Also known as event greening, is the process used to produce an event with particular concern for environmental, economic and social issues. Sustainability in event management incorporates socially and environmentally responsible decision making into the planning, organisation and implementation of, and participation in, an event and is becoming more and more relevant in our society today.
So how can you produce a sustainable event? There are many ways, but here’s a few to get you started;
Green Purchasing
The materials, supplies and products used to produce an event all have the potential for negative environmental impacts. Through environmentally preferable purchasing reductions in these areas, impact can be achieved back up the supply chain. Options to reduce environmental impacts of purchasing can be achieved through such things as including organic, fair trade, FSC or other sustainable forestry products, sustainably produced foods and products made from sustainable and recyclable materials, etc. such as conference satchels and note pads.
Venue, Accommodation and Destination
Ensuring that the choice of destination, accommodation and venue is suitable for the requirements of the event and the attendee demographic can be key in reducing unnecessary travel and boosting local economy. By sourcing local suppliers, the carbon footprint of the event will be reduced dramatically as suppliers will not need to transport themselves, products or services to the event.
Transport
Transport requirements for events produce high levels of carbon emissions, and consume large amounts of energy. Small changes can have a big impact on the carbon footprint of an event, and can reduce harmful emissions. Whether it be an international event where you can reduce carbon emissions by holding your event in the city where most of your attendee’s will come from thus reducing the number of people who need to fly or a local event where you can put on coaches from a central location to reduce the number of people driving individual cars, these are all ways to reduce harmful carbon emissions.