Digital Platform for Sustainable Shopping Guide

By project TOURBO

Published on 02 July 2024

Germany

Bremen

Bremerhaven

About this good practice

The practice is a digital ecocommerce platform that aims to promote sustainable shopping by connecting consumers with environmentally friendly businesses in the retail, catering, crafts and other services categories. This platform was developed in the context of increasing environmental awareness and the growing demand for sustainable products and services.
The main actors of the platform are a) the tourism destination, which is responsible for managing and maintaining it, ensuring that the information is up-to-date and accurate, and promoting interaction between consumers and businesses and b) environmentally friendly businesses offering sustainable products and services.
The beneficiaries are consumers who want to make environmentally conscious purchases and benefit from the information provided and the easier search for sustainable alternatives. Sustainable companies benefit from the increased visibility and reach of their offers as well as from a targeted clientele. In the long term, the environment also benefits, as the practice of the Sustainable Platform contributes to a positive environmental impact by promoting sustainable consumption and thus increasing the demand for environmentally friendly products and services.
In summary it provides a central platform that makes it easier for consumers to access sustainable products and at the same time supports environmentally friendly companies, contributing to more sustainable consumer behaviour and environmental protection.

Resources needed

The internet platform costs 4,800 euros/year for hosting, licences, support. The data was entered by the webmaster, resulting in personnel costs of around 6,600 euros/year. The new website is marketed by the marketing and communications department. There were no costs for external service providers.

Evidence of success

The platform promotes the exchange of knowledge and supports marketing. Improves networking with regional players, increases the visibility of SMEs and the accessibility of an audience focussed on sustainability. The improved online presence and collaboration with SMEs strengthens innovative projects. More than 20 SMEs that fulfil regional, sustainable and fair criteria have been identified and others are being contacted. The platform has around 1,200 users.

Potential for learning or transfer

The sustainable platform offers valuable learning and transfer potential for other regions, as it systematically promotes sustainable consumption and strengthens the regional economy. The key success factors for transfer include effective data management, where a solid infrastructure for continuously reviewing and updating company information and sustainability practices is essential. Business engagement is also critical: successfully recruiting and motivating green businesses requires clear benefits such as increased visibility and access to a targeted customer base. Awareness-raising and marketing play a central role, as an effective communication strategy is needed to inform and sensitise consumers about the benefits of sustainable consumption. Finally, regional networking contributes significantly to success. The involvement of regional stakeholders and the promotion of co-operation between companies and communities strengthen the project and its impact.