Introduction
These days, environmental awareness and sustainable development for us human beings have become major issues in all sectors of government, including that of professional events. The definition of the concept of sustainable development in a few words is based on the notion of responsibility and reflection: it is a process of change that aims to reconcile the needs of the present without compromising the ability and health of future generations to meet their own needs.
In this and other articles, we will examine the main environmental impacts and elements of society's business events, such as conferences, trade fairs, seminars and other business gatherings, and propose solutions to reduce them.As we shall see the ecological impact of professional events is an integral part of this issue, and organisers must now take into account the greenhouse effects, CO2 emissions and resources consumed as a result of designing and staging their events.
Environmental impact of professional events
Environmental impact of business events
Business events, while beneficial in many ways, have an undeniable ecological impact. To minimise this impact, it is important to take into account all aspects of the organisation and take concrete action to reduce CO2 emissions, waste production, energy consumption and the use of natural resources.
The education and training of participants and partners is also crucial in encouraging eco-responsible behaviour in professional projects. Workshops and training courses on best practice in sustainable development can be organised, enabling participants to gain a better understanding of environmental issues and become actively involved in reducing their own impact.
It is also important to involve local authorities and environmental associations in the planning and implementation of business projects. These stakeholders can provide valuable advice on strategies to reduce environmental impact and help set up local initiatives to offset CO2 emissions and preserve biodiversity.
Environmental certifications and labels can also be used to encourage event organisers to adopt sustainable practices. Labels such as ISO 14001, LEED certification or the ecodynamic label offer a reference framework for implementing environmental measures and recognising the efforts made by organisers to minimise the impact of their events.
In addition, innovative technologies and digital solutions can be used to reduce the ecological impact of professional events. For example, the use of mobile applications and online platforms for communication and registration management can significantly reduce paper consumption and associated waste.
Finally, it is essential to establish clear and measurable objectives for reducing the environmental impact of professional events and to monitor progress regularly. This enables organisers to assess the effectiveness of their actions and adjust their strategy accordingly.
How to reduce environmental impact
Choosing a responsible location and suppliers
Working with local partners
Working with local suppliers for catering, decoration and supplies helps to support the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods. Local and seasonal products can also be favoured to offer an authentic taste experience while minimising the ecological impact.
Selecting committed suppliers
Ensure that suppliers and partners share the same vision of sustainable development and eco-responsibility. This can include selecting caterers offering vegetarian and/or organic options, decorators using recycled or sustainable materials, and equipment suppliers complying with strict environmental standards.
Awareness-raising and communication
Raising participants' awareness
Inform participants about the sustainable alternatives available at the event, such as drinking water points where they can refill their reusable bottles, collection areas for materials to be reused or recycled, partnerships with local businesses for recycling and waste recovery, and the availability of healthy snacks and boxed water as eco-friendly options for nutrition and hydration.
Communicating sustainable actions
Highlight the sustainable actions and initiatives implemented during the event to inspire participants and encourage them to get involved. This can be done through information panels, presentations, workshops or digital communications.
Monitoring and evaluating environmental impacts
Measuring and analysing impacts
Establish indicators to measure the environmental impact of the event and analyse the results to identify areas for improvement. These indicators can include the quantity of waste produced, CO2 emissions or energy consumption.
Implement a continuous improvement plan
Based on the results of the assessment, define an action plan to improve the environmental performance of the event and reduce its impact in future editions. This plan should be regularly reviewed and adjusted according to the progress made and new opportunities identified.
In conclusion, by choosing responsible venues and suppliers, promoting environmentally-friendly transport, raising awareness among participants and monitoring and evaluating the environmental impact of their events, business event organisers can make a significant contribution to reducing the ecological footprint of their events. Not only does this help to protect our environment, it also enhances the image and credibility of the event and the organisation in the eyes of participants and partners.
Waste management
Promoting the circular economy
Encourage the reuse and sharing of materials, particularly for stands and decorations, by setting up exchange platforms or partnerships with service providers committed to the circular economy. This approach helps to reduce the ecological footprint of the event and to develop a network of responsible partners.
Raising awareness of sustainable alternatives
Inform participants about the sustainable alternatives available at the event, such as drinking water points where they can refill their reusable bottles, collection areas for materials to be reused or recycled, and partnerships with local businesses for recycling and waste recovery. This communication can be relayed through visual aids, announcements during presentations, or messages on the event's digital platforms.
Encouraging responsible consumption
Offer sustainable promotional items, such as eco-designed goodies or responsible corporate gifts, and encourage participants to adopt eco-responsible consumption habits, such as using reusable cups or cloth bags. These operations help to limit waste production and reinforce the event's commitment to preserving the environment.
