Environmental sustainability has become a crucial factor in almost every industry, the events industry is no exception. It’s the responsibility of event organisers up and down the country to acknowledge the need for change and to minimise their impact on the environment through each stage of the planning process.
In this article, we’ll explore how incorporating sustainable practices into your future events is pivotal to staying at the forefront of a constantly changing world.
1. Reducing Environmental Impact
The primary argument for event sustainability is its impact on the environment. Events, whether sporting events, music festivals or corporate meetings, often create a significant amount of waste and consume substantial resources. From paper and plastic-based signage and decorations, to energy-intensive lighting, events can leave a considerable, and often avoidable carbon footprint.
Event companies have a unique opportunity to take the steps necessary to affect change. By adopting sustainable practices in event setup and de-rigs, such as recycling materials, reusing and repurposing resources where applicable and using energy-efficient equipment, they can significantly reduce the environmental impact of events. This not only benefits the planet but also aligns with a growing demand for eco-friendly events among clients and attendees, ultimately serving to create a lasting positive brand perception.
2. Meeting Client Expectations
Clients too have a responsibility to make sustainable steps forward too. Many businesses actively seek event crew and organisers that show a commitment to environmental responsibility. By incorporating sustainable practices into their offerings, organisers can appeal to a wider demographic of environmentally conscious clients. Clients are more likely to choose companies that align with their values, adopting sustainable practices at the organisational level sets event providers apart from their competitors.
3. Cost Savings
Sustainability isn’t just about environmental responsibility; but can also lead to significant cost reductions and increased margins. Sustainable practices often involve the conservation of existing resources, which in the long-term, translate into lower operational costs for event organisers. Ideas such as using LED lighting instead of traditional bulbs, or repurposing event materials can cut down on procurement and energy costs almost immediately.
Sustainability in Events
The importance of sustainability in the events industry should not be overstated. Event organisers across industries have a unique opportunity to lead the way in adopting eco-friendly practices and setting themselves apart from competitors. By implementing small but effective measures, organisers serve to benefit from cost savings, an increasingly positive brand perception and an overall reduction in environmental impact. Sustainability is now an ever-growing necessity for the events industry, and those who embrace it are likely to reap the rewards.
