Sustainability events have become increasingly important in the business and social world. Such events are organised taking social and environmental impact into account and aim to minimise the respective negative effects. In this article we will show you how to organise unforgettable sustainability events, following best practices for planning ecological events, besides sharing ideas and advice so that your events can be as sustainable as possible.
1) Selection of the space
Spaces with renewable energies
The first step in the organisation of a sustainability event is to choose a space that uses 100% renewable energies. It is vital to keep electric power consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as low as possible; the choice of a place that uses clean and renewable energy sources is therefore a must.
Spaces with natural lighting and large windows
It is also recommendable for the space to have good natural lighting and large windows to reduce energy consumption. Whenever possible, it is advisable to hold events during the day, when there is more natural light.
2) Compensating emissions
Programmes to compensate emissions
In some cases, the selected spaces are not emission-neutral and do not employ 100% renewable energy. Various emission compensation programmes exist to compensate for CO2 emissions generated during the event and by the travel of its participants, among them Cero CO2 of the Ecodes Foundation. Such programmes enable calculation of the carbon footprint of any activity, so it can be reduced and any unavoidable emissions compensated for.
3) Zero waste
Control the number of participants
Events usually generate waste, which should be kept to a minimum. One way of achieving this is to control the number of participants, thereby avoiding wastage and unnecessary leftovers.
Reusable or recyclable items
It is also important to choose reusable or recyclable items such as plates, glassware, cutlery, pens and other promo products made of paper or biodegradable materials such as potatoes or maize. Products used in previous events can also be recovered and stored for upcoming events. If you will not be able to use them again, have them appropriately recycled or donate them if they are in good condition.
4) Surrounding area
Responsible suppliers
When you prepare a sustainability event, it is fundamental to have responsible suppliers. This includes selection of the space, which should be sustainable and integrate the social and environmental impact, as well as catering that offers organic and in-season local and locally sourced fair-trade products.
Local collaboration
One way to get involved with the surrounding area is to work with the locality where the event is being held and to support nearby businesses. Suppliers who include the impact in their value chain can also be chosen to decorate the space, purchasing from them the materials that will be used or delivered.
5) Social impact
Collaboration with NGOs or special centres
Sustainability events should not only take into account environmental questions but also social ones. NGOs or special job centres should be worked with whenever possible to contract catering or support personnel for the event’s reception or development, etc. Such collaboration has a triple social, environmental and economic impact, by bringing in people at risk of social exclusion.
6) Accessibility
Accessible spaces
Find spaces that are 100% accessible for everyone. Besides physical access, events increasingly include simultaneous translation into sign language or subtitles, making it easier for people with hearing impairment to follow the meeting.
7) Equality
Parity in the event’s programme
When planning the event’s programme, it is recommendable for panels and the respective speakers and moderators to be as gender-balanced as possible. Other aspects that promote social inclusion can likewise be highlighted.
8) Communication
Commitment to social and environmental impact
The maxim stating that what is not communicated does not exist is applicable to sustainability events. It is necessary to communicate the company’s commitment to social and environmental impact both internally and externally. This can inspire other organisations, clients or personnel to organise sustainable events in the future.
9) Networking
Improved public relations
Events that take social and environmental impact into account help improve the organising company’s public relations with the participants as well as the local community and the area where the gathering is held. This can help open new business opportunities.
10) Positive impact
Benefits for everyone
We all win by holding sustainability events: the organisers, the surrounding area, the suppliers and the planet.
In conclusion, it is possible to maintain an active line in the event organisation strategy while at the same time being a responsible company committed to sustainable development. By following this advice and these practices when planning sustainability events you can organise ecologically-oriented, responsible and successful gatherings that make a difference in the future of green meetings and sustainability in the social and business world.
Spaces with natural lighting and large windows
It is also recommendable for the space to have good natural lighting and large windows to reduce energy consumption. Whenever possible, it is advisable to hold events during the day, when there is more natural light.
2) Compensating emissions
Programmes to compensate emissions
In some cases, the selected spaces are not emission-neutral and do not employ 100% renewable energy. Various emission compensation programmes exist to compensate for CO2 emissions generated during the event and by the travel of its participants, among them Cero CO2 of the Ecodes Foundation. Such programmes enable calculation of the carbon footprint of any activity, so it can be reduced and any unavoidable emissions compensated for.
3) Zero waste
Control the number of participants
Events usually generate waste, which should be kept to a minimum. One way of achieving this is to control the number of participants, thereby avoiding wastage and unnecessary leftovers.
Reusable or recyclable items
It is also important to choose reusable or recyclable items such as plates, glassware, cutlery, pens and other promo products made of paper or biodegradable materials such as potatoes or maize. Products used in previous events can also be recovered and stored for upcoming events. If you will not be able to use them again, have them appropriately recycled or donate them if they are in good condition.
4) Surrounding area
Responsible suppliers
When you prepare a sustainability event, it is fundamental to have responsible suppliers. This includes selection of the space, which should be sustainable and integrate the social and environmental impact, as well as catering that offers organic and in-season local and locally sourced fair-trade products.
Local collaboration
One way to get involved with the surrounding area is to work with the locality where the event is being held and to support nearby businesses. Suppliers who include the impact in their value chain can also be chosen to decorate the space, purchasing from them the materials that will be used or delivered.
5) Social impact
Collaboration with NGOs or special centres
Sustainability events should not only take into account environmental questions but also social ones. NGOs or special job centres should be worked with whenever possible to contract catering or support personnel for the event’s reception or development, etc. Such collaboration has a triple social, environmental and economic impact, by bringing in people at risk of social exclusion.
6) Accessibility
Accessible spaces
Find spaces that are 100% accessible for everyone. Besides physical access, events increasingly include simultaneous translation into sign language or subtitles, making it easier for people with hearing impairment to follow the meeting.
7) Equality
Parity in the event’s programme
When planning the event’s programme, it is recommendable for panels and the respective speakers and moderators to be as gender-balanced as possible. Other aspects that promote social inclusion can likewise be highlighted.
8) Communication
Commitment to social and environmental impact
The maxim stating that what is not communicated does not exist is applicable to sustainability events. It is necessary to communicate the company’s commitment to social and environmental impact both internally and externally. This can inspire other organisations, clients or personnel to organise sustainable events in the future.
9) Networking
Improved public relations
Events that take social and environmental impact into account help improve the organising company’s public relations with the participants as well as the local community and the area where the gathering is held. This can help open new business opportunities.
10) Positive impact
Benefits for everyone
We all win by holding sustainability events: the organisers, the surrounding area, the suppliers and the planet.
In conclusion, it is possible to maintain an active line in the event organisation strategy while at the same time being a responsible company committed to sustainable development. By following this advice and these practices when planning sustainability events you can organise ecologically-oriented, responsible and successful gatherings that make a difference in the future of green meetings and sustainability in the social and business world.
