If you have ever planned an event, you’ll know how much effort goes into choosing the perfect venue and putting in the technology. And of course, making the event memorable for guests. But there’s something that a lot of us forget that events can create a massive amount of waste and consume an impressive quantity of energy.
It’s time to make an impact. Many are becoming aware that events don’t have to have an enormous environmental impact. It doesn’t matter if you’re putting together a small team on site or a massive hybrid conference, making sure you promote sustainable events isn’t only the responsible thing to do it’s the right choice to make.
Why is it important to go green for your event?
It’s possible that you’ll be surprised by this number: A typical three-day event with 500 people can produce approximately 2,835kg waste and use up to 300000 kWh of electricity. It’s not just a large number it’s a big opportunity to improve.
Today’s attendees care about sustainability. They want to see their favorite companies and brands walking the ethical code. When you take steps toward sustainable event planning, you’re not just helping the planet you’re showing your audience that your values go beyond the stage or the screen.
Simple Waste Management: The best way to reduce clutter
Let’s start with the trash. The pile of garbage that is left at events is often an excellent source of gold. It can be comprised of single-use items, food leftovers as well as printed materials and brochures that aren’t read by anyone. The sustainable management of waste is more simple than you imagine.
Here are a few minor adjustments that go a big way:
1. Replace disposables with compostable, or recyclable alternatives.
2. Utilize QR codes or event apps instead of printed programs.
3. Give away leftovers. If you’re working with caterers solicit them to donate excess food items to local charities.
4. Create recycling stations to allow users to dispose of their objects in a responsible way.
It is about progress, not perfection. The reduction or elimination of waste is a positive step.
Managing energy like professional (without being one)
It doesn’t require an engineer to make the right choices regarding energy. The first step to change is to be aware about the amount of power that events use. When we discuss strategies to manage energy for events, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up comfort or modern technology. It just means that you must be aware of the ways in which they are utilized.
Here are some simple ways to decrease energy consumption:
1. Choose sites that have been certified as environmentally sustainable or that use sustainable energy sources.
2. For displays and AV using LED lights, make sure to use energy efficient equipment.
3. Hosting virtual elements or hybrid elements will decrease the need for travel and places.
4. Simple is best: the most elegant configurations are those that use less power.
Create an experience that has similar impact, but with less resources.
The GreenUP Checklist: Your Secret Weapon
If you’re wondering what to do next Tools such as the GreenUP Checklist can make life significantly easier. The checklist breaks every step into clear actionable steps.
This checklist is designed around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and ensures that you’re aligned with something greater that just your particular event.
You have the power to Change the World
At the end of the day, promoting sustainable events isn’t about becoming perfect, but rather being deliberate. You can aid in helping the industry move to the right direction by taking the smallest or most important steps.
The event you host will be remembered due to its speakers, interactions and the fact that it did not appear old-fashioned or wasteful. Set the tone with intention and make sure to show that the event was about protecting our planet.