Hosting an event doesn’t have to be at the cost of the environment. In fact, “going green” can even make your event unique, enhance your event’s image, appeal to eco-conscious attendees, and even save you money. Here are our best suggestions for making your next event more environmentally friendly :
Choose a Green Venue :
The venue positions the tone for your event’s environmental impact. Make sustainability your priority and look for locations:
LEED-certified buildings: These building structures have rigorous environmental performance standards. This often comprises energy-efficient systems, water conservation measures, and sustainable materials.
Green Hotels: Many hotels provide eco-friendly options like on-site recycling programs, low-flow fixtures, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Outdoor Spaces: Always try to host your event outdoors to minimize energy consumption related to indoor venues. Natural things like natural light, airflow, and insulation help to reduce the use of electricity and air conditioning. Some venues can even work fully or partly on solar energy!
If using electric lights or heating, always choose energy-efficient options if possible.
Minimize Waste :
Consider Digital Communication: Choose online invitations, registration, and event programs to reduce paper waste.
Offer Reusable Options: Provide visitors with reusable plastic bottles of water, coffee mugs, and utensils to cut back on the use of plastic wraps and covers.
Effective waste disposal: Make sure to label your containers for recycling, composting, and waste. You can team up with local waste collection companies to ensure proper waste disposal.
Source locally and seasonally: It is advisable to reduce emissions through transport and assist the local industries by sourcing food and drinks from local farms and vendors.
Encourage People to Travel in Eco-Friendly Ways :
Promote Public Transportation: Public Transportation companies that sell lower-fare tickets. Provide the guests with very clear information about the closest transit stations.
It is true that if you cannot provide onsite accommodation, guests must travel to and from your event. Thus, it is essential to make sure that the venue is accessible via public transportation, as this is a key factor in reducing driving distances. According to the nature and size of your event, you may offer private transport options, such as free shuttle buses linking to key locations.
Encourage carpooling and biking: Provide parking areas for carpooling and give a safe and secure biking environment.
Reduce Carbon Emissions: Assess transportation’s carbon offset with investment in renewable energy projects and the financing of carbon-neutral activities.
Conservation of Water and Energy :
Make Use of Natural Light: Open the windows and blinds in the daytime.
Adjust Lighting and Temperature: Reduce the brightness of lights or even switch them off in case they’re not needed; set the thermostat to reduce usage.
Use Energy-Efficient Equipment: Always consider energy-efficient lighting and audiovisual equipment.
Conserve Water: Use low-flow fixtures and motivate guests and attendees to be mindful of water usage.
Engage Audience :
Provide Instructions: Educate your audience about the intention to make your event sustainable and remind them to consider making environmentally friendly decisions.
Provide Sustainable Items: Consider offering reusable bags, plants, or other environmentally friendly items to your audience to use and distribute.
Collaborate with community groups: Engage with locally based environmentally friendly groups to promote awareness and to give back to a greener planet.
By using such approaches, you can create a much more sustainable, green, and impactful event and show how serious you are about being an environmentally responsible citizen. And do not forget that every little step you take counts towards a greener future.
Ask your sustainability experts or green event planners to advise on your event in order to suit the given advice. If sustainability and being green are the key business objectives of your company, then it’s important to add any sustainability requirements and preferences in your selection criteria while planning your event. Therefore, collaborating with suitable event partners and suppliers who are dedicated to protecting the environment will allow you to achieve and surpass those sustainability objectives.
