the unmeasured side of events
When we think of event emissions, it’s easy to think of the biggest contributors: Travel, Energy + Food.
All essential elements to account for. There is, however, one striking element which always seems to be missing from measurement. That is the emissions from single use design elements which go to landfill and can vary an astonishing amount in both scale and materiality from the stage set to the trade show floor.
the trade show booth
First, let us consider the trade show. Typically there should be exhibitor guidelines kindly provided by the host (hopefully focused on sustainability), however, ultimately it’s up to the exhibitor to truly abide by such guidelines. Elements like what the booth is built out of and where that vendor resides, where the materials are shipped from to build/design - all can vary a staggering amount in terms of the emissions at hand - and we’re still talking about a singular booth. This also isn’t considering whether that vendor is flying in their reps from all over the country, providing single use plastic, where their catering is coming from and whether that caterer has any sustainability policies to speak of.
stage set and general design
Next, we look to the host and the design of the overall event. What is the stage set made out of? What other fabrication has been designed specifically for this event? What materials were used? Where they shipped from and made overseas? Are they single use? Did they create elements which have date specific information? All of these things can mean that they are only able to be utilized for single use and therefore contribute to the waste/landfill emissions significantly.
Currently, the thing that is most consistently measured around waste, is that of attendee related waste, i.e. the food they consume - or don’t, rather. According to MeetGreen, the average conference produces 4.17 lbs of waste per attendee, per day (3.53 lbs of which will go to a landfill). A three-day event of 1,000 attendees will quickly add up to over 12,500 lbs of waste – roughly equivalent to the weight of four compact cars.
Nowhere in the measurements is there detail relative to the measured impacts of the design elements which are destined to landfill, though that is something that should be essential to proper reporting and planning. Be sure when you’re engaging with your event design/fabrication firm that you’re asking these questions and designing with longevity in mind.
tips for sustainable event design:
No Dates, Location or Information on Signage Which Changes YOY
Design with Materials Which Are More Durable & Have Future Life Cycle Use (Could be broken down, recycled, reused for another end use)
Say Hard No To Foam Core
Ask Questions about Sourcing of Materials. Where Do They Come From? Can they go further and assess the scope of their supply chain for your design elements and report back?
Ask Questions about Carbon Measurement and Sustainability Policies
Ask Questions about Trucking/Delivery Emissions
Avoid Vinyl Wherever Possible
Print Large Scale Signage on Eco-Friendly Recyclable Fabric Materials
Use LED Lighting Schematics to Act As Signage, Offset the Energetic Footprint
In the end, all aspects of the event are emissions which should be taken into account by a responsible host.
We feel there are a plethora of thoughtfully strategic ways to provide for a uniquely meaningful guest experience while providing a powerful aesthetic in tandem. It’s a more focused, calculated spend with longevity and circularity in mind.
And remember, NO foam core
Ignoring areas of emissions certainly doesn’t mean that they don’t exist - and by taking a high level approach to the mitigation and elimination of these emissions, you are expressing to all of your vendors that sustainability is paramount to your operations and furthering innovation in the industry. By sharing these insights, attendees will appreciate your commitment to the event, the planet and ultimately, to them.
