Did you know that
Large events can have a significant environmental impact, such as waste generated by plastic utensils and the extensive use of electricity to power stages, lighting, and speakers? Travel to and from the event venue accounts for between 70-90% of the event’s carbon footprint, and the average participant at a national conference generates 1.89 kg of waste per day.
As society advances and environmental awareness grows, sustainable event management is becoming increasingly popular. The following guidelines are key to ensuring the eco-friendliness of any upcoming event.
Venue Selection and Location Efficiency
₁ Eco-friendly Venue: Many event venues are now certified as green or environmentally friendly, adhering to standards for energy use, water conservation, and waste management.
₂ Optimizing the Location: The ideal event venue should be accessible by public transport or within walking distance from the hotels where participants are staying. The location plays a crucial role in how participants, speakers, and exhibitors travel to the venue. If this is not possible due to the international or regional nature of the event, it’s good to choose a location close to a transport hub, such as an airport or central train station.
₃ Shuttles or Group Transport: Providing transfer services helps reduce individual car travel. Using electric or hybrid buses can further reduce the event’s environmental impact.
Sustainable Material Sourcing
₁ Recyclable or Biodegradable Materials: Using materials that can be recycled or biodegrade is an important step towards meeting environmental sustainability standards.
₂ Eco-friendly Branding: Choosing name badges made from recycled paper, lanyards made from natural fibers, or digital branding materials instead of physical items is an effective way to reduce waste and promote eco-conscious thinking.
Sustainable Catering Practices
₁ Reducing Food Waste: Partnering with catering companies that prioritize food waste management is key. Composting leftovers or donating excess food helps significantly reduce waste.
₂ Reusable or Compostable Utensils: Avoiding single-use plastic containers by using reusable or compostable plates, cups, and cutlery is an effective practice to reduce waste.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
₁ Setting Up Waste Stations: Placing clearly marked recycling and composting stations with easy-to-follow instructions helps participants responsibly separate waste and improves recycling efficiency.
₂ Limiting Single-Use Plastics: Provide participants with reusable water bottles or single-use cups while offering refill stations. This reduces the need for bottled water. Speakers can also be provided with water pitchers to use with their own cups, where possible.
Transportation and Mobility Solutions
₁ Shuttle or Group Transport Services: Organizing transfer services helps reduce individual car travel. Using electric or hybrid buses further minimizes the environmental footprint of transporting participants.
₂ Encouraging Public Transport: Provide detailed information on public transport options to the event venue and offer incentives for participants who choose eco-friendly travel options.
₃ Carpooling and Shared Rides: Work with local car-sharing companies to offer discounts to participants or create a ride-sharing program to help coordinate shared rides to the event.
Creating a Culture of Sustainability for Participants
₁ Educational Signage: Place informational signs at key locations to explain the sustainable initiatives implemented, inspiring participants to make eco-friendly decisions.
₂ Sustainable Event Gifts: If gifts are planned, opt for items such as reusable bags or bamboo cutlery. Digital gifts, like downloadable files, are also a great choice, eliminating the need for physical items.
₃ Encouraging Feedback: Collect feedback after the event regarding the adopted sustainable practices and potential areas for improvement. This not only fosters a sense of involvement but also provides valuable insights for optimizing future events.
Implementing these practices helps create events with minimal environmental impact, enhances the brand’s positive image, and attracts eco-conscious participants and sponsors. Sustainable event planning is a continuous process where each step contributes to a greener and more conscious future.
