In today’s world, where environmental concerns are at the forefront, hosting a sustainable and green event is more important than ever. By incorporating eco-friendly practices, you can reduce the environmental impact of your event while inspiring attendees to adopt sustainable behaviours. At Hub, every time a client comes to us to create, organise or produce an event, we follow a simple but comprehensive guide that ensures that our processes are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Define your objectives
Before planning your event, clearly define your sustainability objectives. Identify the areas where you can make the most significant impact, such as waste reduction, energy conservation, or promoting eco-friendly transportation options. Setting measurable goals will help guide your decision-making throughout the planning process.
Choose a sustainable venue
Selecting a sustainable venue is a crucial step in organising a green event. Look for venues with eco-friendly certifications or those that have implemented sustainable practices such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, and waste management systems. Additionally, consider a venue that is easily accessible by public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. At Hub, we have a full list of those venues in place, ready for our clients to review depending on requirements.
Minimise waste
Waste reduction should be a top priority in your sustainability efforts. Encourage attendees to bring reusable water bottles and provide water refill stations instead of single-use plastic bottles. Use biodegradable or compostable materials for disposable items like plates, cups, and cutlery. Implement recycling stations throughout the venue, clearly labelled with what can and cannot be recycled. Alternatively, you can also create your own eco-friendly event merchandise to limit the waste and also promote your brand or event. At Hub, we have created multiple event items that are sustainable and eco-friendly.
Offer sustainable food & drink options
When it comes to catering, opt for local, organic, and sustainably sourced food and beverages. Work closely with your caterers to reduce food waste by accurately estimating the number of attendees and providing donation or composting options for excess food. Serve vegetarian or vegan options to minimise the carbon footprint associated with meat production.
Boost your energy efficiency
Implement energy-saving measures to reduce your event’s greenhouse gas footprint. Use energy-efficient lighting such as LED bulbs and encourage natural lighting wherever possible. Turn off unnecessary lights and equipment when not in use. Consider using renewable energy sources or purchasing carbon offsets to mitigate the event’s energy consumption.
Ensure your event materials are sustainable
Choose event materials with sustainability in mind. Utilise digital communications and event apps to reduce paper usage. If printed materials are necessary, opt for recycled and FSC-certified paper. Provide reusable branded conference bags or encourage attendees to bring their own bags. Explore innovative technologies like e-tickets and RFID badges to minimise waste.
Review all travel and transportation
Promote sustainable transportation options for attendees. Encourage carpooling, provide secure bicycle parking, and arrange shuttle services from public transportation hubs. Offer incentives for those who use eco-friendly transportation methods such as 10% off ticket prices or a goodie on arrival. Communicate transportation options clearly to attendees before the event.
Engage and educate attendees
Raise awareness among your attendees about the sustainability initiatives of your event. Share information on sustainable practices through event websites, social media, and pre-event communications. Incorporate interactive displays or workshops that educate attendees about sustainable living and inspire them to make eco-friendly choices beyond the event.
Collaborate with sustainable suppliers
Partner with vendors and suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Seek out suppliers that prioritise eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing packaging waste, or offering environmentally friendly products. Consider working with local businesses to support the community and reduce transportation-related emissions. At Hub, we have a list of providers that are eco-friendly certified, from creating a staging for your event to printing material.
Measure and communicate results
After the event, assess the success of your sustainability efforts. Measure and document key metrics, such as waste diversion rates, energy savings, and carbon emissions reduced. Share this information with your stakeholders, attendees, and partners to highlight the positive environmental impact achieved through your sustainable event.
Organising a sustainable and green event requires careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to making a positive environmental impact. By following our comprehensive step-by-step guide, you can orchestrate an event that accomplishes more than just reassuring and impressing attendees. It will also serve as a shining example of best practices within the events industry, while simultaneously driving sustainability and catalysing transformative change on a broader scale—for the betterment of our planet.
Sustainable practices are continuously evolving, so stay updated on the latest trends and innovations to ensure your events remain environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
At Hub, we offer many different services in connection with live events which you can find on our Events page. Or why not contact us to talk about how we can help you make your events greener and more sustainable.
