If you have ever planned an event you know just how much effort goes into choosing the best venue and putting in the tech. And of course, making it memorable for your guests. But what a lot of us overlook the fact that events can produce a massive amount of waste and consume an unimaginable amount of energy.
It’s the right time to make an effort to change. People are becoming more aware. are realizing that events do not necessarily have to leave an enormous environmental footprint. No matter whether you’re hosting a smaller team on site or a massive hybrid conference, making sure you promote sustainable events isn’t just the right thing to do it’s the right thing to do.
Why Green Your Event?
This number might surprise you. An event lasting three days that has 500 attendees could produce 285 kg of waste and use nearly 300,000kWh of electricity. It’s not just a large number but also an enormous opportunity to improve.
Today’s attendees are interested in sustainability. They want to see evidence that their favorite businesses and brands are living up to their claims. 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 begin with waste. Even the smallest of events can result in a great deal of clutter. There’s single-use plastics and food waste. Additionally, there could be printed brochures which no one has read. The sustainable management of waste is much simpler than you think.
Here are a few modifications that go a very long way:
1. Change to compostable or reusable alternatives to plastic cups and other utensils.
2. Print-free: Use event apps or QR codes instead of printed documents.
3. Donate leftovers. If you are working with caterers request that they donate leftover food items to local charitable organizations.
4. Create recycling stations in order to assist people to dispose of their items in a responsible manner.
The aim isn’t perfect, it’s advancement. Reducing or diverting the waste produced is a good thing.
You can manage your energy like professional (without being one)
Making smart energy decisions doesn’t need you to be an engineer expert. The first step in making a change is to be aware of the power that events use. Strategies for managing energy in events do not require the loss of comfort or technology. It’s just important to be mindful about how they are used.
Here are some simple ways to decrease energy consumption:
1. Select venues that have been certified as being sustainable or that are utilizing sustainable energy sources.
2. For AV and displays make use of LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment.
3. You can organize virtual or hybrid events in order in order to minimize travel and venue costs.
4. Simple is best: most elegant configurations tend to require less power.
The goal is to create a experience that is just as powerful however, it’s less resource-intensive.
GreenUP Checklist, Your Secret Weapon
If you’re unsure of what to do next, tools like the GreenUP Checklist can make life significantly simpler. The GreenUP Checklist breaks down steps for sustainable events into simple and achievable steps that can be done, whether it’s cooperating with suppliers to create green materials or urging participants to use public transportation.
The Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations are the basis for this checklist. So you’ll know that your event is tied to something much bigger.
You’re in the position to make a difference
Promoting sustainable events doesn’t mean that you’re perfect, it means being intentional. You can aid in helping the industry change to the right direction by taking one or ten steps.
People will remember the great speakers, the entertaining interactions, and of course the aspect that the event didn’t feel wasteful or outdated. Make sure that your attendees know that respect for the environment is a part of the overall event by leading with purpose.