Sustainability - it concerns us all!

Responsibility

BoVG follows the three-pillar principle of sustainable development. Under this approach, economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainability are considered and implemented on an equal basis. We strive to conduct our business in a way that is environmentally friendly and socially responsible, which will also enable us to live a good life in the future. In 2010, a two-person sustainability team was already set up, which was steadily expanded in the following years with the addition of further employees. A sustainability officer has also recently been added to the team and is responsible for the implementation and continuous further development of the topic. The team has undertaken to draw up a sustainability declaration in accordance with GSC criteria in 2024.

Social issues

In our self-image as a sustainable employer, we have been fulfilling a high standard of social competence towards our employees since 2003, increasing their qualifications and securing employment. Discrimination of any kind is strictly rejected. For this reason, we have joined forces with eight other municipal companies to found the initiative “Arbeitgebende gegen Diskriminierung” (Employers against Discrimination). This commits us to dealing with discrimination and harassment at the workplace in a transparent, issue-aware and responsible manner and to creating a sensitive and appreciative working environment. There is a balanced ratio of the number of men and women, both in management positions and other areas. Our project teams are always equally represented; there are no typical male or female professions. Furthermore, our team is made up of a wide variety of nationalities. 

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Bochumer Veranstaltungs-GmbH supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goals 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13 and 17. In so doing, it supports high-quality education for all, gender equality, decent working conditions, sustainable economic development, infrastructure development, sustainable production and consumption, climate protection, and partnerships to achieve the goals. BoVG promotes educational opportunities for all segments of the population, supports equality and fair pay in the event sector, strives to act sustainably when staging events, and works closely with other stakeholders in order to make a contribution to sustainable development.

Mobility

The central location and good connections of our venues to public transport and train stations enable environmentally friendly travel, create synergies between the respective means of transport and guarantee resource-friendly travel to and from the venue. 

• Central location in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis 
• All the venues are well connected to the public transport system 
• Tram and bus stops are within less than 5 minutes’ walking distance 
• Rental bike providers such as “RevierRad” are available at the main station and the venues Jahrhunderthalle Bochum and RuhrCongress Bochum
• We have been supporting e-mobility since 2014. Several type 2 AC charging stations are available to our visitors and employees at the Jahrhunderthalle Bochum and the RuhrCongress Bochum. Most of our fleet is already made up of electric vehicles, and we rule out the acquisition of new combustion vehicles. In addition, we have already offered e-bike leasing for employees since 2016 

Energy

All our venues source electricity, water and district heating from the local utility companies. To quickly and efficiently identify and exploit potential savings, all measured values and consumption values are continuously checked and recorded digitally.

• 100% green electricity
• District heating connection
• Where possible, we are converting our light sources to energy-efficient LEDs 

Recyclables management

We have created our concept for waste reduction, waste disposal and recyclables management together with local waste management companies. It is constantly being optimized and expanded to keep our value chain seamless and to ensure a dense network of measures for recyclables management.

• Proper separation and disposal of waste is already included in the conception of the events
• Digital document processing - the office becomes paperless
• In all offices, attention is paid to the separation of recyclable materials
• We are increasing the use of reusable systems (tableware, technology, non-food catering)

Think Global - Act Local

We purchase office supplies, drinking water and all consumables from permanent partners in the region. This reduces the transport volume, is environmentally friendly and also promotes the regional economy. 

• Minimization of fossil fuel consumption for transport as well as distribution by regional partners 
• Promotion of the regional economy through local networks 
• Equality and transparency in remuneration through Equal Pay - guaranteed equal pay for equal work 

Accessibility

Our venues are barrier-free. Both the sanitary facilities and all entrances and levels are accessible without barriers. There is also sufficient parking space available in the immediate vicinity of the entrances.

Renovation

Bochumer Veranstaltungs-GmbH strives to achieve the “Gold” classification of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) for the renovation of its heritage-protected Stadthalle Wattenscheid. The foundation of the DGNB’s approach is a holistic understanding of sustainability, which includes ecological, economic and socio-cultural issues. In the spirit of the DGNB, sustainability is synonymous with quality and future viability. 

Looking ahead, the venues Jahrhunderthalle Bochum and RuhrCongress Bochum are also to receive a DGNB rating.