For the second year in a row, Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event is certified according to Greentime’s Certified Sustainable Event standard.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for us, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to sustainability. The certification embraces a holistic approach, integrating the three key pillars of sustainability: ecological, social, and economic – including transport, food and beverages, working conditions, accessibility, safety, and sound financial management. This aligns with our long-standing values of promoting a welcoming environment through inclusivity and diversity, while actively working to reduce our environmental footprint.

Like last year, we are committed to maximising waste reduction, ensuring efficient sorting, improving accessibility for all attendees where possible, and prioritising certified eco-friendly products, among many other sustainability initiatives.

The certification confirms that ave met 41 mandatory requirements, achieved at least 69% of the available points, and undergone an independent third-party audit. The review was conducted both digitally and on-site during last year’s event, with a follow-up assessment planned for this year.

The certification process is built on Greentime’s experience working with event organisers and venues. To achieve the certification, an event must fulfil a set of mandatory requirements using Greentime’s dedicated planning tool. These requirements are clearly outlined, enabling organisers to monitor progress and ensure compliance. Additionally, a site inspection will be conducted during the event to verify that all sustainability measures are being implemented effectively.

Sustainability Policy

At Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event, we are committed to minimising our environmental impact as both an event and organisation, while also promoting sustainable practices within the audiovisual and media industry.

Our approach to sustainability is built on three key pillars: environmental, economic, and social responsibility. This includes fostering an inclusive and equitable environment, supporting local economies, and reducing our carbon footprint.

Environmental Sustainability

We strive to reduce our environmental impact by:

• Reducing Carbon Emissions: Minimising energy use, encouraging public transport, and allowing virtual participation to cut travel emissions.
• Minimising Waste: We prioritise eco-friendly, recycled, or biodegradable materials and aim to reduce printed materials by using digital resources.
• Raising Awareness: Our platform educates participants on environmental issues and promotes sustainable practices within the audiovisual industry.

Economic Sustainability

Supporting the local economy and industry growth is key:

• Local Sourcing: We collaborate with local suppliers to reduce transport emissions and support Estonia’s economy.
• Cost-Efficiency: We balance quality with cost-efficiency to ensure the event's long-term sustainability.
• Supporting Emerging Talent: By providing opportunities for young professionals, we contribute to future industry growth.

Social Sustainability

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment:

• Diversity & Inclusion: We amplify diverse voices and ensure gender balance and structural representation within our committees, juries, and speakers.
• Accessibility: We ensure our event is physically and digitally accessible to all, including those with disabilities.
• Safe Spaces: We maintain a welcoming environment, free from discrimination and harassment, with clear guidelines in place.
• Professional Development: We support career growth through networking, collaboration, and workshops, particularly for young professionals.

We recognise sustainability as an ongoing journey and are committed to learning, evolving, and improving our practices. We welcome feedback and are open to conversations that help us improve. You can send your feedback to Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion Officer Saara Huimerind-Tuksam.

What We Are Doing?

Some of our ongoing initiatives include:

• Our main event venue, Nordic Hotel Forum, is centrally located and easily accessible via public transport or within walking distance from most key locations.
• To promote eco-friendly transport, we’ve partnered with the City of Tallinn to provide free public transport for our guests. Attendees can travel around the city and from the airport by scanning their personal QR code, which is sent via email.
• Our venue, Nordic Hotel Forum, holds a Green Key certification and an international sustainability and real estate quality mark, BREEAM In-Use. The hotel follows eco-friendly practices, including water and energy conservation, the use of eco-labelled products, and the promotion of sustainability to its staff.
• Recycling and composting bins are available throughout the event space, provided by the hotel.
• We prioritise sustainable materials for signage, promotional items, and catering supplies. Digital signage is preferred, and we use recycled or biodegradable materials when necessary.
• We have eliminated most default welcome gifts, such as tote bags, and offer project catalogues only on request.
• Our catering services focus on local products, offering lunch and evening options that include local fish, chicken, and vegan choices.
• We have established safer space guidelines to encourage respectful dialogue and swiftly address harassment.
• Gender balance and intersectionality are key to our selection of participants for prominent roles, ensuring equitable participation. We also create opportunities for young talent through workshops, networking, and mentoring.
• Our programme features discussions on climate change, social justice, and sustainable production practices.
• We are committed to accessibility by carefully selecting venues, including evening event locations, that are wheelchair accessible or making necessary adjustments to enhance access.

What Can You Do?

Let’s Create a Safer Space for Everyone

Creating a safer space for Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event is crucial to ensure that all attendees feel respected, valued, and comfortable. For an open atmosphere and supportive dialogues, here are the guidelines we ask all our guests to follow:

• Respect and Inclusivity: Treat all participants with respect, regardless of their background, identity, or opinions. Embrace diversity and actively seek to include all voices and perspectives.
• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Harassment, including but not limited to discrimination, bullying, and unwelcome advances, will not be tolerated. Anyone found engaging in such behaviour may be asked to leave the event.
• Use Inclusive Language: Be mindful of your language and terminology, using inclusive and respectful language. Avoid making assumptions about others' identities or experiences.
• Respect Pronouns and Identities: Use people's preferred names and pronouns. If you're unsure, it's acceptable to politely ask, "What pronouns do you use?" or "How would you like to be addressed?"
• Respect Personal Boundaries: Respect personal space and boundaries. Don't touch or hug anyone without their consent.
• Challenge Unacceptable Behaviour: If you witness or experience unacceptable behaviour, speak up or report it to event staff or organisers. Do not allow discrimination or harassment to go unaddressed.
• Safe Reporting Mechanisms: For the first time, we are implementing safe reporting mechanisms to ensure a safe space during our event.

Safe Reporting Mechanisms

If you have any concerns, experience an incident, or witness behaviour that violates our safe space guidelines, please don't hesitate to contact our Diversity & Inclusion Officer Hanna-Liina Einard.

You can contact Hanna-Liina through the following methods:
Email: hannaliina.einard@poff.ee
Phone: +372 5836 7799
Hanna-Liina is here to provide support, guidance, and a listening ear. We are committed to addressing any issues promptly to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the event.

For anonymous reporting please use this form. Any report will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. This includes not sharing your identity or details of the incident without your consent.

Alternatively, if you have fallen victim to an offence, you’ve been neglected or mistreated, you can call Estonia’s Social Insurance Board’s Victim Support Crisis helpline 116 006, open 24/7. The number is free and they advise you in Estonian, Russian and English.

Crisis helpline counsellors listen, share information about help options, and connect you with the right specialists if necessary. If you don't want to talk on the phone, you can write to the online chat at www.palunabi.ee.

If you need urgent assistance from the police and wish to report a disturbance, or a crime, call emergency number 112.