1st & 2nd Quarter 2025 – Sustainability Review
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.
