A carbon footprint calculator with no data input, no training and no tech integration. Can this be a thing?
Time and time again we hear from event professionals that they want to plan and put on more sustainable events. But the time and effort involved in all accurate carbon footprint calculations to help their planning process is just prohibitive. The events industry has been under huge pressure for the past couple of years and anything that adds to that pressure, or pulls anyone in the team away from the core business, is going to struggle to get buy-in.
Which is where our clever carbon footprint calculator track comes in.
“1,000x easier than your competition” – Agency Sales Director
Track measures and reports on the sustainability of any event, large or small. It shows you which event factors are significant for the carbon footprint and sustainability of the event and which are less so. It’s a carbon footprint calculator that was specifically designed so that we, not you, do all ‘heavy-lifting’ on the calculations, so that you don’t have to. All that’s needed to carry out the calculations is an event brief. No spreadsheets, no data inputting from you, no report-building. Here are four things we think makes it unique:
What makes track fuss-free?
A service-based approach, not a platform – the best analogy we’ve heard was from one of our clients who described it as a bit like the HMRC website and process for UK tax returns. You can of course do your tax return yourself, using the online data input forms and facilities provided online. Or, you could pay an accountant to put all the information together for you in the right format. Simpler, quicker and undoubtedly with less potential for errors.
No data entry– when we say ‘no data entry’ we mean it. There are no hidden requirements for anyone in your team to sit and input any the data from your event. We do the lot.
No tech integration, a standalone service – integrations are the bane of most IT department’s lives. Someone buys in a new tool and then finds it won’t ‘talk’ to other key pieces of software in the business. track is completely stand-alone, so you never need to worry about that.
No training required – not only do your staff not need to input any data, they won’t need any training on track either. That’s because it’s a service, not a platform. and we do it all for them.
“We’ve been looking for this product” -Brand Head of Events
“Finally, someone who tells us how it is. So glad I found you.” – Senior Planner, Europe
What does track report on?
There are two sets of reports, the pre-event report means events can be assessed at the planning stage with the impact predicted. It’s perfect for RFPs, briefs and for the start of your event planning process. The post-event report then measures the actual carbon footprint after the event. The two reports can of course be compared to assess how much of your careful event planning contributed to the sustainability of the event. Our reports are simple, easy to interpret and beautifully designed.
“The user-friendliness of your service and detail was incredible” – Exhibition Owner
Don’t just take our word for it though, we have hundreds of happy clients who tell us how easy track is to use and how simple it has been for their team.
“Value & simplicity” – Agency Director “We actively recommend to our clients” – Head of Venue Sales & Marketing
To find out more about our no-fuss carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, please get in touch, we can give you a demo and show you some more sample reports to illustrate just what it could do for you.
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Choosing sustainable suppliers can help the events industry reduce its environmental impact.
The choice of sustainable suppliers is increasingly crucial to achieving the events industry’s goal of hosting fully sustainable events. Selecting suppliers that focus on sustainability use eco-friendly materials, reduce waste, conserve energy, and promote social responsibility can help event professionals minimise the environmental impact of any event – large or small.
The careful selection of suppliers that promote sustainability can also provide a competitive advantage. Visitors and guests are more and more environmentally conscious themselves and more likely to choose events to attend that reflect their values. By choosing sustainable suppliers, event professionals can attract environmentally conscious consumers, enhance their brand reputation, and differentiate themselves from their competitors.
What should event professionals consider when selecting suppliers to optimise their event sustainability?
When selecting suppliers that promote sustainable practices, consider the following:
Environmental impact: the environmental impact of suppliers is the most crucial factor to consider when selecting sustainable suppliers. Event professionals should look for suppliers that use sustainable materials, reduce waste, and conserve energy. For example, selecting a catering supplier that sources local and organic produce, uses compostable plates and utensils, and recycles waste can significantly reduce the environmental impact of an event.
Certifications and accreditations: look for suppliers that have environmental certifications and accreditations, such as the ISO 14001 certification. These certifications indicate that the supplier has implemented environmental management systems that comply with recognised international standards.
Social Responsibility: consider the social responsibility of suppliers, look for suppliers that promote fair labour practices, support local communities, and contribute to social causes.
Reputation: research the reputation of suppliers before selecting them. Look for suppliers that have a proven track record of delivering sustainable products and services.
Four new (ish) sustainable suppliers for event professionals
These companies have been specifically created to help you deliver your events more sustainably:
Event Cycle – take unwanted event material and give it a second life, repurposing and redistributing items to charities and community groups as well putting them back into the events industry. From graphics to giveaways, planks of wood to plants, they find a new home for them all. Their mission is to lead the events industry into a circular economy where landfill waste is reduced, and by doing so a social impact is made.
