If you’ve ever planned an event, then you’re aware of how much work is involved in selecting the ideal location and setting up tech. Also, it is important to make it memorable for your guests. But what a lot of us forget: events can generate a massive amount of waste and consume an incredible amount of energy.
It’s time for a shift. More and more people are realizing that an event doesn’t need to have a huge environmental impact. It doesn’t matter whether you are organising a hybrid conference or a smaller group offsite organizing a sustainable event is the most effective choice you can do.
Why should you go green with your Event?
This number may surprise you. A three-day gathering with 500 people could generate 2,835 kilograms of waste and use nearly 300,000kWh of electricity. This isn’t just an incredible amount, but also an opportunity to make improvements.
Sustainability is a concern for today’s customers. They want their favourite brands to be seen as being environmentally friendly. When you take steps toward sustainable event planning, you’re not just helping the planet you’re showing your audience that your values go beyond the stage or the screen.
Simple Waste Management: The Most Effective Method to Reduce Clutter
Let’s begin by removing waste. Even the smallest event can result in a great deal of clutter. There’s single-use plastics, as well as food waste. There could also be printed brochures which nobody has ever read. Sustainable waste management can be much simpler than you think.
Here are a few small adjustments that go a great distance:
1. Get rid of disposables: swap out plastic cups and utensils for compostable or reusable options.
2. Print-free: Use event apps or QR codes instead of printed publications.
3. Donate leftovers: If you’re working with caterers, make arrangements to donate leftover food to local charities.
4. Create recycling stations in order to assist participants to dispose of their things in a responsible manner.
It is about progress, not perfection. Every bit of waste that you can reduce or divert is an improvement.
How to manage energy like a pro (Without becoming one)
Making smart energy decisions does not require you to be an engineer expert. Simply being aware of the amount of power events consume is the first step to changes. If we are talking about strategies for managing energy in events don’t mean that you sacrifice convenience or technological capabilities, it’s just about taking note of how you are using them.
Here are some ways to decrease energy consumption:
1. Consider those venues that are certified green or make use of renewable energy sources.
2. Utilize energy-efficient equipment as well as LED lighting to illuminate displays and audiovisual.
3. Hosting virtual elements or hybrid elements will decrease the need to travel and venues.
4. Simple is best Setups that are elegant usually require less power.
The idea is to create an experience that’s just as powerful but uses less resources.
GreenUP Checklist, Your Secret Weapon
The GreenUP Checklist is a great tool to get started. It provides the steps for an environmentally friendly event into clear, doable actions whether it’s working with vendors to source eco-friendly products or simply encouraging guests public transport.
This checklist is based on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to ensure you are certain that you are aligning yourself with something bigger than your particular event.
You are able to Make a Difference
Sustainable events don’t necessarily require perfection and it’s more about taking the time to plan. It is possible to help the event industry shift to the right direction by taking the smallest or most important steps.
The attendees will be able to remember the memorable speakers, the fun interaction, and it’s a reality that your event did not appear a waste or old-fashioned. Your audience will see that caring about the environment is an important part of the event by guiding by example.