Arriving in good time
During the festive season in December, traffic tends to get heavily congested in Ljubljana. Visitors are advised to leave home earlier than usual to avoid arriving late.
A sustainability trailblazer among Slovenian cultural and congress centres, Cankarjev dom’s efforts have been recognized with various awards and certificates. We are aware of the advantages of green approach, reducing the environmental footprint and the importance of effectively managing our building, an architectural landmark under monumental protection, for our visitors, clients and the local community. In conformity with its environment, Cankarjev dom is dedicated to constant modernisation and green management practices by investing in refurbishment and equipment updating. Every year, we allocate around 500,000 euros of own resources to these investments.
Easily accessible and located in the city centre, Cankarjev dom prides itself on being a sustainable venue. Event participants and performers are encouraged to arrive by public transport, shared transport, car sharing, by bicycle or on foot. Many Cankarjev dom employees commute by bike, including our Director General Uršula Cetinski. Reducing traffic means reducing carbon emissions and relieving road congestion.
Cankarjev dom is easily accessible also by public bus transport LPP. Buses no. 1, 1B, 2, 3, 3B, 9, 6, 6B, 11, 11B, 19, 19B, 27 and night buses nos. 1B, 3, 3B, 6, 11B stop in Cankarjev dom’s immediate vicinity - the Drama National Theatre. Close by, there is also the Kongresni trg Square with stops for buses nos. 2, 10, 11, 13, 17, 20, 21. Buses nos. 14, 14B, 18, 18L also stop in close proximity to Cankarjev dom – on Prešernova Street.
We also advise using the BicikeLJ self-service bike rental system. The nearest docking stations are no. 17 on Trg MDB Square and no. 3 in Zois Street. Both stations are located less than ten minutes' walk from Cankarjev dom.
Working towards responsible consumption and production, Cankarjev dom outsources catering partners that are committed to composting, recycling and eliminating single-use plastics. No plastic straws and plastic bottles are used at events, and the amount of waste generated is being reduced. We work with exhibitors to prevent the use of non-biodegradable materials and opt for materials suitable for reuse or recycling.
Many organisations are drawing attention to the excessive use of plastics and the severe damage this is causing to our ecosystem. Among others, the ‘Not Just a Drop in the Ocean Campaign’ was launched to stress the adverse effects that single-use plastics are having on the oceans and seas around the world. Cankarjev dom has been member of IAPCO – the International Association of Professional Congressional Organizers that launched the campaign aimed at eliminating single-use plastics – since 1980. The eco-conscious working practices of the members of this association, shareholders in the worldwide meetings industry, importantly contribute towards a sustainable future.
Instead of paper, we use digital communication and promotional tools and e-ticketing, whilst limiting the number of publications and printed marketing materials. We have been replacing more and more printed materials with alternative ways of providing information, as well as modern media. When printing is the only available option, we adhere to green printing and design principles.
Safe, healthy, nutritious locally produced foods and beverages are being served at events and congresses. We try to ensure that most foods are of plant origin. No plastic bottles or cups are used at Cankarjev dom. Instead, we make full use of our city’s exceptional advantage – safe and clean tap water. During breaks, international conference attendees are offered water as enjoyed by the locals, from the tap.
In holding hybrid and online events, we have lessened the environmental impact of live professional meetings. The transport of participants is the key factor that most contributes to the overall environmental footprint of face-to-face meetings. With the advancement of technology and the past pandemic, hybrid and online events are becoming more and more established. Online events include live presentations, interactive workshops, networking on virtual platforms, and even virtual reality experiences. They allow remote attendance and cross geographical boundaries.
Through meticulous planning we can reduce harmful effects on the environment and ensure better knowledge transfer. In taking advantage of cutting-edge technologies, we can increase efficiency, widen the circle of delegates, ensure the participation of top speakers and implement outstanding events.