Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Events – How Sustainability Is Shaping the Future of Events

In today’s eco-conscious world, event organizers face two main challenges: managing big trendy events and reducing environmental impacts. Have you been able to address these challenges in your recent events?

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Unfortunately, large-scale events have been one of the bigger contributing factors to ecological damage. Events require large amounts of energy for lighting, sound systems, and other equipment which also release carbon dioxide into the air. There is also an increased carbon footprint from event goers’ traveling to and from the venue. Furthermore, events often produce a significant volume of waste from stage decorations, plastic containers, tickets, games and others. Whether you are an event manager or simply interested in sustainability and events, this post provides you with the latest information on how sustainability is shaping the future of events. 

How Sustainability Is Shaping the Future of Events

If there is one focus that most industries have in common in this day and age, it is certainly sustainability. In recent years, various industries have taken steps to contribute to a greener Earth and build more eco-conscious communities, and the events industry is no exception. With more event managers implementing various sustainability initiatives, the live events scene has become greener than before. Below we explain further the various ways how sustainability is shaping the future of events.

Waste Reduction

The uncontrolled generation of waste and improper waste disposal of concert props, food containers, and other general waste continues to pose a threat to the ecosystem. As such, more and more organizers are taking steps to reduce waste in their events. Here are the various ways event managers are reducing waste today. 

1. Event Materials are Being Controlled

A huge part of event waste comes from the excess use of items such as props, decorations, and more. Hence, it is not surprising that organizers are becoming more practical in purchasing and using event materials nowadays. This doesn’t just help reduce waste but also helps them save money as well as present their company as eco-conscious. 

2. Attendees Are Educated About Proper Waste Disposal

According to a report, an event attendee produces 1.89 kg. of waste each day. 85% of that waste can end up in landfills depending on the event type and location. When waste materials end up in landfills, they can release harmful substances that can contaminate soil and groundwater. Some waste materials do not decay easily as well taking up so much space, and creating potential health risks. As such, organizers have added additional waste disposal bins for proper waste segregation. Over the years, they have also actively educated and encouraged attendees to dispose of their waste properly. 

3. There Is an Increased Use of Compostable or Reusable Materials 

In an effort to reduce waste, event management companies are opting for reusable materials for props, decorations, and more. Depending on the event, they may also reuse items such as fabric, signage, electronics, and more. In addition to reusing, these items may be recycled or repurposed in the future as well. Besides decorations, we can also observe more food stalls serving their food in compostable or recyclable containers. Participants are also actively encouraged to use reusable water bottles, totes, or utensils. 

Energy Conservation

From transportation to event equipment, live events consume more energy than you think. Thus, event organizers need to think of and adopt energy-efficient practices to minimize their ecological footprint. Below we get into greater detail on the various steps event managers are taking today to conserve energy.

1. Events Are Held in More Easily Accessible Venues 

Road transportation consumes an average of 85% of the total energy used by the transport sector in developed countries. A report by Greenly also notes that transportation is responsible for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions. This is the largest percentage of greenhouse gas emissions generated to date. 

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Furthermore, a 2022 study states that the travel-induced carbon footprint of a single conference can amount to more than 2000 tons of greenhouse gases. On the other hand, an average participant can produce between 500 to 1500 kg. of carbon dioxide per conference round trip. 

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These are just some of the vital data points that suggest how traveling to events can impact the environment. Thus, event organizers all over the world are holding more events in easily accessible venues such as community centers, hotels, universities, and more, where public transit can be utilized easily. 

2. Guests Are Encouraged to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint by Carpooling or Taking Public Transportation

Achieving a successful sustainable event is a collective effort. Thus, guests are encouraged to consider alternative transportation options that can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road, reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. Some of these transportation options include carpooling and public transportation. Thankfully, this is encouraged as more events are held in easily accessible venues.

3. More Events Are Opting For Energy-Efficient Equipment or Those That Use Renewable Energy Sources

Thanks to technology, there are more energy-efficient equipment options nowadays that also use renewable energy sources. An example of this is solar panel lights which have emerged as a popular choice in outdoor events. 

Eco-Conscious Event Management

Along with the increased awareness of the general population about ecological damage, is the higher demand for sustainable events. Hence, it is no surprise that event management companies and managers are adopting more strategies for eco-conscious event management. It goes without saying that sustainable events are the future. Are you ready for it? If not, then the following ways on how event managers can organize sustainable events may help you out. 

1. Event Managers Favor Partnerships With Environmentally Conscious Sponsors, Businesses, or Organizations

Having a partner with similar environmental values can increase the chances of achieving success in managing a sustainable event. When event organizers work with companies that are equally concerned about the environment, they can carry out sustainable practices and technologies easier and maintain a clear and effective collaboration. Additionally, partnerships with environmentally conscious sponsors, businesses, and organizations can also improve the reputation and credibility of the companies involved in the event.

2. Increased Usage of Digital Tools to Advertise Events and Reduce Paper Usage

Digital tools have been around for quite some time now and have been effective in reducing paper usage. Through digital tools, event management companies can create digital advertisements that don’t require paper and are easier to share on various platforms. In addition to advertisements, digital tools can also be used in the event planning process. Event managers do not need to frequently print calendars, schedules, reports, surveys, and more as they can easily access necessary files through their devices.

Discover a More Sustainable Way to Manage Your Events 

As the world moves toward a greener future, is your event management company doing its part in planning sustainable events? If you are unsure of the answer, then StaffConnect is a must-try. StaffConnect is an event management software that streamlines tasks and automates processes. Our all-in-one platform helps improve the efficiency in your workplace reducing the use of power and resources. On top of that, it is an internet-based platform, hence, you won’t need to travel to manage your tasks and staff, or print countless schedules. 

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Want to know more about StaffConnect? Book your demo today and test drive our software tools and features for free.