Making Events Sustainable: Introduction
Making events sustainable is becoming a crucial element in event planning. The events industry is a significant contributor to environmental degradation, with large events producing an average of 200 kg of CO₂ emissions per attendee per day. Making your events more sustainable not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances the attendee experience and boosts your brand reputation. Moreover, sustainable events can lead to cost savings and innovation.
At Play It Green, we partnered with venues like Manchester Central to help organisations host greener events. Here are five practical tips to make your events more sustainable:
1. Choose a Sustainable Venue and Minimise Travel Impact
Selecting a venue committed to sustainability and considering travel logistics are significant first steps.
Why It Matters:
- Venue Sustainability: Venues contribute to a large portion of an event’s carbon footprint due to energy use, waste generation, and water consumption.
- Travel Emissions: Delegate travel can account for up to 70% of an event’s total carbon footprint.
Tips:
- Sustainable Venue: Opt for venues like Manchester Central that have implemented energy-efficient systems and comprehensive waste management programmes.
- Accessibility: Choose a venue that is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport, cycling, or walking to reduce travel emissions.
- Virtual Options: Offer live streaming or virtual attendance to reduce the need for long-distance travel.
- Group Transportation: Encourage carpooling or provide shuttle services for attendees.
2. Reduce Waste and Use Eco-Friendly Materials
Minimising waste and using sustainable materials are essential for sustainable events.
Why It Matters:
- Events can produce large amounts of waste, much of which ends up in landfill.
- Temporary event materials often become waste after the event.
Strategies:
- Digital Materials: Use electronic tickets, apps, and online programs to reduce paper usage.
- Recycling Stations: Provide clearly marked recycling bins throughout the venue.
- Eliminate Single-Use Plastics: Avoid items like plastic cups, straws, and bottles. Encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles.
- Reusable Décor: Invest in decorations that can be reused for future events.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Use items made from recycled, biodegradable, or sustainably sourced materials.
3. Sustainable Catering
Food and beverage choices have a significant environmental impact.
Why It Matters:
- Food production, especially meat and dairy, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
Suggestions:
- Local and Seasonal Produce: Serve food made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to reduce food miles.
- Plant-Based Options: Offer vegetarian and vegan choices, which typically have a lower carbon footprint.
- Reduce Food Waste: Plan portions carefully and donate surplus food to local charities.
- Use Sustainable Drink Options: There are many alcoholic and ‘free from’ drinks options that priorities sustainable production and supply chain.
4. Engage Attendees in Sustainability
Encouraging attendees to participate enhances the overall impact.
Why It Matters:
- Engaged attendees are more likely to support and promote your sustainability efforts and will show increased loyalty.
Methods:
- Sustainability Communication: Inform attendees about your green initiatives and how they can contribute.
- Interactive Activities: Include workshops or sessions focused on environmental topics.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Gather attendee feedback on sustainability aspects to improve future events.
5. Collaborate with Sustainable Partners
Working with organisations that prioritise sustainability can amplify your event’s positive impact.
Why It Matters:
- Sustainable partners bring expertise, resources, and innovative solutions to enhance your event’s environmental performance.
- Collaborations can lead to long-term relationships that benefit future events.
Examples of Sustainable Partners:
- Eco-Friendly Suppliers: Choose vendors that offer sustainable products and services, such as biodegradable packaging, recycled materials, or energy-efficient equipment.
- Green Caterers: Partner with catering companies that specialise in organic, locally sourced, and plant-based menus.
- Waste Management Services: Work with companies that provide comprehensive recycling, composting, and waste reduction programmes.
- Renewable Energy Providers: Consider powering your event with renewable energy by collaborating with green energy suppliers.
- Sustainability Consultants: Engage experts who can help plan and implement sustainable practices tailored to your event’s needs.
Making Events Sustainable – A Case Study: Play It Green and Manchester Central
An excellent example of a successful partnership is between Play It Green and Manchester Central, a leading events venue.
- Play It Green helps businesses and events become more sustainable through nature repair and carbon rebalancing initiatives.
- By collaborating, Manchester Central enhanced its sustainability efforts by integrating sustainability education and nature repair for its teams.
Impact of the Collaboration:
- Environmental Benefits: Together, we have contributed to planting agroforestry fruit trees, coastal mangroves, and sea kelp, aiding in carbon rebalancing and enhancing biodiversity.
- Social Benefits: Their nature repair projects create long-term employment, reduce food scarcity, and empower women in local communities.
- Increased Team Engagement: By educating its team weekly, Manchester Central is increasing engagement and awareness around an incredibly important topic.
- Enhanced Reputation: Manchester Central has strengthened its position as a sustainable venue, attracting clients who value environmental responsibility.
How to Find the Right Partner:
- Research Potential Partners: Look for organisations with a proven track record in sustainability initiatives relevant to your event’s needs.
- Align Goals and Values: Ensure that the partner’s sustainability objectives align with your own.
- Assess Impact: Consider the potential environmental and social benefits of the partnership.
By collaborating with sustainable partners like Play It Green, you can significantly enhance your event’s sustainability efforts and make a meaningful difference.
Making Events Sustainable: Wrap-Up
Making your events more sustainable is a rewarding practice that benefits the environment, your attendees, and your brand. By implementing these five tips and collaborating with organisations like Play It Green, you can create memorable events that also make a positive impact on the planet.
Start planning your next event with sustainability in mind. The planet, your attendees, and future generations will thank you.
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