Sustainability is all about our impact on the destination and the wider world. If we dine at a restaurant chain, then we create some local jobs, but unfortunately, not much more. Sustainability means enhancing the destination by supporting its suppliers.
This means dining in restaurants indelibly linked to a destination whose wealth stays there, and supply chains nourish the local economy. This way, the joyous experience of a regional menu is sustained for future visitors and generations.
Along with the economic and cultural impacts, locally sourced apples that appear on restaurant tables in the form of cider help to lower carbon emissions. Sustainability is about culture, regional identity, and local employment opportunities.
Hosting a meeting in a local cultural venue adds to the revenue stream of that institution, ensuring it continues to play a role in the destination today and in the future. Activities are often tied to a local population - take surf lessons in a local community, which nourishes the whole socio-economic system.
In addition to being truly inspirational, sustainable corporate events are increasingly important for aligning 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 comply with the values prescribed in the organisation’s CSR policy.
Environmental social responsibility (ESG) is another driver of sustainability in the event planning process. ESG is recognised for its measurable sustainability outcomes, which are particularly relevant for an organisation planning an event with all the associated travel and consumption requirements.
It's important to note that for an event to be sustainable, it needs to consider a wide range of social, economic, and environmental factors. Environmental factors are a key part of the UN's sustainable development goals, which are the foundation of all credible eco-label sustainability awards.
Environmentally sustainable events prioritize electric transportation whenever possible, as opposed to using explosive gases. Additionally, the electricity grid should be mostly or fully decarbonized, and land and sea-based activities should have minimal impacts on the surrounding ecology. Accommodation, activity, entertainment, and dining providers can receive sustainability accreditation if their activities are proven to minimize their environmental impact.
Environmental sustainability involves changing behaviours, and in many cases, the results are beneficial for both the client experience and the environment. Is flying from London to Paris, Rotterdam, or Amsterdam really necessary? In this scenario, sustainability is not painful; it's a wake-up call. Travelling from the centre of one European capital to another can save time and avoid the stress of long queues.
Work, read, eat, and drink while reducing your carbon footprint. Hotels, restaurants, resort taxis, and coaches powered by electricity are all wonderfully harmonious. Experience a Norwegian fjord cruise powered by electricity, where you can hear the sound of waves and breathe clean air - these are life-changing moments!
Truly credible sustainability accreditation, in the form of national eco-label schemes, all have the UN sustainable development goals as their starting point.
Besides the environment, social and economic factors determine an event's sustainability. Below is more information on practical sustainability frameworks and topics.
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