Origin of Sustainable MICE

Since the Industrial Revolution, greenhouse gas emissions have been increasing year by year, resulting in climate change becoming an important issue that cannot be ignored by all of humanity. Sustainable issues and related initiatives have received significant attention. In 2015, the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) announced at the Global Sustainable Summit and the Paris Agreement produced at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) have become international consensus. To date, 128 countries have declared their goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the United States and the European Union have also imposed carbon tariffs on high-carbon imports. The impacts of climate change have posed significant challenges for countries and industries, and how to effectively transition to carbon reduction, stabilize environmental balance, ensure economic development, and contribute to future generations has become a crucial issue. 

The government of our country has begun planning possible pathways to achieve the net-zero emissions target by 2050. In addition to promoting energy transition, systematic decarbonization strategies need to be planned in sectors such as manufacturing, transportation, housing, and agriculture. 

Given that the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry is a leading sector in the service industry, driving many related industries, it cannot remain indifferent to climate issues and government policies. Since 2013, the International Trade Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, has been promoting the concept of green MICE through MEET TAIWAN. It assists Taiwanese MICE industry practitioners to "Stay Green, Go sustainable" by establishing green concepts, encouraging action, and providing guidance for obtaining international certifications. The goal is to continuously align the MICE industry with international standards and make sustainability a characteristic of Taiwan's MICE industry, exerting continuous influence.

Process and Purpose of Sustainable MICE Industry Guidelines

In order to reduce the environmental impact of MICE activities, at the beginning of promoting green MICE, this plan referred to domestic and international resources, such as the Green MICE Guidelines of Singapore and Thailand, the Environmental Protection Administration's "Guidelines for Environmental-Friendly and Low-Carbon Activities" and "Guidelines for Environmental Friendliness Management of Large-scale Events." It also considered the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Green Trade Promotion Project Office's "MICE Industry Guidance for Low Carbon in 2012." Additionally, reference was made to the "PAS 2060:2014 Specification for the Demonstration of Carbon Neutrality" jointly compiled by the Environmental Protection Administration and the British Standards Institution (BSI), as well as its implementation experiences. The guidelines were revised accordingly and specific feasible practices were listed, aiming to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and resource wastage. 

Based on the results of carbon footprint assessments conducted for various MICE activities and venues under this plan, taking exhibitions as an example, "personnel transportation" was identified as the largest source of carbon emissions, accounting for over 90% of the carbon footprint. After excluding transportation factors, carbon emissions mainly come from electricity usage, followed by non-recyclable decoration materials. For conference activities, after excluding personnel transportation, carbon emissions also primarily come from electricity usage, followed by catering services. Based on the above assessments, this guideline identifies transportation and electricity usage as the main sources of carbon emissions in MICE activities. It also considers the industry's characteristics, relevant surrounding industries, and important sustainability issues internationally, and summarizes five major categories: transportation, catering, accommodation, decoration and promotional materials, and other green MICE practices, recommending relevant green practices. 

Furthermore, because "enterprises" play an important role in climate change and sustainability issues, this guideline also includes related practices in the social and corporate governance aspects. It suggests feasible actions from a corporate perspective, serving as a tool for MICE industry practitioners to communicate and promote to stakeholders.