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 must 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. Yet, with a little planning, sustainable events, 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 – will not lead to a sustainable event.
With all the renewable energy targets being 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 100% electricity generation from renewable sources - the next goal is export.
This clean power is being put to practical use, with the world's highest per capita ownership of fully electric cars, whilst public buses swish past, powered by battery. Additionally, ferry fleets are being upgraded to be hydrogen and electric-powered.
Some destinations are also pushing the boundaries of local renewable power. Laax ski resort in Switzerland is powered by renewable electricity through regional schemes, yet it is developing local power additionally, with buildings wrapped in PV panels, local hydroelectric schemes, and wind power plants. The more than is generated locally, the more there is remaining to power the rest of Switzerland and its neighbours.
Besides being inspirational, sustainable corporate events are increasingly important in 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 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.
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.
Environmental sustainability is about changing behaviours, with, in many cases the outcomes 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 a killjoy, far more so a wake-up call – save time and a whole world of queuing & stress by going from the centre of one European capital to another. Work, read, eat, drink or sleep, whilst sustainably 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!
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. You can find more information on sustainability frameworks and topics below.
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