There are challenges in achieving sustainability for UK hotel venues

The publication of the 2023 Cornell Hotel Sustainability Index at the end of last month revealed that the UK doesn’t feature in the top 3 countries where hotels rank highly for sustainability (these are Norway, Sweden and Costa Rica). While many countries have made substantial progress, the UK faces unique challenges in its quest for fully sustainable hotel venues. What are these challenges, and what questions should event profs ask when shortlisting hotel venues for their events?

The UK’s Sustainable Hospitality Landscape

The United Kingdom has been proactive in promoting sustainability initiatives across various sectors, including the hospitality industry. However, several factors contribute to the struggle faced by hotel venues in achieving full sustainability.

1. Aging Infrastructure:

One significant challenge faced by hotel venues in the UK is our aging infrastructure. Many historic and iconic venues possess architectural features that limit the implementation of modern sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient systems, renewable energy generation, and effective waste management.

2. Limited Space for Renewable Energy:

The UK’s smaller land area compared to other countries also presents a constraint when it comes to incorporating renewable energy solutions. Hotel venues often struggle to find sufficient space for installing solar panels or wind turbines, limiting their capacity to generate clean energy.

3. Regulatory Framework and Policy:

The regulatory framework and policies in the UK, while supporting sustainability goals, can also pose obstacles for hotel venues.

i. Complex Planning Permissions:

Obtaining planning permissions for sustainable infrastructure installations can be a complex and time-consuming process in the UK. The bureaucratic hurdle makes it challenging for hotel venues to implement sustainable practices within a reasonable timeframe.

ii. Unclear Incentives:

While the UK government offers incentives and grants for sustainable initiatives, these programs may lack clarity or have limited accessibility. The absence of clear guidelines and consistent support makes it difficult for hotel venues to navigate the sustainability landscape effectively.

4. Supply Chain Challenges:

The pursuit of sustainability requires collaboration throughout the entire supply chain, which can be a challenging task for hotel venues in the UK.

5. Local Sourcing Limitations:

Despite the rising demand for locally sourced products and services, the UK faces limitations in terms of local availability. Hotel venues often struggle to find reliable local suppliers for sustainable materials, food, and beverages, hindering their ability to embrace a fully sustainable approach.

6. Transportation and Logistics:

Logistics and transportation play a crucial role in sustainability efforts. The UK’s dense urban environment, coupled with limited public transport infrastructure, increases reliance on road transportation. This reliance on vehicles can have a significant environmental impact, particularly when it comes to large-scale events hosted by hotel venues.

With all the above in mind, here’s our handy checklist for exploring the suitability of hotel venues for your event.

Key Questions for #EventProfs Investigating Hotels & Venues

1. What sustainable initiatives has the venue implemented? (e.g., energy-efficient systems, waste management practices, water conservation measures)

2. Does the venue have any certifications or accreditations for sustainability? (e.g., LEED certification, Green Key, ISO 14001, EcoSmart)

3. What renewable energy sources are used or planned for the venue?

4. How does the venue manage waste and recycling? Are there any composting or recycling programs in place?

5. Does the venue have a clear sustainability policy and targets?

6. What efforts are made to source local, seasonal, and sustainably produced food and beverages?

7. How does the venue encourage sustainable transportation options for guests and event attendees?

8. Are there any partnerships with local sustainability-focused organisations or suppliers?

9. Does the venue have plans for ongoing sustainability improvements and innovations?

10. What support does the venue provide to event planners in achieving sustainability goals?

While the UK has embraced sustainability and made progress in various sectors, achieving full sustainability in UK hotel venues continues to pose unique challenges. Event planners should be aware of this and ask critical questions when investigating hotel venues for their events. Even within the challenging environment, hotels can still demonstrate that they are making steps to achieve sustainability and help event planners meet their sustainability targets.

If you’re interested in finding out more about sustainable event planning, get in touch to find out how our tool track can calculate your event’s projected carbon footprint and help you evaluate the impact of different venue choices.

What are the implications for UK event planners of the EU CSRD?

The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a significant development in corporate reporting, and it begins with mandatory reporting in 2025 for the 2024 financial year for large companies. While the United Kingdom has exited the European Union, its impact on companies operating in the EU shouldn’t be underestimated. In this article we aim to provide UK event planners with a comprehensive understanding of the CSRD and the implications it holds for our industry.

