Sustainable Basel

What makes Basel a good choice for WordCamp Europe 2025? The Swiss city nestled on the banks of the Rhine is not only a central location – situated in the heart of Europe at the junction of Switzerland, France, and Germany – but is also renowned for its steadfast commitment to sustainability. Here’s why.

Basel Tourism is fully committed to sustainability; it undertakes to use resources responsibly and contributes to minimising tourism’s environmental footprint. The goal is to establish Basel as a sustainable travel destination with added value for guests.

The “Swisstainable Destination” label was launched in April 2023 as part of the evolution of the “Swisstainable” sustainability programme. This programme aims to position Switzerland as a sustainable country for tourism and achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. In September 2023, Basel became one of the first three Swiss tourism destinations to reach Swisstainable Destination Level I. Besides, the citizens in the canton of Basel-Stadt approved in November 2022 the plan to achieve net zero by 2037.

Transport

With its three railway stations – the Swiss SBB, the French SNCF and the German Badischer Bahnhof – Basel is a major transport hub offering outstanding connections by fast ICE, IC, EC and TGV trains to all Swiss and European cities. It is also very close to the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, from which you can reach the city centre with a 15-minute bus ride.

BaselCard and Guest Bike

Those staying in a Basel hotel or an accredited alternative will receive a BaselCard. This allows free transportation on the Basel public transport lines. It is valid as soon as you arrive in the city; you only need to show the booking confirmation from your hotel or apartment to get a free ticket from the train station or the airport.

Although Basel offers an excellent public transport service, it is a very compact city. The Congress Centre, hotels, and restaurants are all more or less within walking distance. That will also give you a chance to discover some spots of interest along your route!

With your personal BaselCard, you can also rent a guest e-bike for a whole day (or more). PubliBike Velospot is another bike rental offer where you can pick up a bike at one spot and return it somewhere else.

Basel Congress Center

The Basel Messe and Congress Center stands out as a testament to the city’s environmental commitment. It has implemented several measures to ensure the sustainability of its operations, including sparingly using resources on our premises, supporting regional producers, using solar power, and, in the case of building measures, opting for those offering the greatest possible energy efficiency.

Wassermann & Company AG, Messe Basel’s exclusive catering partner, is committed to transparency regarding the origin of its products, which are largely provided by local producers. This not only supports local production but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. The company’s work is also based on the use of washable crockery and cutlery, and ecological packaging units.

Messe Basel has implemented a comprehensive waste management system. The centre encourages exhibitors and visitors to minimise waste and provides extensive recycling facilities throughout the venue.  

Drinking water

Switzerland is known for the outstanding quality of its drinking water. Glass bottles can be refilled straight from the tap, meaning there’s no need to spend money on mineral water. This also applies to Basel’s numerous fountains, most of which offer the same quality drinking water. (The handful of fountains where the water is not drinkable are clearly marked with a sign stating “Kein Trinkwasser”.)

On the This is Basel website, there are plenty of tips for sustainable travel, accommodation, wining and dining, shopping and the city’s sustainable urban projects.

Ecographic

Last but not least, a word about Ecographic, a printing company based near Lausanne: its philosophy centres on the belief that high-quality printing and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. Their textile products are made from organic raw materials, and their inks are water-based and Bio GOTS certified. They also take into account two major concerns: the environment and human rights. From cotton production to garment manufacture, the producers receive a fair income. All this has convinced us that Ecographic is a good choice for printing the WCEU2025 T-shirts, lanyards and tote bags.