how to save six figures in event emissions
Your event’s carbon footprint will be most drastically reduced by one singular defining factor (after attendee travel): Event Location.
Yes, indeedy. The choice to use a clean energy destination alone can reduce your event emissions by over six figures. Focusing your RFP/RFI inquiries on renewable energy, walkability & sustainability best practices in advance can mean major differences in your hurdles + your success.
book a clean energy destination
First and foremost, book a clean energy destination to the best of your ability. If there aren’t absolutes at your fingertips, do an assessment on sustainability practices of the major locations you're considering - along with key vendors. Take into account the locality of the majority of attendees (inquire for the latest list of most comprehensive clean energy destination options, based on your event demographics). Consult with us on a green destination analysis.
The city you choose can impact your carbon footprint because of details like the carbon intensity of the local power grid, walkability scores, airport proximity and the availability of public transit in the meeting area, not to mention the convention center, hotels and venues themselves. Many hotels and conference centers have programs in place which reduce water usage or use renewable energy, but you can always ask for more, especially during the RFP process. One big and important ask: waste diversion practices.
At the current juncture, clients will largely drive the conversation with regard to requiring sustainability best practices from local vendors. The events industry is alive and well - and at this moment, sometimes more reactive rather than proactive when it comes to sustainability initiatives, due not to poor intentions - but high volume demands and labor challenges. This simply means that ESG focused leaders will be shaping the expectations around emissions measurement, mitigation and management now for future events. It's an exciting time to pursue innovation together.
be realistic - and proactive
There will always be emissions you can’t avoid entirely: attendee travel, venue/hotel related emissions, waste and food sourcing will always have an impact, but these can vary greatly depending on how they are approached from the onset. Designing with circularity in mind and measuring attendee travel upfront with Purpose Net Zero are a few important details which are going to create massive shifts in impacts on the environment from the very onset.
A famous saying in the sustainability community is that "you can't manage what you can't measure." When your largest emissions are measured, understood and you're able to address those emissions, your event’s footprint will get smaller year over year.
For what's left, carbon removal projects or carbon offsets can address that unavoidable event footprint by supporting emission reduction projects which speak to the mission and purpose of your company or organization.
perfection isn’t the goal
This is a time for evolution in the events industry. The importance of this moment and sustainability isn't that everyone must be perfect - the most vital thing you can do is to start your organization’s sustainability journey NOW - and we can all make progress together along the way.
