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Simple Ways to Create Sustainable Events

What is the blog about?
The blog discusses ways to create sustainable events by integrating simple eco-friendly practices.

Who should read it?
Event planners, corporate event managers, and anyone involved in event management who is interested in reducing the environmental impact of their events.

Why should you care?
Sustainable events not only help reduce the environmental footprint but also can lead to cost savings, attract sponsors, and promote a positive brand image.

What can you do with it?
Incorporate eco-friendly techniques into every aspect of event planning and execution to create a positive impact on the environment, save cost, and enhance brand image.

While conferences like ‘The World Sustainable Development Summit 2023’ and World Sustainable Energy Days (WSED) are becoming talk of the town, how can we refrain from discussing sustainable events?  After all, the events industry is responsible for 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: United Nations Environment Programme)

Green Event Ideas - Channel Technologies

Events, whether they are B2C events, B2B Events, festivals, or concerts, have a significant impact on the environment for all the obvious reasons. Events generate waste, consume energy and water, and contribute to carbon emissions. Talking about corporate events in particular, companies have started to recognize the importance of reducing their environmental footprint and minimizing their impact on the planet.

No wonder sustainable event planning is becoming increasingly popular! The concept of eco friendly event planning involves the integration of sustainable practices throughout all stages of the event planning process, including design, production, operation, and post-event evaluation.

Principles of Event Sustainability:

The Events Industry Council (EIC) gave 4 Principles for Sustainable Events as a roadmap for event planners:

Principles of Event Sustainability - Channel Technologies

  1. Event organisers and suppliers share responsibility for implementing and communicating sustainable practices to their stakeholders​.
  2. Basic environmental practices include:
  • Conservation of resources, including water, energy and natural resources
  • Waste management
  • Carbon emissions reduction and management
  • Supply chain management and responsible purchasing
  • Biodiversity preservation
  1. Basic social considerations include:
  • Universal human rights
  • Community impacts
  • Labour practices
  • Respect for culture
  • Safety and security
  • Health and well-being
  1. Sustainable events support thriving economic practices through:
  • Collaboration and partnerships
  • Local support, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
  • Stakeholder participation
  • Equitable economic impact
  • Transparency
  • Responsible governance

Before we move on to discuss how you can deliver sustainable events, there is a common myth that needs to be debunked. It is usually believed that sustainable events are only possible when you have a big budget. Well, on the contrary, sustainable event management can help save you a lot of money. Implementing energy-efficient practices and waste reduction strategies can lead to lower energy bills and waste management costs. Moreover, sustainable events can attract new sponsors who are interested in supporting environmentally responsible events.

Here are some green event ideas that will make a huge difference:

REDUCING LANDFILL WASTE

Using Eco-friendly Décor - Channel Technologies

  • Choosing Sustainable Venues:

You must look for venues that have a commitment to sustainability, such as those that have been certified by sustainability organizations, use renewable energy, or have efficient water and waste management practices. If possible, host your events outdoors!

  • Using Eco-Friendly Décor/ Branding:

You should opt for eco-friendly décor. For instance you can replace flex with recycled materials or fabric.

REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS

Reducing Transportation Emissions - Channel Technologies

  • Reducing Transportation Emissions:

You can incentivize your attendees to use public transportation or carpool to the event. You must ensure that you hold the event in a central location to reduce travel time and emissions.

  • Virtual and Hybrid Event Platforms:

One of the most effective sustainable event ideas that is rising in popularity is hybrid/ virtual event marketing. Since participation in such events is remote/ partially remote, the need for travel and associated carbon emissions is reduced considerably.

  • Live Streaming and Recording:

By live streaming and recording events, you can extend the life of the event. This will reduce the environmental impact by reducing travel, minimizing waste, lowering energy usage, and increasing access.

REDUCING PAPER WASTE

QR Codes - Channel Technologies

  • Event Registration and Check-in Software:

The Green Meeting Industry Council estimates that the average conference attendee generates 1.89 kilograms (4.17 pounds) of waste per day, of which about 25% is paper waste. Using digital registration and check-in software (with QR codes) can eliminate the need for paper-based systems to a huge extent.

  • QR Codes:

While QR codes can be a useful tool in making the check-in process paperless, they can also be can be placed on signs or banners to direct attendees to digital signage. Further, they can be used by attendees to access additional information or participate in a game/ contest or provide feedback.

REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Energy Consumption - Channel Technologies

  • LED Lighting and Energy-efficient Equipment:

Using LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment can significantly reduce energy consumption. This includes using solar-powered generators, energy-efficient projectors, speakers, and other AV equipment. An easy way to figure this out is to choose items that are Energy Star-rated.

  • RFID and NFC Technology:

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication) are two related technologies that allow data to be transmitted wirelessly. At events, they can be used for access control and facilitating cashless payments. These technologies can also be used to track attendee and exhibitor movements at events, facilitate interactive experiences for attendees, track session attendance and provide real-time session data.

Conclusion:

Now that you know how you can deliver sustainable events, we would like to wrap up the blog by stating why sustainable event management is essential for success. If you make sustainability an important part of your event strategy, your events are more likely to gain support and loyalty from attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders. Moreover, sustainability in events can also help to promote a positive brand image for your business as it demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Being in the event industry for 25+ years, we at Channel Technologies, have seen this shift towards sustainability up close. If you’re looking for a physical, virtual or hybrid event agency in India, one that can help you execute the event end-to-end while following the principles of event sustainability, contact us!

FAQs:

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  • Reduce, reuse, and recycle
  • Conserve energy
  • Use sustainable transportation
  • Reduce plastic usage
  • Support sustainable businesses

An example of a sustainability event is a zero-waste event. The goal of a zero-waste event is to reduce the environmental impact of the event and promote sustainable practices:

  • Providing reusable or compostable dishes, cups, and utensils to attendees.
  • Setting up clearly labeled recycling, composting, and trash bins to encourage proper waste disposal.
  • Offering free water refilling stations to reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles used.
  • Working with food vendors to use sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Promoting sustainable transportation options, such as making arrangements for carpooling.

The 5Ps of the Sustainable Development Goals are- People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership

Sustainable events are necessary to protect the environment, promote social responsibility, generate economic benefits, enhance brand reputation, and comply with laws and regulations.

There are many eco-friendly materials that can be used for events. Here are some examples:

  • Biodegradable plates, cups
  • Recyclable or compostable decorations
  • Reusable signage
  • Energy-efficient lighting
  • Refillable water stations, reusable water bottles

Author

  • Niraj Davar

    Niraj Davar is an IT industry veteran and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience. He holds a B.Tech from IIT Delhi and a PGDM from IIM Ahmedabad. Having closely witnessed the evolution of technology, Niraj brings a unique perspective to his writing. He shares his insights on technological advancements, marketing strategies, business transformation, and innovation, guiding readers through the complexities of the digital age.

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