A current trend topic in modern event planning is the planning and realization of Green Events. A Green Event offers individuals, organizations, and communities the opportunity to come together, learn, and participate in activities that contribute to a more sustainable future. Sustainable Events can definitely create a win-win situation for all parties involved. Everyone involvend can gain a better understanding of environmental protection and social fairness.
There are numerous ways to transform a "standard event concept" into a more more sustainable event concept. Below you will find some examples of measures related to sustainable events, especially in a business context.
1. Zero-Waste (waste reduction)
In principle, any business event today can be carried out under the motto "Zero-Waste". Participants are encouraged to bring reusable equipment for food and drinks, as well as their own utensils such as pens, sketchbooks and IT devices. The organizer pays attention to using compostable or recyclable products for providing food and beverages and ensures that all waste is properly sorted. Additionally, refraining from cheap promotional gifts and giveaways that quickly end up in the trash can is a good thing to do. Instead, donate the saved money to a sustainability organization or social project.
2. Mobility concept
As the event organizer, you can reward participants for traveling by public transportation or carpooling. Offer them discounted tickets or provide discounted parking. Consider a bonus for participants who come to the event by bicycle, e-bikes or electric cars. Provide bicycle stands and collaborate with local bicycle rental suppliers.
Be realistic and fair: For many people, traveling by car is not only a question of personal flexibility, but also an expression of the deeply human need for safety. Driving by car is (currently) the only means of transport that really serves this need for safety without restriction. It protects against the weather, in the dark, in difficult environmental situations – and makes personal participation possible for people who could only travel with great effort by public transport.
The "automobile", one of the most important achievements of our modern society, has made it possible in the first place that people of all ages, all cultures and all life circumstances can intensively network with each other – and this on a personal level. Therefore, choose a location that also provides a sufficient number of parking spaces. The concept of more sustainable behavior always includes the component of "social fairness". Respect the different life situations and environmental conditions of your participants.
3. Energy
Supply the event with electricity from renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind energy. Choose a venue that offers electricity from renewable sources.
4. Catering
Focus on sustainable catering. Offer local, organic and vegan food, and minimize food waste through careful portioning and the option to donate leftovers to a charitable organization.
5. Paperless Events
Save paper waste by switching to digital information. Promote the event on digital channels and utilize electronic registration and ticketing systems. If you cannot completely eliminate the use of paper, consider collaborating with local organizations involved in sustainable forestry and reforestation. For example, you could plant a new tree for each registered participant (or for each 5 / 10 / … participants).
Please note: According to the common climate calculators (see e.g. Umweltbundesamt, Germany / UBA), a small amount of paper has hardly any noticeable impact on the climate balance. The use of paper can be an important didactic tool at trade fairs and events. If there is no excessive waste production, paper is perfectly ok, especially since many print shops are increasingly offering and using paper from sustainable forestry.
6. Empowerment
Offer workshops and seminars on sustainability topics such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and waste reduction. Inform your participants about opportunities for a more sustainable lifestyle. Offer expert tips on sustainable practices in everyday life, such as reducing plastic consumption, sustainable shopping, or water and energy-saving measures at home.
7. Creating awareness
Create awareness of the beauty and value of nature by offering nature excursions or a relaxing and invigorating "forest bathing" experience. (See related article on eventmasterbook.com | Forest Bathing)
8. Sustainable projects
Coordinate a community action to clean up a local park or waterway and educate participants about the importance of keeping landscapes and waters clean. Plan a project to restore a green space in the city by planting trees, building birdhouses, or creating bee-friendly grasslands. Host a workshop on sustainable gardening practices, such as composting, using native plants, and reducing water consumption.
9. Recycling / DIY
Coordinate a recycling workshop where recycled or reused materials are transformed into new items, such as artworks from old magazines or new shopping bags from old T-shirts. Demonstrate how individuals can save disposable items in their households and workplaces.
10. Nutrition tips
Organize a cooking class using organic and vegan ingredients from the region – and show participants how to reduce food waste.
11. Prospects
Even if your event has a completely different theme that may not be readily associated with environmental issues, you can still highlight the topic of "sustainability" at the end of the event. In your conclusion, offer a glimpse into the future that highlights the importance of collective action for a more sustainable lifestyle and ensures that this importance resonates with all participants.
12. Beware "Greenwashing"
The fact of "sustainability" should not be feigned or falsely claimed. The measures described as "sustainable" should genuinely be sustainable, and their transparency and verifiability are crucial. Describe on your event website what you are doing to make your event more sustainable, and communicate this clearly and honestly in all other information media.
13. Climate footprint compensation / Zero carbon
Even if your event is planned to be as sustainable as possible and many of the aforementioned measures have been implemented, every event leaves a carbon footprint. You can offset the negative impact on the climate by buying certificates to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions, reduce them to zero or even achieve a positive climate balance. However, make sure to choose reputable certificate providers. Also, ensure that you first make every effort to minimize the footprint before resorting to offsetting.
14. No compulsion, no religion – voluntariness is important
Don’t force your event attendees to be perfectly sustainable right away. Put your trust to the fact that many people around the globe want to treat the planet more sustainably. Abandon narrow-mindedness, do not make the topic of sustainability a compulsion or a religion. Lead by example, and trust in the power of small but continuous steps.
Related topics:
Green Events, sustainable events, sustainable events, event planning, event management, MICE, trade shows, conventions, events, corporate events, employee events, green location, CSR, corporate social responsibility
Cover picture: Forrest bathing workshops are perfect activities for Green Events (Copyrights: Ahrtal-Tourismus Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler e.V., Germany)