You.Smart.Thing – host a travel demand management platform that generates personalised low-carbon travel plans that enhance visitor experience & increase revenues. Their ‘travel assistant’ can be tailored to enable organisations to offer content-enhanced wayfinding and low-carbon door-to-door travel plans that nudge visitors towards net-zero travel to events.
Green Voltage – provide ‘green’ mobile power and support to the film, television, broadcast and live event industries. Created specifically to address the demand for environmentally conscious solutions, their emissions-free, silent, generators are available to hire or buy.
event:decision – help event professionals measure the environmental impact of any event – both at the planning stage and after the event with track, the carbon footprint management tool.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, or to nominate a sustainable events supplier to be included in our list, please get in touch.
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Sustainable events adopt eco-friendly practices which reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
We have become much more aware of our impact on the environment, and events in particular can have a significant ecological footprint. So it’s important for event owners and organisers to consider ways in which they can make their events more sustainable. In this article, we’ll explore seven clever – and practical – ways to make your event more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Waste management and recycling – waste management is one of the most critical aspects of sustainability. It is important to ensure that waste generated during the event is managed responsibly. One way to achieve this is by separating waste into different streams such as food waste, plastics, paper and glass. Providing appropriate bins, clear signage and helping educating attendees about where to dispose of waste is key. A study conducted by the University of Minnesota found that an event with 500 attendees can generate up to 1.89 tons of waste. By properly managing this waste, you can significantly reduce the amount that ends up in landfill. By recycling materials, you can reduce others’ need for virgin materials and save both energy and reduce the amount of material in landfill. You can encourage recycling at your event by providing recycling bins in easily accessible areas, such as near food and drink stations. This will help attendees to dispose of waste responsibly – ask a local waste carrier what they can accept, it’s only one web-search away. Also look for services provided by companies like Event Cycle who can turn your materials into social donations.
Choice of venue – your choice of venue will have a huge impact on the emissions associated with your event. How your delegates or visitors travel to your event is almost certainly the largest factor you an control. When choosing a venue, look at where your audience is based & search for venues within that area and accessible by public transport. Then consider factors such as renewable energy provision, water usage and waste management. A venue with green credentials such as solar panels or a rainwater harvesting system, or better-still LEED-certified, can significantly reduce your event’s carbon footprint. Studies have shown that LEED-certified buildings deliver a 25%-30% reduction in energy compared to non-LEED certified buildings, for example. When choosing & speaking to your possible venues, make sure to ask them about these – and which certifications they hold.
Sustainable travel & transport – transportation is probably the most significant source of event-related greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it’s important to encourage sustainable modes of transport to and from your event. One way to achieve this is by promoting public transport, such as trains or buses. You could also encourage attendees to carpool to an event. Offering incentives such as discounted tickets or digital swag for carpoolers & those using public transport can be used to encourage people to do so. According to the UN, transport accounts for approximately 28% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable suppliers – choosing sustainable suppliers is another crucial aspect of sustainable event planning. Consider the sustainability practices of the companies that you work with, such as their use of renewable energy, waste management practices, and their commitment to reducing their ecological footprint. You could also consider suppliers who use eco-friendly materials and packaging, and who have a strong social and environmental commitment. By working with sustainable suppliers, you can ensure that your event aligns with your sustainability goals.
Sustainable materials – choosing sustainable materials for your event is another way to reduce your event’s ecological footprint. For example, you can choose decorations made from recyclable materials, or you could opt for reusable cutlery, plates and cups rather than disposable options. You could also consider using eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, which is renewable and biodegradable. An Italian study found that using biodegradable and compostable cutlery and plates resulted in 10 fold energy savings and 3 fold CO2 emission reductions compared to using single-use plastic cutlery. As you know, venues already have reusable cutlery and crockery on-site!
Water management – water is a precious resource, and it’s essential to manage it responsibly at events. You can do this by providing water stations where attendees can refill their water bottles rather than using single-use plastic bottles. This will also significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated at the event.
Energy Conservation – energy conservation is another critical aspect of sustainable event planning. You can conserve energy by using energy-efficient lighting, such as LED lights, and by turning off equipment when it’s not in use. You could also consider using venues with renewable energy tariffs. This can significantly reduce your event’s carbon footprint and help to conserve natural resources.
Sustainability has become a key consideration when planning an event. By implementing these seven very practical suggestions, you can significantly reduce your event’s environmental footprint and make your event more sustainable. Don’t forget – a sustainable event is also an efficient event, financially. Accessible venues, sustainable suppliers, waste management and recycling, sustainable materials, sustainable transport, water management and energy conservation are all crucial elements of sustainable event planning. By making small changes and encouraging responsible behaviour from attendees, we can all work towards a more sustainable future.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, and how it can help plan and execute more sustainable events, please get in touch.
