sustainability

Get on board the sustainability train (or get left behind)

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Sustainability isn’t a bandwagon, it’s a train that’s leaving the station #eventprofs need to get on board, or get left behind!

Remember how things were shifting in late 2021?

As in-person gatherings began to return, it became critical for event organisers, digital platforms, and venues to move from merely talking about sustainability as their top focus to actually implementing sustainable practices. Many have started this transition to some degree.

To recap;

Why ‘sustainability’?

Sustainability is not ‘just’ an ethical choice; it’s a business imperative. Clients and attendees are increasingly discerning in their selection of events, looking for those that demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Taking sustainability seriously can be a USP, setting your event apart from the many others that have yet to adopt practices.

New advances in tech are helping to make events more sustainable much more easily. From virtual and hybrid event options that reduce travel-related emissions to smart waste solutions, embracing the latest tech solutions can significantly mitigate an event’s environmental footprint. Ignoring tech advancements is not only a missed opportunity for innovation but also risks rendering your events obsolete. The market is rapidly-shifting and sustainability is now seen as a key indicator of quality and responsibility.

Finally, cross-sector collaboration can’t be underestimated in driving the agenda forward. Industry associations, government bodies, and even competitors can offer valuable insights and resources for enhancing practices and solutions. Attending or organising events and forums (below) that focus on sharing best practices in sustainability can amplify collective impact, creating a more substantial change than any single entity could achieve on its own.

Room for improvement

There’s significant room for improvement in our industry. Notably, key players in the event sustainability landscape likely only engage with a fraction—perhaps less than 1%—of the entire event market. This implies that a large percentage of events are neither assessed for their environmental impact nor reported on.

Legislation is fortunately evolving.

Kudos to Prestige Events for spearheading the focus on sustainability with their first Sustainable Event Show at the Barbican in November 2021. event:decision contributed by measuring and reporting on the event; and by collating topics and panelists supporting the event’s subject matter and diverse range of speakers.

A variety of sustainable events and shows have been launched since then, and the current season is just kicking off.

Recent data from EY reveals that “36% of companies are well-progressed in their ESG commitments,” indicating an impending uptick in transparent reporting against ESG goals, stimulating business innovation, and bolstering supply chain sustainability.

For actionable insights, stay tuned with Event:decision in the upcoming months and consider attending:

– The CN Sustainability Summit

– Event Sustainability Live

– The Sustainable Event Show

There’s likely room for you at any of these events; make it a point to attend at least one.

The saying holds true: if you don’t make sustainability a priority, your competitors will.

So, it’s time to get on board; this movement is headed in only one direction—forward!

New UK Sustainability Disclosure Standards: Why Do They Matter?

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An Insight into the New Reporting Mandate and its Impact on the Events Industry

The UK government recently unveiled plans to create Sustainability Disclosure Standards, that mirror the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) legislation. This means that companies will be obliged to report on their Scope 3 (supply chain) emissions.

What is the EU’s CSRD and why does it matter?

Before understanding the UK’s decision, it’s essential to know the context. The EU’s CSRD is a legislation aiming to ensure that companies operating within the EU provide accurate, reliable, and consistent information about their sustainability practices. One key aspect of the CSRD is the focus on Scope 3 emissions.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions resulting from a company’s operations, but which aren’t directly owned or controlled by them. In simpler terms, it includes emissions from a company’s supply chain – such as those produced by the emissions from the manufacture of any products they purchase or any emissions related to employee work-related travel.

UK’s Step towards Sustainability Disclosure Standards:

Post-Brexit, the UK is building its own set of standards which mirror the EU CSRD. This move aims at ensuring that businesses in the UK align with global sustainability reporting standards. In a nutshell, just like their EU counterparts, many UK-based companies will soon be obliged to report on their Scope 3 emissions.

Navigating the Jargon – A Quick Guide to Sustainability Acronyms

AcronymStands forDescription
IFRSInternational Financial Reporting StandardsThese are international accounting standards set by the IFRS Foundation and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). They guide how specific types of transactions and other events should be reported in financial statements.
ISSBInternational Sustainability Standards BoardAn offshoot of the IFRS Foundation, the ISSB focuses on creating a global set of sustainability reporting standards, filling the need for clear, consistent, and comparable information on sustainability performance.
PICPublic Interest CommitmentThis term emphasises an organisation's commitment to prioritise the general public's welfare over the interests of its stakeholders. In a sustainability context, it can mean efforts undertaken by companies that benefit the environment and society, even if they don't directly boost profits.
SDSSustainability Disclosure StandardsStandards relating to the reporting of a company's sustainability practices. They often pertain to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, ensuring transparency and uniformity in sustainability reporting.
TACTotal Actual CostWhile not exclusive to sustainability, TAC is a comprehensive assessment of all costs associated with a project or an investment. For event professionals, this can involve calculating the total cost of making an event sustainable, including costs related to sustainable materials, technologies, and practices.
TCFDask Force on Climate-related Financial DisclosuresA market-driven initiative, aiming to increase and standardise companies' disclosure of climate-related financial risks and opportunities. The information allows investors, lenders, and insurance underwriters to make informed decisions.

