Events that prioritise sustainability are becoming more important in our resource-hungry world. To create truly sustainable events and exhibitions, event organizers and marketers need to carefully consider the details at every step—from planning through to execution.
From my perspective, when planning sustainable events there are two essential issues we need to bear in mind.
Aim to achieve zero waste and zero emissions
The organizer of the fifth Responsible Business Forum on Sustainable Development recently gave us all a master class on how to ‘plan green’ from start to finish. This event was Asia’s first zero-waste and zero-emissions event, and alongside overall event execution, the organizer, Global Initiatives, took into account travel logistics, F&B offerings, marketing collateral and more. Here’s how they did it:
- No printed materials or business cards were produced. Instead, they used a bespoke live mobile app, a digital programme, live chat software and card scanners. Bingo—zero paper waste!
- Event badges were made from 100% recycled banana fibre.
- They served a vegetarian menu using fresh, mostly local ingredients.
- The carbon emissions from the flights taken by international delegates were offset by investing in a wastewater treatment project in Thailand and a renewable energy landfill gas project in China.
Cut air pollutants in venues
In general, exhibition venues can have fairly toxic air—a cornucopia of chemicals can be released in a short period during last minute set up and fabrication operations. Compounded by the often sub-par ventilation present in indoor venues, these powerful chemicals can negatively impact visitor experience and even cause harm to the exhibitors and attendees.
First, install good-quality air purifiers at exhibition and event venues. For example, the P3 Innovation project team installed high-tech air purifiers at the recent IT&CM China 2017 event. These quickly and successfully created a significant decrease in measurable impurity levels.
Second, support innovative start-ups, such as Sensmell, which are creating affordable solutions to air quality problems. Sensmell, a start-up incubated by P3 Space, is developing ways to lower air pollutant levels at exhibitions and improve the overall visitor experience through the use of various scents.
Helping start-ups take flight is a sure way to invest in the future and create success down the line for your company and, in this case, for the environment.
