You’re aware that planning an event can be a lot of work. It’s about choosing the right venue as well as setting up your technology, making your guests feel at home and making it memorable. But here’s the thing many of us don’t realize that events can create a massive amount of waste and consume an unimaginable quantity of energy.
It’s time to make the switch. Many are becoming aware that events don’t need to have an enormous environmental impact. It doesn’t matter if you’re putting together a small group of people offsite or an enormous hybrid conference, making sure you promote sustainable events isn’t just the responsible option, it’s also the best option to take.
Why Go Green with Your Event?
This number may surprise you. A three-day event that is attended by 500 people can produce 2,835 kg waste and consume nearly 300,000 kWh of electricity. It’s not just an enormous amount; it’s an opportunity to make improvements.
Sustainability is a major concern for today’s customers. They want their favorite brands to be seen as sustainable. 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.
Cutting the Clutter: Simple Waste Management Wins
Let’s begin with waste. The mess that accumulates at events is usually an opportunity to mine gold. This includes single-use items, food leftovers as well as printed materials and brochures no one ever reads. But with a little intention recycling waste in a sustainable manner is easier than you think.
Here are some small changes which can make a major difference:
1. Ditch disposables: Swap out plastic cups and other utensils with recyclable or compostable alternatives.
2. Instead of printed event program Use apps or QR codes.
3. Give away leftovers. If you’re working with caterers solicit them to give away excess food items to local charitable organizations.
4. Create recycling stations to make it easier for users to dispose of their items in a responsible manner.
Progress is the goal and not perfection. Reducing or diverting garbage is a good step.
Managing Energy Like a Pro (Without being one)
It doesn’t require an engineer to make wise choices regarding energy. Being aware of the amount of energy events consume is the first step towards changing. Strategies for managing energy in events don’t have to mean giving up comfort or tech. You just have to be mindful about how you apply these strategies.
Here are some easy ways to cut down on your energy consumption:
1. Choose venues that have been certified as environmentally sustainable or that use renewable energy sources.
2. Displays and AV using LED lights, make sure to use energy efficient equipment.
3. Hosting virtual or hybrid elements can reduce the need for travel and places.
4. Simple is the best: the most elegant configurations generally require less power.
It’s all about creating a experience that’s as memorable but with less resources.
GreenUP Checklist, Your Secret Weapon
If you’re unsure of how to begin, tools like the GreenUP Checklist can make life significantly easier. The GreenUP Checklist breaks down steps to a sustainable event into simple and achievable steps that can be done, whether it’s working with suppliers on green materials or urging participants to use public transportation.
This checklist is built around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and ensures that you’re aligning with something bigger than just your event.
It is possible to make a difference
In the end, creating sustainable events isn’t about being perfect it’s about being intentional. Whether you take one step or 10 steps, you’re helping to shift the event industry toward something more sustainable.
They will be able to remember your amazing speakers, the fun interaction, as well as the fact that the event was not dated or wasteful. So, take the initiative, be a leader with a purpose and demonstrate to your guests that caring about the planet is a part of the event.
