How does sustainability work at events?

The topic of 'sustainability' often feels overused in corporate discussions, especially concerning events, where it can appear as just an empty buzzword. Companies frequently stress that 'sustainability is crucial to our company and must be reflected in our events.' However, in many cases, the most sustainable event might seem to be no event at all. Yet, this is not the solution. People need to gather, share ideas, and learn from each other. Shared experiences are inspiring and propel us forward. Particularly now, events have immense potential to create lasting changes in mindsets and initiate impactful actions.

As part of the event industry, we believe it's our duty to not only make events as sustainable as possible but also to inspire participants to adopt sustainable practices, contributing to a better world. 'Sustainability' may be a flexible term for now, but in the context of climate protection and climate change, there's a lot events can and must contribute.

Designing sustainable events requires a comprehensive approach that considers environmental impacts, social responsibility, and economic factors.

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To enhance the sustainability of events, we can adopt several approaches and measures:

1. Site Selection: Choose venues that are easily accessible by public transport to minimize private vehicle use. Opt for locations with environmentally friendly infrastructure like solar energy or rainwater harvesting systems.
2. Sustainable Materials: Avoid disposable products and prefer reusable or compostable materials. Use eco-friendly printed materials or digital communication to reduce or eliminate paper waste.
3. Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-efficient lighting and use renewable energy sources where possible. Ensure that technical devices like projectors and sound systems are energy-saving and turned off when not in use. Consider holding meetings outdoors in natural daylight to avoid technology use.
4. Waste Management: Establish effective waste management strategies, set up recycling stations, and encourage proper waste separation. Minimize the use of plastics.
5. Sustainable Food: Offer vegetarian, vegan, local, seasonal, and organic food options. Precise demand planning can help reduce food waste. Allow participants to take leftovers home or donate them.
6. Social Responsibility: Incorporate social responsibility into events by engaging with local non-profits or organizing fundraising campaigns. Ensure diversity and inclusion in the selection of speakers and participants.
7. Sustainable Transportation: Encourage the use of public transport by providing information on alternatives. Offer bicycle parking or arrange carpools to lower CO2 emissions.
8. Measurement and Communication: Collect data on the environmental and social impact of the event to identify areas for improvement. Actively communicate sustainability efforts and encourage participant involvement.

These steps are just a few ways to make events more sustainable. It's crucial for both clients and organizers to actively engage with these issues and continually seek ways to make their events more eco-friendly and socially responsible. What are your thoughts? How can we further enhance the sustainability of events?