Corporate event programmes that are kinder to the planet,
whilst still delivering incredible client experiences.
Not every sustainability tick box is about the environment - but many are. Good for the climate & soul, sustainable events are the present & future of the industry. There is a common misconception that for an event to be sustainable, it simply has to address issues of carbon and waste. Whilst economic and social factors are hugely important in achieving sustainability, the environment does form a significant part of the UN sustainability goals, both directly and indirectly. The good news is that with a bit of planning, sustainable events that care for our world, are both possible and extraordinarily good.
Academics focussing on sustainability argue it is easier to explain what is not sustainable, than what is. With that in mind, an event involving long-haul flights, a destination or accommodation powered by a non-renewable electricity grid or activities and entertainment whose activities or supply chains involve carbon-intensive operations – these will not lead to sustainable events. You don’t even need to crunch the numbers to appreciate that a Dutch event, reached by Eurostar, is likely better for the world than a jaunt to Saudi Arabia.
With all the renewable energy targets been published right now, it is easy to forget that there are destinations that already hum to the rhythm of renewably sourced electrons. Norway is a country that has now practically achieved 100% electricity generation from renewable sources - it's next goal is to tap its further resources for export. This clean power is being put to practical use with the highest per capita ownership of fully electric cars in the world, whilst public buses swish past, powered by battery. Additionally, ferry fleets are being upgraded to be hydrogen and electric powered.
There are destinations that are also pushing the boundaries of local renewable power. Laax ski resort in Switzerland is powered by renewable electricity through regional schemes but it is developing its own local power additionally, with buildings wrapped in PV panels, local hydroelectric schemes, and wind power plants. The more than can be generated locally, the more there is remaining to power the rest of Switzerland and its neighbours.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE EVENTS - WHAT TO EXPECT
SUSTAINABILITY CREDENTIALS
To be clear, for an event to be sustainable, a wide range of social, economic, and environmental factors must be addressed. That said, environmental factors feature heavily in the UN sustainable development goals, the cornerstone of all credible eco-label, sustainability awards. Environmentally sustainable events are about moving by electron (wherever possible) rather than explosive gases, where the electricity grid is mostly or fully decarbonised, and where land and sea-based activities have minimal impacts on the ecology of the terrain. Accommodation, activity, entertainment, and dining providers can obtain sustainability accreditation where their activities are recognised to minimise their environmental impacts.
SUSTAINABLE PLEASURES
Environmental sustainability is about changing behaviours and in many cases the outcomes are as good for the client experience as they are for the environment. London to Paris, Rotterdam, or Amsterdam by air - really? In this case sustainability is not kill-joy, far more so a wake-up call – save time and whole world of queuing & stress by going from the centre of one European capital to another. Work, read, eat, and drink, whilst slashing carbon footprints. Hotels, restaurants, resort taxis and coaches running on electrons are all joyously harmonious. Try a Norwegian fjord cruise, perched on a vast diesel motor, then sample one powered by electricity, where nature and the sound of waves are audible and the air breathable – life changing moments!
WHY PLAN A SUSTAINABLE EVENT?
As well as being truly inspirational, sustainable corporate events are increasingly important to align with organisational values. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies operate in most enterprises, with supply chains being particularly relevant for event planners needing to meet CSR criteria – ensuring that these supply chains operate in accordance with the values prescribed in the organisation’s CSR policy.
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is another policy driver of sustainability in the event planning process. ESG is recognised for its measurable sustainability outcomes, with these impacts particularly relevant for an organisation planning an event, with all the associated travel and consumption requirements.
MORE SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATIONS FOR EVENT PLANNERS
Truly credible sustainability accredition, in the form of national eco-label schemes all have the UN sustainable development goals as their starting point.
As well as the environment, social and economic factors determine the sustainability of an event. You can find more information on sustainability frameworks and topics below.
Organise a sustainable corporate event with Jagged Horizons.
Email or call us on +44 (0) 20 8123 7817.
Provide a little information as to your sustainable event brief and we can begin to develop some initial ideas for you.