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‘Buy local’ isn’t just a mantra for supporting the local economy, it can reduce your carbon footprint too.
Improving sustainability for events is a hot topic. The problem is, how best to achieve it without affecting the quality of the event and diminishing the visitor or guest experience. One solution may be right under your nose – using suppliers and materials local to your event venue. This not only benefits the local economy, it also offers significant efficiency gains that can help make your event more sustainable.
The benefits of using local suppliers are obvious, and the environmental advantages are significant. By sourcing goods and services locally, event organisers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and deliver events more efficiently.
Formula 1, currently top of the Netflix charts, can be seen as a great case study on how not to achieve event sustainability. Each race team ships materials and products around the world as every year, Formula 1 races are held across different racetracks worldwide, with millions of fans watching live, and millions more watching on television. It’s no secret that the logistics of running a Formula 1 event are incredibly complex, with vast amounts of materials, equipment, and personnel required to execute a race weekend. And it’s not just the cars, drivers and engineering teams – hospitality suites, brand materials and catering support can also cover thousands of miles during a season.
In the past, F1 has come under criticism for its environmental impact, especially concerning the transportation of goods and personnel across the globe. The carbon footprint of Formula 1 is significant, with an estimated 256,000 tonnes of CO2 emitted every year, primarily due to the transportation of materials, equipment, and personnel around the world. In fact, a study by Carbon Trust found that around 45% of the sport’s carbon footprint is related to logistics, which includes transportation.
Formula E (the electric car version of F1) goes to some lengths to address this issue;
“Engaging with local suppliers in order to build acceptance, consent and support for Formula E’s events.”
But even Formula E’s footprint is made up of 86% freight and flights.
F1 has acknowledged the need to address their carbon footprint, and in recent years, they have made significant strides towards this goal. The sport has made a commitment to have a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030, and they have already taken some steps towards achieving this target. F1 introduced hybrid engines back in 2009, which are more fuel-efficient and have reduced the number of personnel required to travel to races. Fewer travellers translates into fewer hotel rooms, reduced local transport and subsistence. It’s well known that advances in tech in F1 translate into mass-production cars during their lifecycle. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly concerning the transportation of goods and equipment.
Formula 1 could improve its environmental impact is by sourcing goods and equipment locally. For instance, rather than shipping materials and equipment from one end of the world to another and back, (several times), F1 organisers could work with local suppliers to source the items they are currently shipping. This approach has several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the carbon emissions associated with transportation. Secondly, it supports the local economy, creating jobs and boosting the local community’s economy.
Sourcing locally is not only beneficial for Formula 1, but it is also relevant for any event owner of organiser looking to improve sustainability for events. Concerts, festivals, and other large events require vast amounts of equipment and personnel, making logistics a crucial aspect of the planning process. By sourcing as much as possible locally, rather than shipping in from HQ, event organisers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of their events and contribute to a more sustainable future.
One example of how local sourcing helped events more sustainable is Green Point Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. During its construction, the stadium’s designers made a concerted effort to source materials locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials to the site. The stadium’s design incorporated sustainable features, such as rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting, further reducing its environmental impact. The result was a state-of-the-art stadium that not only supported the local economy but also contributed to a more sustainable future.
All of these ideas can be adopted at various scale for events of any size when planning and executing events. It just takes some thought and planning to work out where shipping can be replaced by local solutions – but the effort is more than repaid by the environmental benefits. And visitors and guests will appreciate the extra efforts put into making the event more sustainable.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, and how it can help optimise sustainability for events, please get in touch.
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Try thinking about event sustainability as improving your overall event efficiency.
Everyone in the events world is looking for ways to make events more sustainable, and the list of everything to take into consideration can seem huge. But one way to think about event sustainability is to see it as simply about improving event efficiency. When an event is efficient, it automatically becomes more sustainable.
In most industries efficiency is defined by achieving more output from less input. While sustainability is “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Remarkably similar, in fact.
Events boil down to creative communication; from a sales kick-off, to a product launch, a celebration, an exhibition, to medical education they’re all about communicating the host’s message in the most compelling way. If, as event organisers, we can deliver that message in an engaging way which delivers excellent return on investment (ROI), whilst also consuming fewer of the planet’s resources – that’s something we should do. As event:decisions’ Matt Grey says;
“We need to deliver more with less”
So, how can we measure the inputs and outputs to our event, so we can look at improving its efficiency? Here are some ‘input’ areas to think about;
Measuring event inputs
1. Travel
Travel is an integral part of any event. Need everyone travel to the event to start with? There are many excellent virtual or hybrid event hosting options available. How should those who need to attend in person travel? Easy access to the venue by sustainable travel options (public transport, carpooling etc) is a much better use of resources than single car journeys. Importantly, where should the event be located? Essential travel to the venue could be planned using fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrid or electric vans and buses for transporting people to and from transport hubs, and for transporting equipment around the venue. If flights are essential, closer location to a flight-hub also makes perfect sense.
