Behind the Scenes: The Hidden Impact of Design Weeks on the Planet

Milan Design Week, scheduled for April 7–13, 2025, attracts thousands of designers, journalists, and enthusiasts to one of the most anticipated events in the design world. However, behind the glamour and innovation lies a significant environmental and urban cost, often overlooked by visitors and industry professionals alike.

The Environmental Cost of Milan Design Week: A Skyrocketing Carbon Footprint

The rise in demand for travel to Milan during this period results in sharply increased airfare prices and a surge in flights, directly contributing to a larger carbon footprint. Airfare prices for flights to Milan can increase by 30–50% compared to off-peak months, with round-trip flights from New York to Milan, for example, often climbing from $600 to over $1,000 as the event approaches. Furthermore, airlines add more flights to major hubs like Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN), increasing air traffic by up to 20% during the first two weeks of April.

The aviation industry itself is a significant contributor to climate change, responsible for approximately 2% of global human-made carbon emissions. In 2019 alone, commercial flights emitted a staggering 918 million tons of CO₂. A round-trip flight from New York to Milan emits 1.8 metric tons of CO₂ per passenger — nearly equal to the annual carbon footprint of an average person in some developing nations. With so many people flying in for Milan Design Week, the concentration of air travel intensifies the environmental burden.

The Impact on the Housing Market in Milan

The effects of Milan Design Week aren't confined to air travel. As the city fills with design enthusiasts, the demand for accommodations skyrockets, causing a dramatic increase in rental prices. During this period, the average nightly cost for a rental property can reach around $273 — a 30% increase from the usual rates. The availability of housing becomes limited, with only 8% of accommodations still available, making it increasingly difficult for visitors to find affordable options.

Milan is already a highly touristy city, attracting around 8 million tourists annually. During major events like Design Week, this influx intensifies, causing the city to be virtually submerged by visitors. This rise in housing costs is not only an issue for visitors but also for local residents, who face higher living expenses and may find themselves priced out of their own city. The event also generates significant waste, from promotional materials to disposable packaging, further stressing the city’s waste management systems. Additionally, the influx of people leads to severe traffic congestion, worsened air quality, and noise pollution, which puts further strain on the local environment.