Environmental concerns are infiltrating event planning as the concerns about climate change rapidly increase. Sustainable event planning is a great start in doing your bit to minimize the effects of climate change for future generations.
If you are a business hosting an event, whether a large-scale event or one of many smaller ones, these can unknowingly have a severe impact on the environment. You are responsible for being knowledgeable about event sustainability. It will enable you to make necessary changes and host a sustainable event. Not only will you positively impact the environment by practicing sustainable event management, but you will also demonstrate that your company is playing its part in being eco-friendly!
Carry on reading below for an insight into event sustainability, including sustainable event ideas and how to organize a sustainable event.
What is event sustainability?
Before we delve into how to host a sustainable event, we must understand what event sustainability is.
Simply put, a sustainable event has considered the environment in its planning and is actively mitigating the negative environmental consequences that could arise from the event. An event sustainability plan might include sustainable practices such as saving water and reducing, reusing, and recycling to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
How to organize a sustainable event
Follow our sustainable event checklist below to host an environmentally friendly event:
Work out the environmental impact of your event.
To work out the environmental impact of your event, you must highlight the areas that will likely be the least environmentally friendly. Places you should consider include:
- The food you will be serving.
- The materials used (i.e., will there be significant amounts of paper and plastic)?
- The transportation used by attendees to get to your event.
Choose the right venue.
Some venues across the country are trying harder than others to protect the environment. To support you in implementing your event sustainability plan, pick an environmentally friendly site.
Green flags for sustainable venues include:
- Signs to remember to recycle
- Recycling stations throughout the forum – not just waste bins
- Willing to listen to your sustainability goals
- Smart energy
- Water-efficient appliances
Think about your food and drink
You will likely be serving food and drink at your event, so think wisely about what you do and how you serve it is integral to any event sustainability plan.
Vegan and vegetarian options will often be the most environmentally friendly choice. You could consider going entirely meat-free for your event or offering a predominately meat-free menu if you want to commit only some.
Furthermore, choosing local produce is excellent for your carbon footprint. By buying locally, you are reducing emissions from traveling long distances and financially benefitting the venue’s local community.
Lastly, you should be conscious of any food waste and be sure to put leftovers to good use – donating any uneaten food to a local food shelter is a solid option.
Consider transportation
To maximize your event’s sustainability, you not only need to consider your actions as planners, but you need to consider the sustainable practice of your attendees.
To increase the sustainability of your event, encourage your attendees to travel via public transport instead of arriving by car. Choosing a venue that is within walking distance of a train or bus station can especially encourage the use of public transport.
Reduce or eliminate plastic
Plastic is a known enemy of climate scientists. Plastic is made from non-renewable resources, and toxic emissions are released when it is created.
Again, returning to refreshments, avoid using plastic cups and cutlery. Additionally, when decorating the venue, avoid single-use items.
Reduce or eliminate paper
Of course, paper is more sustainable than plastic, but there is not much need.
For instance, there is no longer a need for physical tickets. If your event is ticketed, these can be issued and processed digitally.
Ensure the location has proper recycling stations if you cannot remove the paper.
Reduce water usage
Instead of handing out water bottles at your venue, you can encourage attendees to bring their reusable water bottles and refill them at intervals at water stations across the platform—it prevents water from being unnecessarily wasted.
Avoid unnecessary printing
If you are hosting a conference or a corporate event of a similar nature, it might be tempting to print handouts of information to hand to your attendees. It is simply unnecessary and will contribute to a surplus of paper being used. Instead, you can use interactive projectors. Handout materials can be made available digitally instead, generating additional data collection points for you as attendees register and download.
Additionally, you can use projectors to display your company logo across the venue instead of printing headers and banners.
Choose LED lighting
LED lighting is the most environmentally friendly lighting option. It is because LED lights use less power per unit of sunshine which ensures that carbon emissions are reduced.
You might be used to fluorescent lighting, but worry not – plenty can still be done with LED. You can use different colored bulbs to create different lighting moods using LEDs, all at a lesser cost to the environment!
Are you planning a sustainable event?
This event sustainability guide will help you host a more sustainable event in the future.
If you have an upcoming event, consider hiring an event photographer as part of the preparation process.
Through Splento, you can book an event photographer instantly and with little fuss. Splento photograph a wide range of events – from concerts to gala balls and school formals. When you book an event photographer for your sustainable event through Splento, you can expect to receive your fully edited photos in 24 hours!
Contact Splento today to ensure your sustainable event is one to remember!
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