BMA Event Sustainability Index (BESI)

The BMA model for event sustainability

The Blue Marina Awards do not simply promote sustainability in marinas; they apply the same scientific and measurable approach to the events organized within the initiative.

Each BMA event is analysed through a proprietary framework based on three integrated dimensions:

• Operational impact (CO₂)

• Environmental management quality (EPI)

• Participant mobility profile (MQI)

This model makes it possible to measure, compare, and progressively improve the sustainability of events over time.

1. Operational CO₂ per participant

The event’s operational environmental impact is calculated by considering only the components that can be directly influenced by the organizers:

• Last-mile mobility (base → venue)

• Overnight stays

• Venue energy use

• Catering

The result is expressed in kg of CO₂ per participant.

Operational CO₂ Classification

The BMA model for event sustainability

The Blue Marina Awards do not simply promote sustainability in marinas; they apply the same scientific and measurable approach to the events organized within the initiative.

Each BMA event is analysed through a proprietary framework based on three integrated dimensions:

• Operational impact (CO₂)

• Environmental management quality (EPI)

• Participant mobility profile (MQI)

This model makes it possible to measure, compare, and progressively improve the sustainability of events over time.

1. Operational CO₂ per participant

The event’s operational environmental impact is calculated by considering only the components that can be directly influenced by the organizers:

• last-mile mobility (base → venue)

• overnight stays

• venue energy use

• catering

The result is expressed in kg of CO₂ per participant.

Operational CO₂ Classification

This indicator determines the BMA Low Impact Event level.

2. EPI – Environmental Performance Index

The EPI (Environmental Performance Index) measures the quality of the event’s environmental management.

It assesses aspects such as:

• elimination of single-use plastic

• separate waste collection

• use of digital materials

• predominantly vegetarian menus

• local suppliers

• reduction of food waste

• promotion of sustainable mobility

The EPI provides a percentage value (0–100%) indicating the event’s level of environmental consistency.

3. MQI – Mobility Quality Index

The MQI measures the structure of participant mobility.

It is calculated as follows:

MQI = 100 − % of participants arriving by air

A higher value indicates lower dependence on air transport and greater sustainable accessibility.

The MQI does not affect the operational certification level, but it contributes to the synthetic BESI indicator.

BESI – BMA Event Sustainability Index

The BESI is the proprietary synthetic indicator of the Blue Marina Awards.

It integrates:

• operational CO₂

• EPI

• MQI

It returns an overall score from 0 to 100.

BESI Interpretation

The BESI makes it possible to compare different events and monitor improvement over time.

BMA Low Impact Event

An event may obtain one of the following classifications:

• BMA Excellent Low Impact Event

• BMA Low Impact Event

• BMA Measured Event

The classification is based on:

• operational CO₂ per participant

• EPI

The BESI, on the other hand, represents the overall advanced indicator.

Transparency and continuous improvement

For each event, the following are published:

• total operational CO₂ and operational CO₂ per participant

• percentage of local and non-local participants

• inbound mobility profile

• EPI %

• BESI

This approach enables:

• methodological transparency

• benchmarking between events

• alignment with ESG standards

• progressive improvement in environmental quality