June 2025 - event:decision

Raising the Bar: What 2025 is teaching us about responsible events

It’s been just over a year since event:decision started benchmarking responsible event delivery, using an E, S and G framework. Already, the movement is positive. What began as a handful of forward-thinking planners asking the right questions is fast becoming embedded in the planning process across regions, sectors, and event types.

In 2025, we saw the number of organisations choosing to measure their event sustainability, grow significantly – and not just in carbon. The insights speak volumes, not just about how we plan, but why measurement matters if we want to deliver meaningful change as an industry

At event:decision, we provide proof points for responsible planning, by measuring the sustainable performance of your event. Our proprietary tools and services with which we support the industry, are:

Track, event carbon audit & advisory services.
Impact: Responsible Event Reviews provide ESG assessments, benchmarking and certification for responsible event planning.
Evolve, show, association, and services, including our Exhibitor Sustainability Recognition scheme.

All three widely used by event agencies, planners and corporates, driven by commercial factors, by legislative demand and, dare we say, a moral imperative to deliver events ‘better’.

Coming soon: a new way of working for Corporates. Think more strategic, campaign-led, integrated sustainability across event portfolios – more on that to follow in July.

2025 In Numbers – What’s Changed?

Compared to 2024, 2025 events made a noticeable leap in average sustainability scores. Social impact, in particular, saw a step-change. Meaning more organisations are embedding locality, wellbeing, and community values into how they deliver.

“In just 12 months, we saw total scores rise by more than two points on average.”

Here’s where it gets interesting…

Across all events, the average sustainability score in 2025 rose notably over previous years, with improved performance in environmental and governance pillars in particular.

On average, events achieved a total score of 19.07, up from 16.95 in 2024.

What the Data Shows – and Why it Matters

This unique breakdown gives us real insight, not just into where performance is improving, but where the opportunities still lie.

By Region – EMEA events led the way overall — likely helped by stronger reporting culture and supply chain transparency.
By Sector – Finance and legal firms’ events hit high governance scores. But it’s the events & hospitality sector where we saw the biggest environmental progress, from smarter menus to greener venues.
By Event Type – Internal meetings led overall, but exhibitions were more varied. That said, when expos did engage with measurement, they often scored well, particularly on governance.

Beyond the Numbers: What Needs Attention

We still see some barriers holding organisers back. Here are a few we’re keeping an eye on:

Travel emissions remain the biggest contributor, and often the hardest to influence. (Hint: you can get to grip with Travel using event:decision’s Track reporting. We’re the ONLY provider of the leading travel demand management platform for destinations, venues, and live events, You.Smart.Thing.)
Social enterprises are still underused. The appetite is there, but more visibility and guidance would help to avoid the ‘but this is how we’ve always done it’ mindset. Many planners are unaware of where to source & vet potential providers in this space. (Hint: there are several within our Impact Review tool)
Budgets are getting tighter and with the perception that sustainability is more expensive, this is often a barrier to measurement. (Hint: the real answer to “Who should pay for sustainable events?” is simple. Make it your competition.
Fewer than 25% of events set an impact or carbon goal before delivery – a huge missed opportunity. Agencies in particular, should note.

Nudging Change, Together

If there’s one thing this year confirmed, it’s this: when planners measure, they change.

That might mean swapping suppliers for social enterprises. Often on price parity. It might mean thinking differently about travel and accessibility. It might just mean asking more of your venue.

And we get it – change isn’t always easy. But we make it much, much simpler.

What’s Next: Act with Confidence, Not Guesswork

Event:decision will continue to add value to the event sector with Impact Reviews, in use globally and across all sectors.

Did you know we now give you real-time guidance on each and every factor you review as you progress through the review tool? So you can see who’s doing what and how you compare…

We’re focusing more on partnerships, not just platforms. Now, with more tailored support for corporate programmes, increased awareness, better reporting tools = better “real” data, more precision in benchmarking, you can tie metrics to your overall ESG goals and make adjustments that have real impact.

Contact us for more information on how we can help you measure your next event.

The end of sustainability is nigh? Far from it…

PwC’s 2025 State of Decarbonization report reveals a landscape where corporate sustainability initiatives are not retreating but instead progressing quietly and becoming more rigorous. Despite public narratives suggesting a pullback, the report indicates that companies are steadfast in their commitments, driven by the recognition of sustainability as a source of business value.

Summary:

9x as many companies with carbon targets as five years ago.

2x as many companies are making their sustainability targets more stringent than are watering them down (37% vs. 15%).

4 in 5 companies are launching low-carbon products and services, as it is recognised that these perform 5%-25% better in the market.

A significant finding is the surge in climate commitments: over 4,000 companies reported targets to the CDP in 2024, marking a nine-fold increase over five years. Notably, 37% of these companies are elevating their ambitions, while only 16% are scaling back. This trend is not confined to large corporations; smaller companies are increasingly making commitments, influenced by supplier engagement efforts. The median revenue of companies making commitments decreased from $3.6 billion in 2020 to $1.3 billion in 2024, indicating broader participation across company sizes.

The report identifies four key takeaways:

Commitments and Ambitions Remain High: Contrary to headlines about companies retreating from sustainability, the data shows a strong and growing commitment to decarbonization.

Setting the Table for Shared Value: Companies are learning valuable lessons as they address Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, recognising the potential for shared value creation.

The Greatest Value Unlock is Yet to Come: Scope 3 decarbonization presents opportunities for revenue and margin growth, particularly as companies meet the demand for sustainable products and services.

Quiet Momentum Turning Climate Commitments into Competitive Advantage: Companies are focusing on execution, integrating sustainability into decision-making, securing financing, engaging suppliers and customers, and innovating products to meet rising demand for sustainable solutions.

The report also highlights sector-specific insights, noting that decarbonisation pathways vary across industries due to structural, technological, and financial differences. For instance, the automotive sector faces challenges in Scope 3 emissions, with 85% occurring downstream after the vehicle leaves the factory. While 69% of automotive companies are on track for Scope 1 and 2 targets, only 28% are on pace with Scope 3 goals, underscoring the need for customer adoption of electric vehicles and investment in infrastructure.

PwC’s report underscores that despite external pressures and changing global leadership, companies are maintaining or even enhancing their climate commitments. The focus is shifting from public declarations to tangible actions, with a clear understanding that sustainability efforts are integral to long-term growth and resilience.

As a vital part of the corporate supply-chain, what do you think this will mean event clients will be asking of the event sector?

See the full report here.

1st & 2nd Quarter 2025 – Sustainability Review