In response to the challenges of ecological and social transition, the City of Strasbourg has been deploying an environmental and social policy for several years, particularly regarding its event activities. A comprehensive assessment carried out in 2022 enabled the identification of key issues related to the organisation and execution of the traditional Christmas Market, with the goal of creating an inclusive event that aligns with the ISO 20121 standard, established in 2012 and dedicated to “responsible management systems applied to event activities.”
This commitment, which is designed to evolve over time, is structured around three main areas:
- Reducing the environmental impact of Strasbourg Capitale de Noël, by improving waste management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring the responsible management of resources.
- Building an inclusive event with all stakeholders, offering accessibility and inclusion solutions, as well as ensuring the health and safety of both teams and the public.
- Ensuring an ethical, transparent operation for the event, by reinforcing responsible communication, guaranteeing the promotion of products committed to sustainable development, and strengthening the approach to responsible procurement.
These efforts are part of the broader objectives of Strasbourg Capitale de Noël, which aim to:
- Offer a universal celebration, through an event created by all and for all, in line with the four values of tradition, authenticity, wonder, and modernity cherished by the City of Strasbourg.
- Ensure the reclamation of the city centre by the people of Strasbourg.
- Preserve the economic benefits generated by the event.
- Ensure the evolution of the Strasbourg Capitale de Noël event in line with contemporary environmental, social, and societal issues, under the ISO 20121 certification.
- Reaffirm the event’s values and ensure that both the public and internal and external partners can reappropriate them.
The aim is to preserve and strengthen this key event for the Strasbourg region by making it as sustainable as possible, while maintaining the free use of the city centre. This approach is also accompanied by spreading the Christmas spirit throughout the city's neighbourhoods.