In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make an event sustainable by incorporating green strategies that reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote social responsibility. Let’s dive into actionable steps to plan a successful, sustainable event.
Events, especially mass events, are energy-intensive, wasteful, and carbon-producing. The Green Meeting Industry Council estimates that a conference attendee produces about 3.6 pounds of waste daily. From plastic bags to unwanted food, the effect can be overwhelming if not managed.
Green events gain:
Reduce environmental impact by reducing emissions and wastage.
Build brand equity through the exhibition of corporate social responsibility.
Save resources through efficient utilization.
Attract environmentally conscious visitors and supporters.
Meet regulations becoming more sustainability-focused.
Here is a step-by-step guide to making an event successful:
Define what sustainability is for your event prior to planning. Having quantifiable objectives makes you accountable and helps drive decisions.
Some sample objectives are:
Cutting waste to landfill by 50%.
Employing 100% renewable energy throughout the event.
Sourcing 75% of food locally and organically.
Providing carbon-neutral transport options.
Your event venue is one of the biggest contributors to the sustainability of your event. So, look for venues that:
Have green certifications such as LEED, ISO 20121, or EarthCheck.
Use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power.
Utilize water-saving technologies, such as low-flow fixtures.
Have a waste reduction and recycling program in place.
Are they accessible by public transport or have bike facilities available?
One of the pillars of green events is waste reduction. Follow these simple steps to reduce waste:
Be paperless: Issue electronic invitations, tickets, and programs. Request that guests download event applications instead of printed information.
Reduce single-use plastic: Eliminate plastic straws, forks, knives, cups, and bottles. Use reusable or compostable alternatives instead.
Offer marked recycling and composting stations: Place the stations in convenient locations and teach visitors how to use them.
Partner with suppliers to reduce packaging: Choose suppliers with small or biodegradable packaging.
Donate surplus food: Partner with local food banks or other charities to redirect surplus food.
Food production contributes to the majority of greenhouse gas emissions globally. To ensure sustainable catering:
Utilize seasonal and local food: This reduces transport emissions and supports local producers.
Serve plant-based meals: Meat and dairy foods cause larger environmental footprints. Serving vegetarian or vegan meals minimizes impact.
Minimize food waste: Calculate portion sizes correctly and use buffet or pre-portioned servings.
Forego single-use tableware: Utilize reusable plates, glasses, and cutlery where possible.
Provide water stations: Ask guests to refill reusable containers instead of buying bottled water.
Transportation is among the major sources of an event's carbon footprint. Encourage eco-friendly travel by:
Encouraging public transport: Provide guests with bus, train, or subway timetables and rates.
Scheduling shuttle buses: Use electric or hybrid buses where possible.
Encouraging carpooling: Have ride-share programs or apps available for guests.
Making cycling easy: Have secure bike parking and bike hire available.
Offering virtual attendance: Hybrid or fully virtual events avoid travel altogether.
From signage to decorative elements, the materials you use go towards your event being sustainable.
Use recyclable or reusable materials: Avoid using PVC or other non-recyclable plastics in banners or signs.
Choose digital displays: Projectors and LED displays reduce printed materials.
Use green swag: In case you do hand out swag, choose swag made from recycled, biodegradable, or organic materials.
Create for sustainability: Modular stage and furniture can be reused at future events.
Tracking your event's sustainability performance is essential to get better on an ongoing basis.
Conduct waste audits: Investigate the amount of waste generated, recycled, or composted.
Estimate your carbon footprint: Use carbon calculators to estimate travel, energy, and material emissions.
Gather feedback from participants and suppliers: Learn what went well and what needs improvement.
Report outcomes transparently: Post sustainability reports or summaries on your social media and website.
We all must share the burden of sustainability. Engage your attendees by:
Educating through signage and announcements: Explain why recycling, energy savings, and waste reduction matter.
Recompensing green behavior: Reward people for riding public transportation, bringing refillable containers, or participating in a sustainability challenge.
Providing sustainable options readily available: Provide recycling, composting, and green transportation readily available.
Creating networking for sustainability: Host workshops, panels, or booths on environmental issues.
Vendor selection is an important aspect of event sustainability.
Select vendors who have aligned themselves with green practices: Ask them about their sustainability policy and certifications.
Work with local suppliers: This reduces transport emissions and supports the local economy.
Partner on sustainability initiatives: Work with suppliers to reduce packaging, donate surplus, and reduce energy use.
Sustainability does not end with the event. Plan post-event activities like:
Safe disposal or recycling of materials: Donate furniture, decorations, and equipment for reuse.
Measuring event impact: Reviewing goals and performance to improve.
Maintaining people connected: Keep attendees engaged with green and sustainability updates and upcoming green projects.
Sharing with local environmental causes: Sponsor part of the proceeds or donate back to green charities.
Sustainability is not an option anymore — it's a necessity for preserving the environment and meeting current audience demands. By carefully planning every aspect of event venue rental, from waste removal, you can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your event.
Sustainable practices can also increase your event's appeal, save you money, and help you improve relations with the community. Start with clear goals, partner with eco-friendly vendors, and include your attendees in the process.
Enhance your skills and lead the way by enrolling in the specialized event management courses offered by the London Crown Institute of Training. The future of event planning is green. Are you ready to green up your next event?