Understanding the CSRD

The CSRD, proposed by the European Commission, represents a major step towards creating a more sustainable and transparent business environment within the EU. It is an extension of the existing Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) and aims to enhance corporate reporting by introducing stricter sustainability disclosure requirements. The directive seeks to introduce more comprehensive reporting standards and ensure that companies disclose information aligned with internationally recognised frameworks, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

The CSRD will require companies operating in the EU to:

• Publicly report their ESG performance as it aligns with the CSRD – and do this annually.
• Report on their entire value/supply chain, not just their own operations.
• Ensure due diligence, which will be mandatory.
• Get ‘limited’ assurance on their sustainability reporting from a trusted third party who will audit their data to ensure it’s accurate and legitimate.
• Roll out the process in a timeline spreading over several years, starting with larger companies first.

Implications for UK Event Planners

While event planners may not immediately associate themselves with sustainability reporting, the CSRD has far-reaching implications for the industry. Event planners in the UK cannot afford to ignore this directive for the following reasons:

1. Client expectations and reputation: in an increasingly sustainability-conscious world, businesses are prioritising environmentally-friendly practices and seeking partners who align with their values. Companies that operate within the EU and adhere to the CSRD requirements will be under pressure to work with event planners who can contribute to their sustainability goals, as they have to report on their entire value and supply chain. Ignoring the CSRD may lead to missed opportunities, loss of clients, and damage to the reputation of event planning companies that fail to integrate sustainability practices into their operations.
2. Regulatory compliance: although the UK is no longer an EU member state, event planning companies operating across borders or organising events within the EU will still need to comply with the CSRD. Non-compliance could result in both reputational damage & legal consequences including fines. By staying ahead of the game and proactively aligning practices with the CSRD, event planners can ensure compliance, minimise risks, and maintain a competitive edge in the EU market.
3. Event impact and reporting: the CSRD emphasises reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Event planners can expect increased scrutiny regarding the sustainability impacts of the events they organise, including carbon emissions, waste management, and community engagement. Meeting these reporting requirements will necessitate a greater focus on sustainable event management practices, from sourcing eco-friendly suppliers and reducing waste to promoting social inclusivity and incorporating diversity. By proactively incorporating sustainability into all event planning processes, planners and agencies can demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices and meet the expectations of clients, attendees, and regulatory bodies.

To navigate the changing landscape effectively, event planners in the UK should consider the CSRD as a huge opportunity – one that will help them effectively integrate sustainability into their business practices. By staying informed about the directive’s developments, understanding the reporting requirements, and actively pursuing sustainable strategies, event planners can position themselves as leaders in the industry, attract a wider client base across the EU and beyond, and contribute to the global sustainability agenda.

The introduction of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive may seem unimportant to UK event planners right now, because of Brexit. However, the interconnected nature of business and the global focus on sustainability means it’s vital for event planners to sit up and pay attention. By proactively embracing sustainability reporting and aligning their practices with the CSRD, event planners can gain a competitive advantage, foster client trust, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Ignoring the CSRD is not an option; it’s time for event planners in the UK to embrace the opportunities it presents and lead the way towards a more sustainable event industry

If you’re interested in finding out more about how our event carbon footprint calculator – track – can help achieve CSRD compliance and reporting requirements. Please get in touch, we can give you a demo and show you some more sample reports to illustrate what it could do for you.

event:decision is helping the events industry deliver on sustainability

Last week we released the findings of our first annual State of Sustainability report, the aggregated data from the hundreds of events and planners that are using our sustainability tool track to deliver more sustainable and efficient events. But simply measuring the carbon footprint of an event, while a crucial first step, isn’t enough. That measurement must then lead to action to reduce emissions impact.

“TRACK isn’t just about measurement – it’s about action too. Our aggregate data shows that in the last year we’ve helped the events industry save emissions equivalent to 1,000 London to New York flights”.

Matt Grey, Founder event:decision

The illusion of progress

Think about a chef who measures ingredients but then fails to use their skills to create a memorable dish. Or, a doctor diagnosing their patient’s illness but then not prescribing any treatment. In both those cases measuring, or assessing, without follow-up action is fairly ineffectual. The same applies to the measurement of a carbon footprint in the events industry. Measuring provides valuable insights into the environmental impact of an event, allowing event planners to identify the major areas of concern. However, without any accompanying action, measuring alone can create a dangerous illusion of progress. To use yet another analogy; a company that tracks customer satisfaction through surveys and questionnaires but doesn’t take the necessary steps to address any dissatisfaction, may feel they are doing enough by listening but will probably rapidly lose their customers.

