When EuroSkills Herning 2025 takes place in September, it will do so with a strong focus on sustainability. With the new sustainable initiative, LOOP, material waste from the competitions will be reduced, and waste will be handled more responsibly before, during, and after the event.
The Volunteer ‘Loopers’
In addition to recycling and donating materials from the competitions, the LOOP project also actively involves vocational school students from across the country. These students will be recruited as ‘Loopers’ and will go through both a digital learning program and a physical workshop on waste sorting during the event’s setup days. Here, they will gain knowledge and skills in sustainability and proper waste management.
The project is made possible thanks to a grant of DKK 3.38 million from the philanthropic association Realdania, ensuring that EuroSkills Herning 2025 sets new standards for sustainable events. This makes Realdania an official EuroSkills 2025 Event Partner.
Project Manager at Realdania, Vera Noldus, states:
“The skilled trades play a crucial role in the green transition, and it is therefore important for us to support a movement where circularity becomes the norm. With LOOP, EuroSkills Herning 2025 can not only reduce its resource consumption but also inspire participants, contributors, and visitors to rethink material consumption and waste management.”
Circular Economy, Afterlife, and Sustainable Procurement Lists
EuroSkills Herning 2025 recognizes the climate challenges the world faces. Previous Skills events have not placed much focus on the ‘afterlife’ of materials and equipment, but with LOOP, an important step is taken towards a more circular economy.
CEO of EuroSkills 2025, Henrik Kjeldsen, states:
“The LOOP project is an obvious initiative that perfectly aligns with the green direction we have chosen with our slogan: ‘Skilled for a greener future’.
We are very pleased that Realdania has made it possible to realize the project, allowing us to promote sustainability and circular economy at EuroSkills Herning 2025.”
LOOP takes action already in the planning phase by reducing and regulating procurement lists in collaboration with the participating European countries. This ensures that materials are purchased in the right quantities and with a strong focus on sustainability and waste reduction.
In fact, all stakeholders at EuroSkills Herning 2025 will be part of this sustainable approach. Competitors, exhibitors, suppliers, and stand staff will be instructed in the LOOP project’s waste management procedures, ensuring that sustainability becomes a collective effort across the event.
Green Inspiration for Future Events
The LOOP project is not just about making EuroSkills Herning 2025 greener – it aims to set a new standard for sustainable events across Europe.
The experiences and evaluations from the project will be passed on to EuroSkills Düsseldorf 2027, SkillsDenmark, and WorldSkillsEurope, enabling them to benefit from the knowledge generated.
Press release issued on April 1, 2025.