Sustainability In The Events Industry

Go Paperless

Something as simple as going paperless can be cost effective and make a huge impact. Invites can be sent out electronically via email, through an app or from your company web page. By doing this it makes it quicker to communicate with your target audience and easier to make last minute changes.

Digital media and social platforms make it much more streamlined to keep your delegates informed on event details and avoid reams of printed material which eventually gets thrown away.

Recycle

Recycling comes in many forms and can be done so easily. When hosting an event you can ask venues to steer clear from any disposable products such as plastic bottles, plastic badge holders, plastic straws etc.

A corporate event planner can make it easier for delegates to recycle by providing accessible recycling bins. Once the event has taken place, unused materials could be donated or re-used.

Choose Responsible Venues

More and more people are searching and asking for event venues which prioritise sustainability and have green initiatives in place to back this up. This is likely to become the standard as it becomes more popular and people are more conscious about our social responsibility.

Many venues now have an environmental policy in place which details can usually be found on their websites.

Green Initiatives

Several companies have emerged to help and guide businesses with their green initiatives – here are a few:

Green Key

Green Key is an initiative which demands a leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.

Green Tourism

For over 25 years Green Tourism has assessed and accredited the sustainable practices of businesses. They have now created a new standard specific to meetings and events venues; over 700 venues and hotels have already joined this scheme.

Visit England

Any business that has this ‘green’ label will have implemented initiatives across its business that contribute a significant benefit to the environment and to responsible tourism.

Sustainable Food & Beverage Options

Delegates are increasingly asking for information on where their food and drink comes from, determined by the saying, ‘Farm to Fork’. Venues that use locally sourced produce, organic foods and Fairtrade products are generally seen as being kinder to the environment and greener. Venues should also be willing to accommodate latest food trends and cultural needs which have an impact on the environment, for example veganism.

Wastage of food can also be a huge issue so obtaining an accurate number count and finalising the amount of food required can save a lot of money and food waste.

Some venues may also be willing to donate leftover food to a local scheme or shelter where people are in more need for it. It is always worth asking to find out!

Carbon Footprint

To cut down on the carbon footprint you can choose a venue with excellent transport links using public transport, or better still a venue within walking distance.

If needed, you can set up a group transport such as shuttle buses or taxis to move guests around together rather than individually. This will all assist in cutting down on fuel emissions.

Sustainable Activities

And don’t forget your team-building events can also be sustainable.

There are several teambuilding options which offer superb team spirit while being environmentally aware, from building a bike for charity to ‘Green House’.

This last activity is a great opportunity to inspire your teams to reduce their carbon footprint. The idea is that teams are asked to build and maintain a water filtration system and create a renewable energy source, as well as looking to reducing their carbon footprint with insulation and recycling tasks. These are just a couple of suggestions and they are being updated all the time – so drop us a line, we would love to help!