From land pollution to greenhouse gas emissions, the side effects of events on the environment have encouraged many event organizers to adopt sustainable practices for their events. In the last few years, the concept of sustainable event planning has been incorporated also into the event industry, turning the attention of event management to issues of environment, social, and governance (ESG) as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Planning “sustainable and carbon-conscious” events must be organized to minimize all potential negative impacts on the environment and leave a beneficial legacy for the host community and all involved. From venue considerations, how to manage the waste produced, and choosing an eco-friendly supplier, planning a carbon-conscious event can be challenging. Still, it will be a memorable experience for your guests! Find out the out-of-box style to transform your event to be more sustainable!
Choose eco-friendly vendors
When selecting a vendor for your events, it is important to prioritize sustainability. Ensuring the use of eco-friendly materials, responsible management of emissions, and active efforts to minimize environmental impact are key considerations. Not only do you contribute to a greener event but you also send a powerful message about your commitment to sustainable practices. By making carbon-conscious choices through your vendor options, you can create memorable and impactful events while simultaneously promoting a healthier planet.
Calculate and offset the emissions
One vital impact to consider from planning a big event is the emissions generated during the event. These emissions can come from various sources such as transportation, food, accommodation, and electricity usage. To calculate these emissions accurately, it is recommended to use a carbon calculator. By utilizing a carbon calculator, you can estimate the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions produced. This information will help you identify areas where you can reduce emissions and implement sustainable practices to minimize the event's environmental footprint.
Find out how to: Count your carbon footprint with carbon calculator
Give sustainable souvenirs to the guests
Making carbon-conscious choices is not only important for event organizers but also for the attendees. Encouraging attendees to adopt eco-friendly practices can have a significant impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same. One way to do it is by giving the attendees sustainable products such as reusable water bottles, bamboo utensils, or eco-friendly local products. By offering sustainable products, you not only demonstrate your concern for the environment but also provide practical items that attendees can use in their daily lives.
References
Almadani, F. S. 2012. Sustainable Event Management: Opportunities and Trends.
Lazar, N. 2023. Towards Sustainable Event Planning: Current State of Play, Best Practices, and Challenges Creating Sustainable Events. Agora International Journal of Economical Sciences. 17(1): 56-69.