel will cover the parking costs for those who carpool with 2 and more individuals, as well as offer a complimentary day ticket to the show.