Blue Marina Awards Launch BESI, the First Sustainability Index for Events in the Blue Economy Sector
BMA Event Sustainability Index (BESI): We Do Not Only Reward Sustainable Marinas. We Measure the Sustainability of Events Too.
The Blue Marina Awards (BMA) are taking another step forward in their commitment to innovation, transparency, and measurable sustainability. From now on, every event organized within the BMA framework will be assessed through a proprietary model designed to evaluate its environmental sustainability in a structured and objective way.
This marks the official launch of BESI – the BMA Event Sustainability Index, the first structured sustainability indicator for events in the marina sector and wider Blue Economy ecosystem.
BESI integrates three key dimensions:
Operational CO₂ per participant
EPI – Environmental Performance Index
MQI – Mobility Quality Index
The result is a scientific, measurable, and replicable framework that makes it possible to assess, compare, and improve the sustainability profile of events over time.
What Is BESI? A Three-Dimensional Sustainability Model for Blue Economy Events
BESI is based on a principle that is simple, clear, and still uncommon in the sector:
Sustainability should not only be promoted. It should be measured.
This is why the BMA Event Sustainability Index combines three complementary dimensions to provide a comprehensive picture of event sustainability.
Operational CO₂ per Participant
This indicator measures the operational carbon footprint generated per participant, considering only the components directly influenced by the event organization. These include:
last-mile mobility
overnight stays
energy consumption
catering
The focus is on what organizers can concretely manage, optimize, and improve.
EPI – Environmental Performance Index
The Environmental Performance Index evaluates the quality of environmental management choices adopted for the event. It considers factors such as:
elimination of single-use plastics
waste separation practices
use of local suppliers
prevalence of vegetarian food options
use of digital materials
waste reduction measures
This dimension helps assess whether sustainability is embedded in the operational design of the event.
MQI – Mobility Quality Index
The Mobility Quality Index analyses participant mobility patterns, with particular attention to the level of dependence on air travel.
Since transport often represents one of the most relevant sources of emissions for events, this dimension makes it possible to better understand the event’s accessibility profile and its mobility-related environmental impact.
A Final Sustainability Score from 0 to 100
The BESI model produces an overall score on a 0 to 100 scale, providing a clear and comparable representation of the event’s sustainability level.
A Sustainability Framework Aligned with European ESG and Reporting Principles
Through BESI, the Blue Marina Awards strengthen their role as an innovation platform for the marina industry and coastal tourism sector, in line with evolving European priorities on:
ESG principles
transparency
measurable impact
environmental reporting
BESI reflects a coherent vision: if marinas are asked to measure their performance and improve over time, event organizers should apply the same standard to themselves.
“If we ask marinas to measure themselves and improve, we must be the first to do so. Credibility begins with consistency.”
Blue Marina Awards 2026 Events: Measuring Sustainability Across the Mediterranean
In 2026, the Blue Marina Awards will bring this model to a series of events hosted in symbolic and strategic locations across the Mediterranean.
These events will address some of the most relevant themes for the future of the Blue Economy and marina development, including:
environmental sustainability and energy transition in marinas
sport and sailing as drivers of territorial identity and community engagement
technological innovation and digitalisation
inclusion and accessibility in nautical infrastructure
maritime culture and the enhancement of coastal destinations
The 2026 calendar will involve institutions, marina operators, trade associations, international stakeholders, and specialised media.
Sustainability Reports for Every BMA Event
Each BMA event will be accompanied by a dedicated sustainability report including key data such as:
total operational CO₂
operational CO₂ per participant
participant mobility profile
percentage of local and non-local participants
Environmental Performance Index (EPI)
final BESI score
This reporting approach ensures transparency and provides a practical benchmark for continuous improvement.
Towards a European Standard for Sustainable Blue Economy Events
The launch of BESI represents another important step in the evolution of the Blue Marina Awards. Over the years, BMA has developed a recognized evaluation model for marinas at national level, with a growing Mediterranean dimension.
BESI extends this same logic to events.
This is not just about organizing conferences, ceremonies, or sector meetings. It is about building a measurable, transparent, and replicable ecosystem for the Blue Economy.
“We do not only reward the sustainability of marinas. We measure our own sustainability too. That is the real step change.”
