The City of Brussels is clearly demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.
For several years now, the non-profit Brussels Major Events has been exploring various ways of making the events it organises as sustainable as possible.
Many actions have already been carried out to further this goal, some for several years and others for the very first time:
- For the Winter Wonders illuminations, use of LED bulbs;
- Since 2016, reusable cups have been used throughout the market;
- For several years, recycling of the Christmas tree (given to the Academy of Fine Arts for transformation into a work of art, transformation into benches and tables by a Belgian craftsman, transformation into trophies for the BXL TOUR (hyperlien vers la cartes interactive) and decoration by Brussels artists);
- Electric heaters have been banned in traders’ chalets since 2012;
- No more heaters on the terraces since the last edition;
- Reduction of street lighting hours: from 5 pm to 1 am (instead of 1 pm to 1 am);
- Monitoring of and raising awareness among traders to reduce energy consumption;
- For the first time, a test of the use of reusable tableware for food containers on Place De Brouckère;
- Setting up a system for the recovery, redistribution and re-use of surplus food from the market;
- Selective sorting for the traders;
- Selective Plastic Metals Cardboard sorting reinforced and improved for the public;
- Expansion and reinforcement of the label for craftspeople participating in the Christmas market;
- Study and reinforcement of a specific mobility plan for the period of the event (1);
- Specific facilities for PRM (2);
- Establishment of a family reception area, the Baby Corner;
- New dry toilet technology on Place De Brouckère;
- Collaborations with ever more artists, associations, Brussels and Belgian organisations;
- Support for the campaign against street harassment;
- Reinforcement of the cleaning teams of the City of Brussels (3);
- Creation of a “Happy Team” which ensures that the infrastructure of the event site is as clean as possible (toilets, tables, snack stands, etc.).
A study and analysis is underway to continue the research and ensure the progressive implementation of new measures.
