As the planet swelters and temperature records are broken worldwide, sustainability has never been so front and centre.
As a human race, we know that we need to reduce our carbon footprint if we’re ever to see Earth’s environment return to something resembling normality.
Events, such as conferences, roadshows and awards evenings, usually bring together hundreds, if not thousands, of people. With capacities this large, it’s even more vital to minimise the impact on the environment.
At Mercian Events, we always do our utmost to ensure everything we help organise and run is as green as possible. On this page, we’ve compiled a few thoughts on this subject.
The importance of sustainable events
The word ‘sustainable’ gets thrown around often, so let’s not forget what it means. Running a sustainable event is all about utilising products that can be reused or recycled in some way. Where single-use items are necessary, these should be minimised as much as possible.
The importance of this can’t be understated. We already use far too many of the planet’s resources with no universally-accepted long-term plan. As an event, you might have a relatively small individual impact – but when many events come together for good, it could make a massive change for the better.
Environmentally-friendly event organisation considerations
In today’s environmentally-conscious world, it’s more critical than ever to think about the impact of your actions – and that includes the events you plan. From small community gatherings to grand corporate conventions, every event leaves a footprint. However, by making conscious choices, you can significantly reduce the impact and ensure that your events are more sustainable. From reducing waste and incorporating renewable resources to prioritising local suppliers and more, you can create remarkable events that aren’t just enjoyable but also responsible and respectful towards the environment. Some of the things to bear in mind here include:
- Reduce your carbon footprint – This one should go without saying. Your event’s carbon footprint is the overall amount of carbon dioxide produced by the event as a whole. This includes transportation to and from deliveries, food production, power usage etc. Reduce your carbon footprint by streamlining these processes and planting trees to theoretically recapture that CO².
- Consider hybrid events – Hybrid events can significantly decrease your event’s carbon footprint associated with attendee and key-speaker travel. They also require fewer physical resources, such as printed material and event collateral.
- Encourage recycling – Place designated bins around the venue to encourage visitors and exhibitors to recycle. Sell only packaged goods in containers that can be placed in these bins. You could also distribute most of your information digitally, reducing paper waste and the environmental impact of printing.
- Venue selection – Choose venues that prioritise sustainability, for instance, ones that use renewable energy sources, have efficient waste management systems, and are located in areas accessible by public transport.
- Digitisation – Reduce paper waste by promoting digital tickets, electronic invitations, and online programs or schedules.
- Sustainable catering – Choose caterers who use locally sourced, organic and seasonal food. Also, consider offering plant-based options as they have a lower environmental impact. Ensure that food waste is minimised and leftovers are donated or composted.
- Eco-friendly decor: Use decorations and display materials that are recyclable or biodegradable materials. Try to avoid single-use items and consider hiring decor that can be reused.
- Transportation – Encourage attendees to use public transport or car share. If your event is international, you could also consider offsetting the carbon footprint of air travel.
- Water consumption – If possible, avoid bottled water. Instead, provide water stations where attendees can refill their own reusable bottles.
- Sustainable merchandise – If your event includes merchandise, giveaways or goodie bags, ensure they’re ethically sourced and made from sustainable materials.
- Education – Use your event as an opportunity to educate attendees about sustainability. This could be through signage, presentations or including information in your digital communications.
- Evaluate and improve – After the event, evaluate its environmental impact. Use this information to make your next event even more sustainable.
Of course, this list is non-exhaustive. Still, it’s something to get you started. Remember, every small step counts when it comes to sustainability. Even if you can’t implement all these measures at your next conference or seminar, choosing just a few can make a big difference.
How does going green improve your event?
Alongside the benefits for the entire planet in the long run, an environmentally-conscious event will also likely bring in more attendees. Many people, especially younger individuals, view eco-consciousness as one of the most critical problems in the world today.
Going above and beyond on this topic is sure to enhance the overall experience at your event. Along with the standard recycling bins, you could introduce solar panels (or other alternative sustainable power sources) to provide energy for the event. What about an actual in-person timeslot where attendees physically plant trees? Collections and donations for a particular environmental cause? The possibilities are endless.
This has an immediate positive effect on your event. You’ll improve your brand image, encourage greater participation, and build consumer trust by ensuring everything is as green as possible.
Ask Mercian Events about making your next event more sustainable
Mercian Events is an industry-leading event planner. Whether you’re running a roadshow, conference, product launch or awards evening, our team has done it all before. We’re experienced, dedicated and excited to work with businesses from every industry.
We’re well aware of the importance of going green. It brings many benefits, both in the immediate moment and as part of our long-term vision for the planet. Plus, it’s our responsibility as humans to protect Earth for the next generation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out and get in touch with us, even if your event is still in the planning phase. We’re always happy to help, and all chats will be informal and commitment-free. We look forward to hearing from you.