When we think of commercial events in India— like product launches, celebrations, or MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions)—we think of loaded venues, lots of food, and tons of printed flyers. What we don’t always think of is the amount of impact of these big events on the environment. The impact on the environment is a growing concern nowadays.
To meet these expectations, we need to incorporate sustainability into our everyday lives. But how do we do that? Even small steps can contribute to this cause and make a difference. Here are 5 ways to go green in your next event.
1.Choose a greener venue :
Before anything else, you should start by choosing a greener, more sustainable venue: Look out for places with LEED or IGBC certifications. In India, many venues are now actively working toward sustainability. Some use solar energy, implement rainwater harvesting, or follow waste segregation and recycling processes. Spaces like the India Habitat Centre in Delhi, NESCO in Mumbai, or eco-certified ITC Hotels are examples of venues that prioritize eco-friendly operations. This step sets a strong foundation for an environmentally conscious event.
2.Use energy-efficient lighting :
Lighting makes a big difference. Opt for LEDs over halogen lights—they consume up to 80% less energy and last longer. If you’re planning a day event, use natural light as much as possible. Some venues even offer solar-powered lighting—a great way to cut down your event’s carbon footprint.
3. Go paperless :
One of the simplest ways to cut down on event waste is to rule out needless printing. Traditionally, we depend on printed invites, brochures, event schedules, and name markers, all of which end up in the bin as soon as the event ends.
Thanks to technology, going paperless is a lot easier. Use email invitations, produce a devoted event website, or manage everything through an event app. Numerous Indian startups like Townscript, Explara, and BookMyShow for Business now offer user-friendly event operation platforms that can handle enrollments, monuments, schedules, and feedback — all digitally.
4.Ditch single-use plastic :
If there’s one major waste item at Indian events, it’s plastic. Disposable water bottles, plastic cups, straws, and food containers are used in bulk—and thrown away just as quickly. To tackle this, switch to reusable or biodegradable options. Instead of distributing plastic water bottles, place glasses. These changes may seem small, but they can significantly reduce your event’s waste output, especially if you’re expecting many attendees.
5. Encourage Sustainable Travel :
We often forget this, but how the guests get to the event also matters. Transport-related emissions contribute significantly to an event’s overall carbon footprint, especially in India, where cities are populous and traffic-heavy. Help your guests make environmentally friendly choices by encouraging carpooling or public transport or offering group shuttle services. In metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai, access to metro lines and shared mobility options is growing. You can even offer small incentives like discount coupons or preferred seating for guests who choose low-carbon travel options.
Conclusion :
Organizing a sustainable commercial event doesn’t have to be challenging. You can Follow the above-mentioned steps to ensure your event is an eco-friendly success
Incorporating sustainability into our corporate events is necessary for promoting sustainable development and showcasing our corporate social responsibility. Companies need to ensure that their event planning aligns with broader sustainability goals, from reducing carbon footprints to promoting eco-friendly practices.
