Sustainability.

In recent weeks and months, my colleagues and I have been increasingly asked about what we actually do in terms of sustainability at WUM, whether we could provide examples that would demonstrate the WUM approach to sustainability, or how we generally feel about the topic.

With all projects, and for as long as I’ve been at WUM, we have been engaging with the topic of sustainability, it’s just that nobody notices or it’s not visible. After all, the focus is on presenting our clients and their products, not the term “sustainability”. Our trade fair stands are conceived, designed, and created with sustainability in mind, but without emphasizing visibility. This is because individuality and creativity are also essential components of our projects.

Regardless, we are currently in the initial phase of certification according to ISO 20121. Since 2012, we have been certified as a Sustainable Company. However, we talk very little about it and shy away from marketing efforts. Moreover, we consider it natural and do it out of our own interest rather than for the certificates, which ultimately prove nothing more than our long-standing and serious engagement with sustainability. They also do not help with employee recruitment if they cannot withstand the questions and discussions of the applicants.

Out of purely economic interest, since 2008, we have been trying to reuse as much material as possible for our clients. 94% of our client projects are stored with us after the trade fair to be used again, whether at trade fairs, exhibitions, or in our clients’ buildings. Material that is usually not purchased by our clients but only rented (such as wall construction or carpeting) is then reused elsewhere, repurposed, or returned to the cycle (mostly by us, partly by specialized service providers).

In procurement, we try to consider sustainability as much as possible (for example: regional suppliers and service providers, long-term supplier relationships, FSC-certified chipboards, green energy, recycled paper, solvent-free materials, etc.). Of course, this is not always achieved 100%, but we strive to consistently question and improve ourselves. Especially in terms of implementing our trade fair construction projects, it also depends on our clients. They must play along and be willing to face the financial consequences and accept additional costs that we cannot swallow if they are customer demands.

For our employees, we strive to create an environment where they feel safe, comfortable, and find meaning in their work. Without fair working conditions and compensation, benefits beyond the basics, and high flexibility in dealing with the individual, personal requirements and wishes of our employees, we would have no chance of competing against the significantly better-paying industry and other competitors, and of assembling and maintaining a highly motivated and committed team. This is particularly true when considering the seasonality and the sometimes extreme stress of trade fair times. This also includes opportunities for development, short decision-making processes, or involvement in change processes and decision-making.
I could continue writing extensively here, but I don’t want to waste your time or mine. Let’s just talk about it in person and see if we can come to a shared understanding of things, or if it might be a good fit.

One more thing: Of course, we make trade fair stands carbon-neutral/compensate if desired or necessary. But that should be the last resort on the way to a sustainable trade fair stand!

I welcome any exchange and input on these topics and am always available for discussions and exchanges! Feel free to reach out through the relevant social media channels or email.

Yours
Denis Beutler