The events industry has been under scrutiny for its negative environmental impact. Still, with the rising awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions and protect the planet, there is a growing demand for sustainable events.

Going green has become a top priority for an increasing number of guests and hosts, indicating that sustainability is not just a passing trend. In 2019, only six per cent of respondents believed that environmental responsibility had a significant impact on their events, while in 2020, this number increased to 59 per cent.

I go to multiple events a year, such as Echelon in Singapore to Tokyo Game Show in Japan, so I may actually be part of the growing problem. While I have a part to play, the impact or the ability to drive change might lie with the organisers.

Event planners in Asia have an opportunity to take the lead in implementing sustainable practices, which have been laid out quite well with Gevme’s sustainability manifesto. By adhering to this manifesto, planners can minimise the environmental impact of their events and reduce their carbon footprint.

Gevme’s sustainability manifesto is a framework that event planners can use to create sustainable events. It provides guidelines and best practices for reducing waste, conserving energy, and promoting social responsibility.

By implementing these sustainable practices, event planners can improve the environmental impact of their events and create a positive impact on the communities they serve. This approach also aligns with the global movement towards sustainability, demonstrating that Asia’s event industry is committed to positively impacting the planet.

Acting on scientific evidence and data

Acting on scientific evidence and data is crucial to achieving sustainability goals. To this end, event planners should set science-based targets to track and reduce carbon emissions. 

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By grounding their work in accurate data and scientific evidence, event planners can make informed decisions that will positively impact the environment. This includes adopting innovative technologies that are more energy-efficient, promoting renewable energy sources, and adopting sustainable transportation practices. 

Taking responsibility for carbon emissions

According to a recent study, international conferences contribute to a carbon footprint from travel that exceeds 2,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases. On average, each participant generates between 500 and 1,500 kg CO₂ equivalent per round-trip to a conference. Thus, taking responsibility for carbon emissions is another critical aspect of sustainability. 

Planners should aim to cut emissions by more than half by 2030 and remove more carbon than they emit each year. This helps the environment and sends a strong message to attendees that the event industry is taking sustainability seriously. Additionally, event planners should consider offsetting their carbon emissions by investing in renewable energy projects or reforestation initiatives. 

Transparency and accountability

Transparency and accountability are essential for making progress towards sustainability. Event planners should publish annual environmental sustainability reports that provide transparency on their progress. 

By adhering to global reporting standards, event planners can ensure their efforts align with industry best practices. This will enable them to measure their performance and track progress over time. Furthermore, it will enable them to benchmark their performance against their peers, identify areas for improvement, and share best practices. 

Advocating for sustainability in the industry and policies

Advocating for sustainability in the industry and policies is another critical step in advancing sustainability. Event planners should support new guidelines, standards, and public policy initiatives accelerating carbon emissions reduction and removal opportunities. This includes advocating for renewable energy targets, promoting sustainable transportation options, and supporting green infrastructure investments.

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Supporting event organisers and exhibitors to go green

Supporting event organisers and exhibitors to go green is also crucial in advancing sustainability. Event planners should develop and share educational materials and digital technologies to help organisers and exhibitors measure and reduce their carbon footprints.

This can include providing guidance on sustainable food and beverage options, promoting waste reduction and recycling practices, and supporting the use of sustainable materials in booth design. 

Educating event attendees on sustainability

Educating event attendees on sustainability is perhaps the most impactful step in advancing sustainability. Event planners should develop and deploy digital tools that encourage people attending events to make sustainable choices. This can include providing information on sustainable transportation options, promoting sustainable food choices, and encouraging attendees to offset their carbon emissions. 

Engaging the team in this mission

Engaging the team on this mission is key to advancing sustainability. Event planners should provide opportunities to innovate by developing enhanced methodologies, processes, and digital tools. This includes encouraging employees to share ideas and best practices, investing in employee training and development, and fostering a culture of sustainability within the organisation. 

By engaging the team on this mission, event planners can create a culture of sustainability that inspires creativity and innovation and contributes to a more sustainable future.

Towards a sustainable future

By adopting a holistic approach that encompasses scientific evidence and data, carbon emissions reduction and removal, transparency and accountability, advocacy for sustainability, support for event organisers and exhibitors, education of event attendees, and team engagement, event planners can create a culture of sustainability that extends beyond their events and into the broader community.

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