Pre and post event measurement highlights action

Our sustainability tool track is unique (we believe globally), in that it allows for both pre and post event measurement which highlights exactly what action has been taken and the subsequent reduction in carbon emissions which have resulted. Findings from our State of Sustainability report across all the aggregated data revealed an impressive 8% average reduction in the carbon footprints of events using the tool. That’s between the footprint projected at the planning stage versus the final footprint of the actual event.

Action taken varies from event to event but typically includes:

• Re-thinking the location of the venue to ensure sustainable travel options are available
• Considering hybrid real and online options where appropriate
• Planning accommodation choices carefully to maximise walking and public transport options
• Offering sustainably-sourced food and a comprehensive waste and recycling plan on-site

Any or all of these choices, together with many other smaller decisions, can make a big impact on sustainability if factored in at the planning stage of any event, as the event planners who use our tool track have been able to demonstrate.

The results of taking action

That 8% average reduction across the hundreds of events that were planned using our tool is equivalent to 1,000 London to New York flights, or a whole two and a half day Europe-wide 450 delegate in-person conference with flights, transfers, accommodation, stage-set, AV and all food and beverage. Or, the same as filling up 3,576 London double deckers! All of which goes to show that when you move from measurement to action you really can make a big difference.

If you’re interested in finding out more about sustainable event planning, you can use track  – the tool used by the event planners in our report – to calculate your own event’s projected carbon footprint. 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.

The events industry has lagged but now has the chance to become a world-leading exemplar in sustainability

The events industry has been slow to engage with the issue of sustainability, but there are welcome signs of change. The COVID-19 pandemic provided an opportunity (albeit an unwelcome one) for the industry to take a step back and rethink how events are planned and executed, and to be more flexible and creative as a result. With a global focus on environmental impact, there is suddenly a real opportunity for the industry to transform itself to become a leading sector in sustainability.

Three key areas provide the key to unlocking best practices: reducing waste, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable actions.

Reducing Waste

One of the biggest challenges facing the events industry is waste reduction. Events generate large amounts of waste, including single-use plastics, food waste, and materials used in event production. To reduce waste, event organisers must focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling.

Reducing waste can be achieved through a range of strategies, such as sourcing local and sustainable materials, reducing the amount of packaging used, and encouraging attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles and coffee cups. Reusing materials, such as event signage and decorations, can also help to reduce waste, as can recycling materials such as paper, cardboard, and plastics.

Some events have already made big progress in reducing waste. The Glastonbury Festival in the UK has implemented a range of sustainability initiatives, including a reusable cup scheme, composting toilets, and a food waste reduction program.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Another key area where the events industry can make a significant impact on sustainability is by reducing carbon emissions. Events generate large amounts of carbon emissions through travel, energy consumption, and event production. To reduce carbon emissions, event organisers must focus on reducing energy consumption, promoting sustainable transportation, and only then by offsetting emissions.

Reducing energy consumption can be achieved through a range of strategies, such as hosting virtual events where appropriate, either wholly or within a hybrid format. On-site things to consider include; using LED lighting on-site, reducing the use of air conditioning, and encouraging attendees to use public transportation or carpool to the event. Promoting sustainable transportation, such as cycling or walking, is a key part of helping to reduce carbon emissions.

Offsetting carbon emissions is another strategy for reducing the environmental impact of events (although not producing the emissions in the first place is always the preferred strategy). This could be initiatives such as investing in renewable energy, carbon capture (well-known as planting trees)), or supporting community projects that promote sustainability.

Promoting Sustainability

The events industry needs to not just pay lip service but actively promote sustainability, raising awareness of the importance of sustainability among attendees, suppliers, and partners. This can be achieved through a range of strategies, such as providing information on sustainability initiatives, offering sustainability training, and promoting sustainable products and services. Working with suppliers and partners to promote sustainability is also key, through initiatives such as sustainability clauses in contracts, supplier audits, and sustainability scorecards.

Social sustainability is an important aspect to consider – evaluating the impact of events on local communities and working to ensure that events benefit everyone involved.

For example, events can partner with local charities or businesses to provide opportunities for attendees to give back to the community. It’s also important for the events industry to consider the impact of events on the mental and physical well-being of attendees and your event staff – including those who serve your lunch and drinks, take away your rubbish and service your hotel bedrooms.

One major challenge in achieving sustainability in the events industry is the lack of standardised metrics and reporting. There is currently no consistent way to measure the environmental and social impact of events, which makes it difficult for companies and event planners to set goals and track progress. However, the United Nations has developed a set of sustainable development goals (SDGs) that provide a framework for sustainable development across a range of industries. These goals can be used to guide the events industry in developing sustainable practices. For example, SDG 12 focuses on responsible consumption and production, while SDG 13 addresses climate action.