2. Accommodation
Accommodation is often a significant aspect of an event. How can the event be formatted to minimise hotel accommodation consumption and transfers? Could the accommodation be made more sustainable by selecting hotels that have implemented sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources or reducing water usage? Could efficiency be improved by minimising the distance between the event venue and the accommodation? How about only selecting hotels that are within walking distance, or those that provide shuttle services that run on eco-friendly fuel?
3. Freight
The transportation of equipment and materials is another essential aspect of event planning. Event organisers can reduce the carbon footprint of freight by choosing eco-friendly modes of transportation, such as trains or ships, instead of air or road transport. Most effectively, you can reduce the event’s carbon footprint opting for local suppliers, buying and building locally, and sourcing both crew & materials that can be reused or recycled.
5. Waste
Event organisers can make waste management more efficient by reducing the amount of waste generated in the first place. For example, by opting for reusable or recyclable materials instead of single-use items. Additionally, you can design the venue for minimal waste, providing separate channels for visitors, exhibitors or guests, and providing separate bins for recyclable and non-recyclable waste – ensuring that waste is disposed of responsibly.
6. Energy
Event organisers can make energy usage more efficient by using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, for lighting and other electrical needs. They can also reduce energy usage by turning off lights and electrical equipment automatically when not in use and using energy-efficient appliances. Clearly, this involves co-operation from your venue. Ask at enquiry stage. Ask at show-round; does the venue use renewable power? The more event organisers that ask, the greater the pressure on venues to provide this.
7. Food and beverage
Food and beverage (F&B) provision is an integral part of any event. Can menus and meals be formatted to minimise waste? Can certain food options be prioritised? Smaller portions, vegetarian or vegan options, or locally sourced food for example? Can compostable or reusable food containers be used, and water refill stations be available to discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles?
event:decision’s event sustainability tool, Track, looks at all these inputs at planning stage and calculates the projected carbon footprint of any event, meaning that at even before the event takes place, organisers can still make input decisions that improve sustainability.
Measuring event outputs
How do we calculate the true ROI of any event? It depends of course on the event. If it’s a sales conference, ROI could be measured in knowledge gains by the sales team, leading to more efficient sales processes and increased revenue. If it’s a press launch, the volume of positive coverage is measurable, increased interest and sales can also be tracked. How do you measure the ROI of something like a music event though? What’s the ROI for Glastonbury or Eurovision? If the output is ‘engagement’, ‘brand awareness’ or ‘visibility’ then agreeing how to define and measure that upfront will be crucial in deciding whether an event is a success
So, outputs minus inputs of any event are a marker of how efficient that event is, in meeting its objectives. Continual improvements in overall event efficiency is an incredibly effective way of improving event sustainability. By improving efficiency in the inputs from travel, accommodation, freight, waste, energy, and f&b, event organisers can significantly reduce carbon emissions, lower waste generation and promote sustainable practices.
While implementing these measures may require additional effort, the benefits to society and the environment are huge. By making your event more sustainable, you’re setting an example for others to follow and contributing to a more sustainable future.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, and how it can help plan and execute fully sustainable events, please get in touch.
But travel enables personal connection – and events need visitors, so what’s the answer?
We have a unique set of challenges in front of us, when it comes to planning and hosting truly sustainable events. Globalisation has made traveling and connecting with people from all over the world easier than ever before and with that the need for travel has increased, with conferences, trade shows, product launches and festivals are now being held on a global basis. However, while travel is necessary for events, it’s also one of the biggest barriers to producing more sustainable events.
As everyone becomes more conscious of the impact of our human activities on the planet, the need to solve the problem of achieving sustainable travel becomes more urgent. Events have a significant impact on the environment, and the event industry needs to explore every available option to make them more sustainable. At event:decision we’ve been deep-diving into the relationship between travel and sustainable events, and all the ways event organisers can encourage sustainable travel.
Travel is required for an event
Travel is an essential part of any event, whether it’s a conference, a trade show, or a festival – and events are an integral part of almost every brand’s engagement and partnership strategy. Attendees, exhibitors, and speakers travel from different parts of the world to attend the event. And the larger and more successful the event gets, the larger the travel footprint associated with it.
The Glastonbury festival, for example, has grown from just 1,500 revellers in 1970 to over 200,000 who travelled to Somerset in 2022. But only 40% of Glastonbury’s 2022 visitors travelled by public transport – leaving 120,000 people who chose less sustainable options. Glastonbury is making huge efforts to become a more sustainable event but the largest element of its carbon footprint remains its visitor travel and, as for many in the events industry, it’s a difficult problem to crack.
