SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE EVENTS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR ECO-FRIENDLY PLANNING

This is an excerpt of a more comprehensive article on our blog which can be found here.

In today's world, environmental consciousness is on the rise, and businesses are expected to contribute to a greener future. The benefits of hosting a sustainable corporate event extend beyond reducing the environmental impact. They include enhancing your company's reputation and engaging employees in a meaningful way. This guide will provide you with essential insights and strategies to plan and execute a successful sustainable corporate event.

Melanie Mercier, an experiential marketing events expert in San Francisco, California notes that sustainability is a hot topic in the Events Industry. “Meaningful sustainability conversations concerning events are happening more frequently across various organizations and agencies, and some of the most well-intentioned initiatives and micro-actions are being taken (e.g., eliminating single-use plastics, reducing waste, and calculating carbon footprints). But where are we in our event sustainability journey?”

She continues, “Understanding climate impact and becoming climate literate is the first step to sustainable action within events. Let’s start with some facts. According to research by Shift Carbon, the Events Industry is currently responsible for a staggering 10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Venue energy use represents 4% of the total footprint. Waste accounts for 10-30% of event carbon impact. Food waste accounts for nearly 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Travel contributes 70-90% of an event's total carbon emissions.”

“Knowing the current industry carbon impact and our global commitment to urgently deliver on the highest goals of the Paris Agreement to reach net-zero carbon by 2050, we have work to do. We have an opportunity to do better and be better. And there is hope. It’s time to make sustainability our core hero of every event strategy to create an engaging, memorable, and meaningful event experience that will reverse the negative impacts of the past and make a positive impact on the future. Let’s make sustainability the first thought, rather than an afterthought.” - Melanie Mercier, San Francisco, CA.

Understand the Benefits of Sustainable Event Planning

Before delving into the planning process, it's essential to understand the numerous benefits of hosting a sustainable corporate event. These benefits can be categorized into three main areas: environmental, social, and economic.

• Environmental benefits

Sustainable event planning helps minimize the negative impact on the environment. By reducing waste, conserving resources, and adopting eco-friendly practices, you can contribute to the preservation of our planet's natural resources. Whether it's reducing energy consumption, promoting recycling and composting, or choosing sustainable transportation options, every small step counts towards a greener future.

• Social benefits

Hosting a sustainable event also has positive social impacts. By taking a stand for sustainability, you showcase your company's commitment to social responsibility and inspire others to follow suit. Additionally, sustainable events often incorporate community engagement and educational initiatives, creating a platform for raising awareness about environmental issues and encouraging attendees to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.

• Economic Benefits

Contrary to popular belief, planning a sustainable event doesn't have to be cost-prohibitive. In fact, it can lead to long-term cost savings. By implementing energy-efficient practices, reducing waste, and choosing sustainable suppliers, you can cut down on expenses and streamline operations. Furthermore, hosting a sustainable event can enhance your company's brand image, attracting eco-conscious clients and customers who align with your values.

“When efficiencies are implemented, venues and clients save money; we need to tout the cost savings of eliminating printed materials, using less electricity, foregoing disposable booth decor, signage.“ -The Society of Sustainbale Events?Newsletter

Set Sustainability Goals

Once you understand the benefits of sustainable event planning, it's time to set clear objectives for your event. Defining sustainability goals will guide your decision-making process and ensure that every aspect of the event aligns with your eco-friendly vision.

Green My Experience founder and sustainability expert, Cristina Calvo, shares her insights for setting sustainability goals for your event.

“Start small and understand your emissions. Shifting every aspect of your event to be more sustainable is a lot to tackle at once. We recommend you start by picking just a handful of strategies that will have the biggest impact on the event's emissions. It’s important to truly quantify the event’s footprint so you can measure the real impact of your changes.”

Defining clear sustainability objectives for the event

Start by identifying the key areas where you want to make a sustainable impact. This could include reducing the event's carbon footprint, minimizing waste generation, promoting ethical practices, or supporting local communities. By setting specific and measurable goals, you can track your progress and showcase your achievements to stakeholders.

Reducing carbon footprint, minimizing waste, promoting ethical practices

Reducing the carbon footprint of your event involves minimizing greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation, energy usage, and waste management. This can be achieved by selecting a green venue, promoting sustainable transportation options, and implementing energy-efficient practices. Minimizing waste generation can be accomplished through proper planning, providing recycling and composting options, and collaborating with vendors who prioritize sustainability. Promoting ethical practices involves considering the social and environmental impacts of your event and making responsible choices that benefit communities and the planet.

Continued on the Entire Productions Blog