Event sustainability and the greening of events is becoming increasingly popular. As society gains a greater understanding about the negative impacts of environmentally irresponsible events, we are now challenged to become more accountable for unsustainable decisions.
Events can harmfully affect the environment which is why it is imperative for event organisers to identify and minimise these impacts. There are several approaches that can be taken to minimise environmental damage and create a sustainable concept. This can be done by improving on; transport, venue selection/energy efficiency, and digitalization.
Transport
Choosing a location which is within close proximity to many public transport facilities will provide numerous accessible options for the attendees to travel to and from the event. Alternatively, you could provide a shuttle bus.
This minor change has major environmental benefits. These transport options will decrease the use of private cars, which is minimizing air pollution and co2 emissions. In return your event will be more eco-friendly and sustainable.
Venue Selection/Energy Efficiency
Initially opting for an environmentally-minded venue can often decrease or eliminate costs. Green venues reduce the use of fossil fuel and damage to the environment- using biomass boilers, thermal insulation, natural ventilation and harvesting rainwater.
In the last number of years countless sports venues have implemented solar energy to improve the sustainable profile of their power generation. Arsenal have become the first team in the premier league to be 100% sustainable in their energy consumption. Arsenal completely source their energy from renewable sources. From this they will save 2.32 million kg of carbon monoxide per year.
Digitalization
This sustainable event trend opens the door for event managers to change the way they operate and organise events. The incorporation of technology into events has altered our heavy reliance on paper. Paper is often used indiscriminately during events as it is easy accessible and disposable. This significant waste can now be avoided with the use of technology or minimised by switching to virtual forms such as: smart tags and mobile apps.
Events are utilised to network, learn and share ideas. If attendees are making several connections during a conference , the paper business cards can become a considerable amount of waste. You can eliminate this waste by switching to smart tags. This facility is preprogramed with each persons contact information and exchanged with the use of Bluetooth technology. When paired with a mobile app attendees can view all their contacts on their mobile phone.
By altering your event programme/activity schedule from a paper booklet to a mobile app it can allow you to eliminate the need for paper. EventPilot is an app that allows you access to your meeting or event programme. Attendees pre register for your event on EventPilot, and can access and create information regarding the event. Some features include: a personal schedule, programme changes, speaker updates, announcements,note taking, presentation dowlnloads and more!
With the use of smart tags and a mobile app you could go completely paperless which would be a massive saving to the event budget and a huge consideration for event sustainability.
The heightened awareness of the environment and pro eco-friendly attitudes have changed the world of events. By making any small change towards a greener future is significantly reducing our carbon footprint along the way.
For more information on event sustainability check out: Go Green
HIYA Team 🙂
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