Is travel incompatible with sustainable events?
The impact of all this travel on the environment is immense. According to a study, air travel accounts for 2.5% of global carbon emissions. The same study also found that business travel accounts for 12% of all air travel emissions. As event:decision’s own Matt Grey says;
“Travel is the enemy of sustainability”
Air travel, in particular has a significant impact on the environment. The impact of air travel on the environment is so significant that it is estimated that a single round-trip flight from New York to Europe generates the same amount of carbon emissions as an average American household produces in an entire year. If we carry on as normal, the aviation industry will need to spend $1 trillion in carbon offsets by 2050 to achieve net-zero climate impacts – unless both the industry and frequent fliers abandon the business-as-usual approach.
To address the air travel problem, there are moves to create a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). But at current rates of development, it seems unlikely to be our lifetime. Paul Stein, chief technology officer at Rolls-Royce PLC thinks it’s an effort that is going to require global cooperation on a scale similar to the Covid vaccine;
“Just have a look at the current vaccination crisis around the world and just how much the world has re-industrialised to produce billions of doses of vaccine. It’s that sort of spirit that’s going to be required to get the scale into sustainable aviation fuels, and I think it’s entirely possible.”
But even when developed a SAF will create exactly the same emissions in flights, it will simply cut out the oil extraction and transportation elements – so it’s hardly a fully sustainable solution even if it is achieved.
And, even if air travel isn’t involved, other forms of transportation to events also have a significant impact on the environment. Cars and buses emit greenhouse gases and contribute to air pollution. As more people attend events, the impact of transport on the environment only increases.
What about virtual events?
Virtual events may seem to be an easy alternative to the sustainable travel headache. If an event is virtual there’s zero travel. The pandemic certainly saw a huge boost for fully virtual events, with predictions that they could even completely remove the need for travel to physical events in the future.
Virtual events have definite advantages where sustainability is concerned. They provide a platform for people to connect and exchange ideas, without the need for physical presence. They eliminate the need for travel and they also reduce the amount of waste generated, with no need for physical printed materials, such as brochures and flyers and no need for food and drink. They can also be more accessible. Attendees can participate from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. Meaning that people who may not have been able to attend a physical event in the past due to its location can now participate.
Travel enables personal connection
Despite this, it is difficult to imagine an event without travel. Events provide a platform for people to connect and exchange ideas, and this requires physical presence. If you want to launch a car to the media for example, the media has to be there to see and experience the car. If you want to build a global community, consider that Salesforce’s Dreamforce used to be attended by 40,000 from around the world.
Physical presence is essential to build trust and establish relationships. Remember British Airways’ famous 2002 campaign, ‘It’s better to be there?’ “If you won’t fly to your customers, someone else will.”
Physical events provide that opportunity for personal connection, essential in building trust and establishing relationships. Virtual events simply cannot replicate the experience of meeting someone in person, shaking their hand, and having a face-to-face conversation. In the sales industry, face-to-face meetings are 34 times more effective in closing deals than phone calls or emails. It’s difficult to argue in favour of fully virtual events in the face of evidence like that.
How to encourage sustainable travel
So, event organisers are left battling with travel as potentially the biggest barrier to creating sustainable events. What are some ways everyone in events can encourage sustainable travel?
Location, location, Location – choose sustainable event locations:The location of any event has one of the biggest impacts on its sustainability. Choose event locations that are easily accessible by public transportation and have a low carbon footprint. Events in hub cities like London, Brussels, New York, San Francisco, Paris and Madrid have a huge advantage as public transport options are plentiful. It’s far harder to host a sustainable event if you’re in a remote or rural location where public transport is more of a challenge. And yet, the remote or rural location may be an intrinsic part of the identity of the event. It’s a challenge to imagine Glastonbury having the same appeal if it was held at the O2. So, consider locations that have renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, and those that have a commitment to sustainability. This can help reduce the need for travel and lower the overall carbon footprint of the event.
Promote public transportation: Encourage attendees to use public transportation such as trains, buses, and subways to reach the event venue. Provide information on public transportation options and promote their use through event websites, emails, and social media. event:decision is partnered with You.Smart.Thing. a travel demand management platform which will help visitors generate personalised low-carbon travel plans to any event.
Incentivise sustainable travel choices: Offer incentives for attendees who use sustainable modes of transportation to reach the event venue. For example, offer discounted registration fees or VIP access to attendees who use public transportation or bike to the event.
Encourage carpooling: Encourage attendees to carpool to the event venue. Provide information on carpooling options and facilitate ride-sharing through various channels such as event websites, emails, and social media.
