Held from 11-22 November in Baku, Azerbaijan, the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) was the second largest in this globally significant event’s history. With Pico working as main official contractor of the event’s ‘Blue Zone’, it also represented a milestone in sustainable event management and an impressive demonstration of how large-scale event activations can align with sustainability goals.
The Pico team took an innovative approach to the Blue Zone by implementing realistic sustainability goals for design and construction that would allow for ISO20121 event certification at the outset. The event’s information centre and country/ corporate pavilions also not only demonstrated effective environmental stewardship, but also exceeded the Conference’s needs by increasing Azerbaijan’s long-term capacity to host environmentally responsible international gatherings.
Over a six-month period, the team leveraged expertise in design, management, master site planning, branding, wayfinding and signage design, and substantially reduce carbon footprint and increase potentials with venue facility optimisation capabilities. Among other project elements, Pico was responsible for site groundwork, steelwork, temporary infrastructure and AV-CCTV conduit works. The team executed a comprehensive interior fit-out including detailed design, VVIP joinery, flooring, furniture, landscaping and decor. Executed tasks also included the construction of toilet and kitchen infrastructure, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning), and art exhibition curation.
Information centre & country/corporate pavilions
A further significant feature was the COP29 information centre, designed and built as a permanent structure to serve future events right in the heart of Baku. Pico also designed and built pavilions for Azerbaijan, Singapore, FINs, and the Zero Waste Pavilion.
Sustainable leadership
A solar glass-powered entrance arch introduced design features for renewable energy generation and was a significant development in integrating cutting-edge technology and functional design for sustainable event spaces without compromising aesthetic appeal or operational efficiency.
As the event’s sole ISO 20121 sustainable certification auditee amongst the host country’s appointed contractors, Pico stood out for its in-depth knowledge, experience and leadership with environmental stewardship in the events industry. The project integrated sustainable construction methods with local supply chain initiatives, developed permanent infrastructure and in turn transferred valuable skills and knowledge as legacy for Azerbaijan’s events industry.