Sustainability in events – where do I start?

Our own Richard spoke as part of a panel session—‘How To Create A Roadmap And Progress Towards Net Zero Carbon Emissions’—along with Ben Wielgus , Natalie Sykes and James Lancaster . They’re all part of Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE)—a global industry-wide initiative to address climate change.?

Here are four?actions points from the session to help planners power up their sustainability strategy:?

1. Don’t know where to start??Chances are you’ve already started?

If you’ve increased vegan and veggie menu options; reduced your material use and simply ensured the lights are off when they’re not in use, then you’re already taking those first, important planet-friendly steps. It’s less overwhelming if you start small and progress from there.??

Here’s where NZCE can help—their Net Carbon Events Roadmap aims to provide structured and standardised guidance on how to progress further with extensive guidance on measurement and next steps to take.??

2. Measurement is key?

We may all be at different stages of the sustainability journey, but it’s essential to measure—only by doing so can we identify areas to focus on where we can make the biggest impact.??

Ben Wielgus advises: “resources and budgets are constrained across our industry, so identify the areas of your event which have potential to make deliver the biggest impact—be it F&B, energy use or waste. By focusing and measuring the key areas, you’ll see results in a way that’s meaningful and efficient for your business.”

The team at Net Zero Caron Events (NZCE) also agree. They identified the creation of a common measurement methodology for all stakeholders (currently 600+ supporters in 60+ countries) as a priority action and recently published best-practice and methodology documents, one of which focuses on measurement.?

3. It’s good to talk: with your team, your suppliers and your boss?

An environmentally-friendly culture comes from the top, so buy-in at leadership level is crucial. It then becomes embedded in the values of your organization, enabling each team to approach their role through a sustainability lenses.?

Tap into existing enthusiasm among your colleagues–ExCeL has a team of 50 people across the business who are now involved in sustainability. Likewise, IMEX has its Green Squad–a team of passionate individuals from across each department who, alongside their main role, drive forward the organization’s sustainability activity.?

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions of your suppliers: ask your venue about their recycling capabilities. If your event waste has to be sent hundreds of miles away, this wipes out any environmental saving. Work with your host location to find local charities who can use surplus materials–be it food, furniture or plants. Also, don’t assume green energy isn’t available—many venues can offer you renewable energy at the flick of a switch, and the cost for this is decreasing (the cost of solar power has dropped by nearly 90 per cent over the last decade, according to Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change).?

4. Share what you learn?

If you’re making strong sustainability strides and seeing some great results…. Then shout about it! Collaboration is the watchword here. It’s only by working together and sharing best practice that we can make meaningful progress.??

At IMEX, we’re firm believers in sharing what we learn. We’re set to share our learnings and the results of our efforts in the IMEX America 2023 sustainability report , due to be published soon.?

Want to know more?? Learn more about our Net Zero Roadmap

Hear more from Richard about the session