Offset carbon emissions: Consider offsetting the carbon emissions generated by attendees’ travel to the event venue. This can be done by supporting carbon offset projects such as reforestation or renewable energy projects. Provide information on the carbon offsetting process and encourage attendees to participate.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, and how it can help plan and execute fully sustainable events, please get in touch. And find out more about our partnership with ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ too.
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Event organisers should think creatively about encouraging sustainable behaviour at events.
One approach that might be useful to encourage sustainable behaviour in events is the concept of ‘nudging’. Nudging, or nudge theory, is a tried and tested psychological technique that uses subtle cues to influence behaviour without limiting choice or imposing penalties for non-compliance. The idea behind nudging is to make it easier for people to make the right decisions by providing them with information and guidance. Nudging has been successfully used in lots of different fields, including health, finance, and environmental sustainability, to encourage people to adopt healthier, greener, and more sustainable behaviours.
Where are the areas in which nudging could be usefully employed in the events industry to encourage more sustainable behaviour?
Promoting sustainable transportation: Encouraging attendees to use public transportation, carpooling, or cycling to get to the event can significantly reduce any event’s carbon footprint. This could be encouraged by providing attendees with information on the availability of public transportation options, as well as offering incentives for using sustainable transportation (see below). event:decision has recently partnered with travel demand management platform ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ to help organisers of events measure visitor travel impact and start to nudge visitors into more sustainable travel behaviours.
Reducing waste: The events industry generates a significant amount of waste, which has a negative impact on the environment. By implementing a clearly-explained waste reduction program, event organisers can encourage attendees to recycle, compost, and reduce the use of single-use plastics. For example, providing recycling bins, composting stations, and reusable water bottles for attendees to use.
Energy-efficiency: Energy consumption is one of the more significant contributors to the events industry’s carbon footprint. Event organisers could encourage attendees to be more energy-efficient by using low-energy lighting, air conditioning, and heating systems. Additionally, generic information could be provided on energy-efficient practices to encourage attendees to adopt behaviours.
Sustainable food options: Food and beverages are a significant element of any event. By offering attendees sustainable food options, such as locally sourced and organic food, event organisers can encourage sustainable behaviours and reduce the events industry’s carbon footprint. Organisers could also provide information on the environmental impact of different food choices, through signage and packaging, to encourage attendees to make more sustainable decisions.
Incentives for behaviour
Event owners and organisers should also think about how incentives for sustainable choices could be built into the design of nudges to change behaviour. Some ideas could be;
Sustainable transportation incentives: To encourage attendees to use sustainable transportation options, organisers could offer incentives such as discounted tickets for those carpooling, or discounts on event tickets for those on public transport. Organisers could also offer raffles or contests for attendees using sustainable transportation options, with prizes such as event merchandise, or tickets to future events.
Green energy incentives: Organisers could offer incentives such as discounts on food and beverages for attendees who turn off their lights and electronic devices when not in use. Organisers could then provide information on the energy savings from these behaviours throughout the event, highlighting the positive impact on the environment.
Sustainable food and beverage incentives: By offering more attractive prices for sustainable food and beverage choices, event organisers could encourage attendees to make more environmentally-friendly choices. Organisers can offer discounts on food and beverages for attendees who bring their own reusable containers for example, or for those who choose locally-sourced and/or organic options.
These are just a few examples of nudges that could be designed and implemented in the events industry to encourage sustainable behaviour. By making sustainable behaviour easier and more accessible, event organisers and attendees could significantly reduce the events industry’s carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable future.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, and how it can help plan and execute fully sustainable events, please get in touch. And find out more about our partnership with ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ too.
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Offsetting your carbon footprint may not be the best solution for achieving true sustainability.
Carbon offsetting, the practice of reducing the effects of your carbon footprint by funding projects that reduce or remove carbon emissions, is often seen as a way to mitigate the negative environmental impact of our daily lives. However, there are several reasons why offsetting may not be the best solution for achieving true sustainability, and that applies to planning sustainable events too.
How offsetting works
The carbon market was established in 2005 with the creation of the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that aimed to address global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Under the protocol, industrialised countries agreed to reduce their emissions of six greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide. To achieve these reductions, the protocol established a system of carbon credits, known as Kyoto units, which countries could buy and sell in order to meet their emissions reduction targets.
The carbon market operates then through this system of carbon credits, also known as carbon offsetting. These credits represent the reduction or removal of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, and they are bought and sold on the open market. The most common type of carbon credit is the Certified Emission Reduction (CER), which is issued by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for emission-reduction projects in developing countries.
Companies and governments can purchase carbon credits to offset their own emissions, in order to meet emissions reduction targets. These carbon credits can be obtained from various sources, such as renewable energy projects, reforestation or afforestation projects. The carbon credits are then verified and certified by organisations such as The Gold Standard and the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) (see table).
