Living more sustainably is at the top of many people’s lists. At the corporate level, taking the initiative to reduce the negative impact on the environment and society as a whole has never been more important. Not only is it the right thing to do, but showing customers or clients that these matters are a priority can even positively impact the organization’s bottom line.
Fortunately, there are many ways to incorporate sustainability into our work lives. Below, we’ll go over one aspect in particular: business events.
First, what might a sustainable event entail? Generally, it involves focusing on key areas meant to lower carbon emissions. Thus, minimizes waste, and better aligns with the preferences of attendees. Doing so requires the coordinator — as well as the supporting team — to make informed, eco-conscious decisions.
There are many ways to go about this, and they all begin at the planning stages. One major aspect is the menu for the event. Food choices are usually an already difficult part of event planning. Deciding on the type of cuisine and how many courses, for example, all need to be aligned with the theme while still catering to the various restrictions of the guests.
A great way to circumvent the challenge is to partner with eco-friendly suppliers and caterers. These professionals may be considered green because they source local ingredients for both the food and beverages. It could also be they utilize no-waste catering or even offer reduced or no-meat options further diminishing the environmental impact of the gathering.
Along the same lines is securing the right venue. Depending on the number of quests or level of sophistication, this decision can also be very tricky. Of course, many venues understand that the views on sustainability have drastically changed over recent years and have altered their locations accordingly.
When narrowing down the search, event planners are encouraged to verify the venue has set clear ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policies and other such credentials. This helps to establish the company is dedicated to following sustainable practices. Additionally, it’s beneficial to opt for a sustainable venue which provides catering as well to reduce the carbon emission needed for transporting food and equipment.
These words of advice merely scratch the surface of event sustainability. If you want to learn more about how to incorporate green practices for your next business convention or conference, please see the additional accompanying resource.
Infographic created by FIRST
