Planning an event is a lot of work. It’s about finding the perfect venue, setting up technology to make your guests feel comfortable, and making the event memorable. There’s a fact that many don’t realize that events can generate lots of waste, and require massive amounts of energy.
It’s time for a shift. People are increasingly realizing that an event doesn’t have to have an enormous environmental impact. Whether you’re organizing a small team offsite or a major hybrid conference, promoting sustainable events isn’t just the responsible thing to do it’s the smart thing to do.
Why go green with your next event?
This is a number that may make you think: A typical 3-day event with 500 guests can generate around 2,835 kilos of waste and use nearly 300,000 kWh of energy. This isn’t just huge, but it’s also a huge chance to make improvements.
Sustainability is a concern for the present-day attendees. They want to see proof that the brands and companies they love are living up to their claims. If you host a sustainable gathering that is sustainable, you will not only benefit the planet but also show your audience that you have an agenda that goes beyond the screen or the stage.
Simple Waste Management Strategies to Reduce the Clutter
Let’s begin with the waste. Events can be a goldmine of unused clutter that is caused by single-use plastics leftover food items, printed brochures that nobody reads, and more. If you are able to plan it, waste management that is sustainable could be accomplished.
Here are a few modifications that can go a big way:
1. Disposables should be replaced with compostable or recyclable alternatives.
2. Instead of printed event program instead, you can use apps or QR codes.
3. Donate the leftovers.
4. Recycling stations can be a great method of encouraging people to reuse.
The goal is progress and not perfection. Every single bit of waste you can reduce or divert is a victory.
How to manage energy like professional (without being one)
It’s not necessary be an engineer professional to make smart energy decisions. The first step towards making changes is to simply be aware of the amount of energy that events consume. If we are talking about strategies to manage energy for events isn’t about sacrificing the comfort of your guests or technology, but being aware of the way you utilize them.
Here are a few easy ways to decrease energy consumption:
1. Select venues that have sustainable certifications or renewable energy sources.
2. For AV and displays make use of LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment.
3. You can organize virtual or hybrid events to lower the expense of travel and venue.
4. Make it easy. The best configurations consume less energy.
The goal is to provide an experience that is as effective but with less resources.
GreenUP Checklist, Your Secret Weapon
If you’re unsure of where to start, tools like the GreenUP Checklist can make life a lot simpler. It simplifies the steps needed to an eco-friendly event into easy, practical steps whether it’s working with vendors to source eco-friendly products or simply encouraging guests public transport.
This checklist is built around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and ensures that you’re aligned with something greater than just the event itself.
You can make a difference
It’s not about perfectionism, but about being deliberate. However many steps you take, you are helping to shift the industry toward a better future.
The event you host will be remembered for your speakers, the conversations and the way it didn’t appear old-fashioned or wasteful. So go ahead, be a leader with a purpose and show your guests that taking care of the earth is a part of the event.