Rank
Carbon Offset Standard/Verification
Description
1
Verra (VCS)
Verra, based in Washington DC, the world’s leading certifier, operates the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and has issued more than 1bn carbon credits. Its projects have come under criticism of late.
2
Gold Standard (GS VER)
The Gold Standard for the Global Goals, is a standard and logo certification mark program for non-governmental emission reductions projects developed in 2003 by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
4
Carbon Trust Standard
The Carbon Trust Standard was introduced by UK-based The Carbon Trust in 2008 to address business 'greenwash'. The Carbon Standard is only awarded to companies and organisations who measure and reduce their carbon emissions year on year.
5
Climate Action Reserve
Climate Action Reserve is a US-based organisation that provides certification for carbon offset projects, it may not have a such stringent requirement as Gold Standard or VCS. They focus on a range of project types, including renewable energy, reforestation, and capture and destruction of greenhouse gases.
Controversy has arisen about the validity of the certifications provided by some of these schemes. A recent Investigation into the Verra carbon standard found that more that more than 90% of their rainforest carbon offsets were worthless ‘phantom credits’, and even be may worsening global warming.
Many argue that that whole concept of carbon offsetting in the first place is a form of greenwashing and could be used to delay real emissions reductions, while advocates of the practice argue that it can be a cost-effective way to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development.
Buying carbon credits
A number of different organisations offer the opportunity to buy carbon credits. Some are;
Registry/Source of Credits
Description
Credible Carbon
Based in South Africa - sells credits from projects that are independently audited against carbon market standards that have been approved by the UNFCCC
Climate Partner
Founded in Germany and now in North America and EU. Offers carbon offset projects which comply to recognised standards, such as the Gold Standard or the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).
Greenly
Selection criteria is based on decarbonisation potential and the environmental impact of projects.
Social Carbon
All projects are assessed against 6 aspects of project sustainability: carbon, biodiversity, social, financial, human and natural components.
The problems with offsetting
Growing criticism of the whole concept of ‘offsetting’ carbon footprints has led to some organisations starting to refer to the process as ‘carbon contribution’. This is designed to make the point that purchasing credits should not be viewed as entirely negating carbon footprint-creating activity. Nevertheless, the arguments remain against any version of a credits-based approach being the best solution for achieving sustainability;
1. It relies on a (possibly flawed) assumption that carbon emissions can be easily quantified and offset through the funding of projects such as reforestation or renewable energy. But, the carbon footprint of an individual or organisation is often difficult to accurately measure and can depend on a variety of factors, such as the location of the offsetting project and the method of carbon accounting used. This makes it difficult to determine the real impact of offsetting efforts.
2. It can create a false sense of security and allow individuals and organisations to continue with ‘business as usual’, rather than taking responsibility for planning to reduce carbon emissions. This can lead to a lack of meaningful action towards achieving true sustainability.
3. It can create negative side effects, such as the displacement of indigenous communities in the areas where offsetting projects are implemented. It can also be used as a form of greenwashing, where companies use the offsetting to make their operations appear more sustainable than they actually are.
4. It can be costly and can divert resources from other sustainability programs that can have more direct and long-lasting impact.
Sustainability expert Professor Mike Berners-Lee says;
“There is no such thing as an offset. It’s a bogus concept. If you do something that has a carbon footprint like getting on an aeroplane, there is nothing you can do to undo the fact you have had that impact. “
In some circumstances, offsetting can be a valuable tool for reducing carbon emissions, but it shouldn’t ever be a substitute for the necessary changes in daily behaviours and operations to achieve true sustainability. Instead of relying solely on offsetting, businesses and individuals should be focusing on reducing carbon emissions through changes in daily behaviours and operations. This can include switching to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, switching to fully recyclable materials, and implementing sustainable transportation options.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, and how it can help plan and execute fully sustainable events, please get in touch.
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Planning a sustainable event not only helps to reduce your event’s carbon footprint – it can benefit your business too.
As an event planner, it’s important to not only create events that are memorable and enjoyable for attendees, but also to consider the impact that the event has on the environment. Planning a sustainable event not only helps to reduce the event’s carbon footprint, but it can also benefit your business by showcasing your commitment to sustainability and potentially attracting environmentally-conscious clients. Here are ten tips from the event:decision team for planning a sustainable event:
Conduct a Sustainability Audit: Conduct a sustainability audit on what you would like to host. This will help you identify areas where you can improve and make more sustainable choices. This includes analysing your travel, accommodation, food & beverage, energy use, waste management – event virtual streaming.
Set Sustainability Goals: Then set clear and achievable sustainability goals based on your starting point. This will help focus efforts and measure progress. Some examples of sustainability goals for events include reducing waste, using renewable energy, and promoting sustainable transportation.