Implications for the Events Industry:

If you’re an event prof or planner, you might be wondering, “What does this mean for me?” Let’s break down the implications:

  • Vendor and supplier selection: Eventprofs rely on a vast network of suppliers – from caterers to logistics and equipment rentals. With the new standards, event planners will need to consider the carbon footprint of their entire supply chain. This means that suppliers with transparent and better environmental practices will have a competitive edge.
  • Venue selection: Venues could be a significant part of the Scope 3 emissions for an event. Venues that are sustainable, eco-friendly, or have green certifications may become more attractive options for events.
  • Comprehensive reporting: For larger events, especially those by global corporations, the carbon footprint of the event may need to be reported. This includes everything – from the energy used to power the stage lights to the emissions from the vehicles transporting attendees to and from the event.
  • Client expectations: Given that companies will be more accountable for their Scope 3 emissions, it is likely they will exert pressure on event planners to ensure that events are as sustainable as possible. This will lead to a rise in client expectations regarding sustainable practices in event planning.
  • Opportunity for ‘Green’ marketing: Events that can shout about their low carbon footprint or sustainability measures can use it as a USP (unique selling proposition). This could be a differentiating factor in a competitive market.

Preparing for the shift:

For event professionals, the introduction of these standards doesn’t just represent a challenge but also an opportunity. Here are some steps to consider:

Measure: Consider employing tools or services that help in measuring the carbon footprint of your events. Regular reporting can provide insights into areas of improvement and help in making informed decisions.

Educate: Stay updated on the latest regulations and understand how they directly impact the events industry. This knowledge will ensure you remain compliant, but also ahead of the curve.

Collaborate: Start building relationships with suppliers who prioritise sustainability. They can provide insight, innovations, and best practices that can enhance the green credentials of your event.

Communicate: Engage with your clients and communicate the importance of sustainable practices, reinforcing trust and demonstrating your commitment to responsible event planning.

Sustainability is not a buzzword; it’s rapidly becoming an integral part of business operations across all industries. For event planners and professionals in the UK, understanding and adapting to the Sustainability Disclosure Standards is not just about compliance, but also about being relevant, competitive and profitable. The legislation may introduce new complexities but it also offers a chance for the events industry to be at the forefront of sustainable change, setting the bar high for corporate responsibility and green initiatives.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how our event carbon footprint calculator – track – could help measure and report on your event’s carbon footprint for SDS compliance and reporting requirements, get in touch. We’re the market-leading experts in sustainable reporting for events.

Event Sustainability: Smoke And Mirrors?

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Sometimes, word on the show-floor contradicts published policy.

The events industry has made some great strides in terms of sustainability over the last few years alone. But, we must keep working hard to transform our industry, alongside all those we work with. There’s no finish line in this journey, and the key lies in finding the best trade-offs to reduce our carbon footprint while delivering memorable experiences. How can we focus on really meaningful actions that go beyond superficial gestures, avoiding smoke and mirrors or so-called greenwashing in events?

1. Celebrate Progress and Keep Pushing Forward:

We need to start by recognising and celebrating the real progress the events industry has already made towards sustainability. The reduction of average hotel greenhouse gas emissions by 30.42% between 2019 and 2021, as reported in the 2023 Cornell Index, shows that collective efforts can yield positive results on the venue side. Nevertheless, we must continue pushing boundaries and striving for even greater achievements. As Martin Fuller says;

“There’s no finish line here”

Martin Fuller, Davis Tanner

2. Uncover the True Impact of Events:

We’ve said this many time before on this blog but it’s worth repeating that truly sustainable events require a holistic approach. While incorporating reusable cups or badges made from seeded-paper isn’t nothing, we can’t throw around the world ‘sustainable’ when that’s all that we’ve done, or forget the really significant hidden impacts behind the scenes. Delegate travel, accommodation, and waste management often remains unseen, yet they can contribute considerably to an event’s footprint. Travel and accommodation isn’t visible on the show floor, yet they’re almost always the largest factors (by up to four times) in an event’s carbon footprint. Similarly, you don’t always see the waste left behind in the show-floor skips once the visitors and brands have departed, despite assurances of a ‘sustainable supply chain’. Addressing all these factors is essential to achieving genuine sustainability.

3. Think Strategically and Act Tactically:

Event and agency savings can be substantial through strategic event design and more tactical measures. When selecting destinations and venues, prioritise locations that are accessible via public transport and then those that promote eco-friendly practices. Encourage local transport usage and sustainable menu choices for catering. Opt for build materials that are reusable, recyclable, or have low environmental impact. Additionally, consider digital alternatives to minimise printed materials – there’s no greenwashing in events about any of these choices.

4. Set Sustainable Standards with Expo Stand Design:

Expo stand designers and builders can play a vital role in promoting sustainability. Encourage the use of more reusable or recyclable materials, but also using local crew and management. Build firms have made massive steps in providing more re-usable or recyclable materials. Event:decision works with one build firm that consistently demonstrates 20-40% year-on-year reductions in materials, crew and transport-related emissions, with no impact, through careful thought and deliberate decision making.

5. Embrace Trade-Offs:

A wise man once said;

“There are no solutions, only trade-offs. Striving for complete sustainability may be unrealistic, but making the best trade-offs we can is achievable”.

Thomas Sowell

So, aim for continuous improvement, looking for ways to minimise environmental impact without compromising the event’s success.

6. Lead by Example and Hold Others Accountable:

As event planners, we must exemplify sustainable practices ourselves and hold our partners and suppliers to the same high standards. Collaboration is key – by working together, we can influence positive change across the industry. Praise and support firms that consistently prioritise sustainability while also raising concerns and encouraging improvements where necessary.

Sustainability in event planning is an ongoing journey with no definitive endpoint. It requires dedication, innovation, and collaboration to make meaningful strides. By looking beyond the surface and addressing the less visible aspects of events, we can create experiences that are both memorable and environmentally responsible and minimise greenwashing in events. Let’s maintain our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the good work of the majority isn’t tarnished by the few who fail to do the right thing when no one is watching.