Given the escalating severity of the climate crisis, now more than ever we should be thinking about the impact our events have on the environment. Did you know that each international event emits (on average) 2,000+ tonnes of greenhouse gases — equivalent to what approximately 270 UK citizens emit in a whole year.
By implementing sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce this number and together we can work towards net-zero events and a sustainable future for the industry!
So how do we do this?
One of the best ways to promote sustainability within events is reducing waste. We can do this by minimising materials, reusing and recycling wherever possible. Want to hear another shocking statistic? The UK produces approx. 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, much of which is single-use plastic products that could easily be replaced with more eco-friendly alternatives.
Another important aspect is sourcing products and resources sustainably. Choosing to work with eco-friendly vendors and choosing products made from biodegradable, recycled materials can make a big difference. Every tonne of recycled paper saves 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water and 3 cubic yards of landfill space.
As we all know, transport is the largest contributor to carbon emissions for the vast majority of events. 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK come from transportation, so by using public transit, electric vehicles, or carpooling to events we can greatly reduce our impact on the environment.
Finally, and one item we believe is key to setting the scene for any sustainable event, is choosing a venue which either boast strong sustainable values, or are LEED/BREEAM certified. Venues with low water usage, energy-efficient equipment, or those made from recycled materials can make a significant impact on your total event emissions, which is why you should seriously consider this within your event planning/venue finding process.
Final thoughts...
Using sustainable event planning practices not only benefits the environment but also can save costs. By reducing resource and energy usage, businesses can save on expenses. And no, this doesn't mean turning all your events virtual (a subject we will cover at a later date).
With this in mind, what stops businesses from promoting sustainability at their events? Is it lack of knowledge? Ignorance? Lack of budget?
It’s always great to explore the subject with our wider industry network and we would love to hear about some of the constraints and challenges you come up against when approaching your event with a sustainable mindset.
Let's work together to create a sustainable future for the event industry.
About Zentive Agency
Zentive is a sustainable events agency in London focused on doing good. By integrating technology and following sustainable event practices, we create eco-friendly events that help you connect, reward and motivate your audience whilst leaving a lasting positive impact on the world. We believe in constantly pushing the boundaries of event planning and execution, embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative concepts, and immersive experiences. Our goal is to ensure that each event we organise leaves a lasting impact on attendees, participants, all stakeholders along the value chain, and the planet.