Choose a Sustainable Destination & Venue: Location is key. All the venue sustainability attributes will be overshadowed if you are flying 90% of your guests to attend. However, still look for one that has a strong sustainability policy and is willing to work with you to achieve your sustainability goals. A venue that is LEED certified or has a Green Key rating is a good indication that it is committed to sustainability. Can your chosen venue provide electric-vehicle transfers from the nearest transport hub?
Use eco-friendly materials: When choosing materials for signage, decor, and promotional items, opt for eco-friendly options such as recycled paper and biodegradable materials. Use digital options where possible and already in place.
Promote sustainable transportation: Encourage carpooling or use of public transportation by providing information and incentives. You can also consider partnering with a ride-sharing company or providing a shuttle service from a central location. Be aware that flights will undoubtedly account for the majority of the carbon footprint of your event, help attendees to plan their transport accordingly.
Minimise waste: Minimise waste by using reusable or biodegradable products, recycling, and composting. Encourage attendees to bring their own water bottles. Reduce the use of disposable items such as cups, plates, and cutlery.
Choose renewable energy: Use renewable energy at your event to reduce your carbon footprint. This includes using solar power, wind power, or biofuels. Ask your potential venues at the outset if they use renewable power – the more of us that ask, the quicker venues will adopt.
Consider Carbon Offset: Calculate the carbon emissions of your event and offset them by purchasing carbon offsets. This can be done through organisations that invest in renewable energy projects.
Educate attendees: Inform attendees about the sustainable practices in place at the event and encourage them to adopt sustainable behaviours. This can be done through signage, social media posts, and email communications.
Communicate Your Efforts: Finally, communicate your sustainability goals and achievements to your attendees. This will not only help educate them about sustainable practices but also showcase your organisation’s commitment to sustainability. Be honest and transparent about your sustainability goals and achievements, and encourage attendees to take action and make sustainable choices.
By taking note of these ten tips, you can plan a sustainable event that minimises its impact on the environment. In addition to the environmental benefits, sustainable events can also be cost-effective, as many of the practices that reduce environmental impact also save money. By incorporating sustainability into event planning, you can create an event that is memorable and enjoyable while also making a positive impact. But sustainability is a continuous effort and you should be continually striving to improve year-on-year and to make more sustainable choices.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, and how it can help plan and execute fully sustainable events, please get in touch.
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As event organisers, we know it’s important to consider the environmental impact of our events. But, while we may focus on details such as using sustainable materials for stand construction and implementing recyclable plastics, there is often a much larger issue that is overlooked in assessing an event’s carbon footprint: the impact of travel.
According to a study conducted by Eventbrite, transportation is the largest contributor to an event’s carbon footprint, accounting for up to 50% of the total emissions. This includes both air and road travel for attendees, as well as transportation of materials and equipment.
One of the main reasons that transportation is such a significant contributor to an event’s carbon footprint is the distance that attendees often have to travel. With the globalisation of the events industry, it is not uncommon for attendees to travel long distances, often by air, to attend events. In addition, the transportation of materials and equipment also adds to the carbon footprint, as these items must be shipped or transported by truck.
While it may be difficult to completely eliminate the need for travel to events, there are steps that event organisers can take to minimise the impact. Here are our top three tips:
#1 Choose the event location carefully
One way to minimise your event’s carbon footprint is by choosing a location that is easily accessible by public transportation, such as a city with a well-developed public transportation system. This can encourage attendees to use more environmentally friendly modes of transportation and reduce the number of cars on the road.
#2 Offer incentives for sustainable travel
In addition to choosing a convenient location, event planners and organisers can also consider offering incentives for attendees who use sustainable transportation options. For example, offering discounts or rewards for those who arrive by public transportation or carpooling can encourage attendees to consider these options.
#3 Minimise transportation of materials and equipment
Another way to reduce the carbon footprint of an event is by minimising the need for transportation of materials and equipment. Choose a venue that has the necessary facilities and equipment already in place, rather than shipping in additional items. In addition, using digital signage and other digital technologies can reduce the need for printed materials, which can also help to reduce the carbon footprint.
Travel and transportation is often the largest contributor to an event’s carbon footprint, and is frequently overlooked by event organisers in favour of focusing on the smaller (but important) details around choice stand materials and recycling options on-site. To create a truly sustainable event, travel and transportation must be at the heart of event planning.
By choosing a convenient location and encouraging sustainable transportation options, as well as minimising the need for transportation of materials and equipment, event organisers can significantly reduce their event’s carbon footprint. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the need for travel, taking some simple steps to encourage sustainable options can help to enhance the sustainability of events.
To find out more about our carbon footprint and sustainability tool track, and how it can help plan and execute fully sustainable events, please get in touch.
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