The events industry has a long way to go to become a world-leading sustainability exemplar. However, by implementing sustainable practices in areas such as waste, the reduction of carbon emissions, and promoting sustainability, it can reduce its environmental impact and demonstrate its commitment to sustainability – showing other industries how it can be done.

If you’re interested in finding out more about sustainable event planning, our carbon footprint calculator – track – can calculate your own event’s projected and actual carbon footprint. 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.

Eurovision’s carbon footprint has been calculated in advance of the 2023 contest in Liverpool. Is all the fun worth the damage to the planet?

Eurovision – here we go again (as we like to imagine ABBA singing). It’s almost time for the excitement of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest! Hosted in Liverpool for the first time (the ninth time in total in the UK), as last year’s winners Ukraine were prevented from hosting it themselves. Thirty seven countries will take part in this year’s contest with millions settling down at watch parties to watch at home and thousands of singers and visitors preparing to flood the streets of Liverpool from the 9th to 13th of May. Here at event:decision we thought we’d have a look at the carbon footprint of the core event to work out whether all that fun is really worth it (we’re not party poopers, we promise).

The carbon footprint calculated

CEO and Founder Matt Grey talked us through the process of how the team arrived at the calculation of the total carbon footprint for the event (using our carbon footprint calculator track).

“Thirty-seven countries take part in the Eurovision Song Contest and each entry brings up to 25 people with them. When you calculate flights, hotel accommodation, food and drink, audience travel, audience accommodation, and the energy it takes to host such a mammoth television production to 161 million viewers, then you’re talking big numbers.

Now factor in the production and broadcast crew, staffing the ACC Liverpool and associated venues, crew, and stewards, that’s a lot of people. You also need to consider the 11,000 people travelling to Liverpool for three Eurovision events [two semi-finals and one final] and this all has an adverse impact on the event’s carbon footprint.” Matt Grey

When we input all the data into track to calculate the carbon footprint of Eurovision we arrived at a footprint of approximately 65,000 tCO2e.  As Matt explained, that number broke down into the following areas;

• Flights – 879 tCO2e
• Energy consumed at the venue – 30 tCO2e
• Hotels accommodation for participants – 90 tCO2e
• Food and beverage for participants – 46 tCO2e
• Audience travel – 4,450 tCO2e
• Audience hotel accommodation – 356 tCO2e
• Broadcast/streaming – based on 161 million viewers watching a four-hour performance with four people sharing a screen – 59,000 tCO2e

So, is Eurovision’s carbon footprint a lot?

Eurovision as an event is huge. It’s the longest-running annual international televised music competition in the world. In 2022, it had a TV viewing audience of 161 million people and was streamed live into 500 cinemas in the UK. In the UK alone, more than 8.8 million people watched the Grand Final. So it’s not surprising that its carbon footprint is going to be a big number, but just how a big is it really? Matt explained further;

“It’s the same as parking 250,000 double-decker buses nose-to-tail and filling each one with carbon dioxide and other not-so-great gases”.

OK, so not great then?

“Yes, but at the same time, it’s only about 2.5 per cent of last year’s FIFA World Cup”.

That’s a sobering comparison (for FIFA). How does that work out on a per-person basis?

“It’s approximately the same as one pint of beer or one glass of wine, per viewer.”

The same carbon footprint as a single drink per viewer? When you put it like that it really doesn’t seem as bad as we thought it might be. But how much joy can the equivalent of one drink really bring while we all try to work out whether it’s worth it..?

A price worth paying?

We love measuring things, and we were sure someone must have already calculated how much joy Eurovision brings so we tracked down some research. It was carried out by Imperial College, London and it looked at exactly that question – how much joy does the Eurovision Song Contest bring? Their study found that even if your country simply takes part in ESC,  your life satisfaction can be increased.. In fact, life satisfaction increased by four per cent for every increase of ten places on the final scoreboard. Imperial found that winning the competition doesn’t even matter to the overall impact!

“When you look at it like that, the joy of 161 million people adds up to a lot…”

…concluded Matt, and we have to say we agree.

So here’s to a happy Eurovision for everyone and remember it’s the taking part not the winning that’s important (and the research backs that up).

If you’re interested in finding out more about sustainable event planning, our carbon footprint calculator – track – can calculate your own event’s projected and actual carbon footprint. 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.