Staff and volunteer training
Provide training for staff and volunteers on good practice in waste management, so that they can support participants and help them to adopt responsible behaviour. This approach makes the actions taken more effective and facilitates their implementation on the ground.
By taking measures to reduce waste at source, facilitate sorting and recycling, manage food waste, promote the circular economy, raise awareness of sustainable alternatives, encourage responsible consumption and train staff and volunteers, event organisers can make an active contribution to preserving the environment. These responsible practices also reinforce the positive image of the event and the organisation, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development and future generations.
Energy consumption at professional events
Using motion sensors for lighting
Install motion sensors in high-traffic areas and conference rooms to automatically switch lights on when a presence is detected, and off when they are no longer needed. This approach saves energy by preventing lights from being left on unnecessarily.
Raising awareness among participants and partners
Inform participants and partners about the measures taken to reduce energy consumption during the event and encourage them to adopt eco-responsible behaviour. This can be done through workshops, posters or online communications.
Using solar energy to power facilities
Install solar panels on the event site or use renewable energy suppliers to power the facilities, thereby helping to reduce the carbon footprint and promote clean energy.
Encourage natural ventilation
Opt for well-ventilated spaces and allow windows to be opened to promote air circulation and reduce the need for air conditioning systems. This measure saves energy while providing a comfortable environment for participants.
Energy audits and performance monitoring
Carry out energy audits before and after the event to identify potential sources of energy savings and implement corrective measures. Monitoring energy performance allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures implemented and ensure that they are sustainable.
By adopting these additional measures, such as using motion sensors for lighting, raising awareness among participants and partners, using solar energy, promoting natural ventilation and carrying out energy audits, business event organisers reinforce their commitment to reducing energy consumption and preserving the environment. These responsible practices also enhance the reputation of the event and the organisation with participants, partners and the market, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of future generations.
Use of sustainable materials
Choose ecological and recyclable materials for stands
Opt for environmentally friendly construction materials, such as FSC or PEFC certified wood, or recycled and recyclable materials, to reduce the ecological impact of temporary infrastructures.
Favour ecological signage
Use eco-designed communication media, made from recycled or recyclable materials, and water-based or vegetable-based inks, which are less polluting than traditional inks.
Opt for sustainable communication media
Give preference to reusable media, such as fabric badges or returnable cups, to limit waste production and promote the circular economy.
Local and ethical suppliers
Work with local suppliers
Working with suppliers located close to the event venue reduces CO2 emissions linked to the transport of goods and supports the local economy.
Ensure that suppliers are committed to sustainable development
Choose partners who incorporate environmental and social criteria into their practices, such as responsible resource management, waste reduction and respect for workers' rights.
Favour eco-responsible catering
Opt for caterers who offer local, seasonal and organic produce, and who implement measures to limit food waste and reduce packaging.
By adopting these best practices when selecting materials and suppliers when organising business events, it is possible to significantly reduce the environmental impact of these events, while at the same time highlighting the company's commitment to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development.
Conclusion
It is essential to regularly assess the effectiveness of actions implemented and report on results achieved to participants, partners and other stakeholders. This approach strengthens the concept’s confidence and credibility of event organizers, while encouraging other actors to engage in similar practices.
The reduction of each bad practice is significant for each professional event. This is an ambitious but achievable goal as we have seen in this article and other articles, This involves several steps and requires the mobilisation of all relevant actors and targets, as well as the implementation of coherent strategies adapted to the society’s model. Adopting green practices, building capacity for constructive dialogue and working together, it is possible to create respectful events with the definition of activity for sustainable development and contribute to building a future that has its needs and more sustainable health for everyone.
Q&A
What are the main environmental impacts of an event?
Events often generate COâ‚‚ emissions related to travel, significant energy consumption, waste production (catering, printing, packaging), and excessive use of natural resources such as water or disposable materials.
How can an event be made more eco-friendly?
The environmental impact can be reduced by promoting sustainable transport, limiting paper printing, opting for local suppliers, choosing a certified HQE or eco-friendly venue, and implementing effective waste management (sorting, composting, recycling).
What is a sustainable event?
A sustainable event takes into account environmental, social, and economic dimensions. It aims to minimise its ecological footprint while promoting social inclusion and contributing to local development, without compromising the needs of future generations.
Are virtual events more environmentally friendly than physical events?
Generally, yes, as they avoid travel and material consumption. However, they also have a carbon footprint associated with digital usage (servers, bandwidth, electricity consumption). The choice of format should be accompanied by a comprehensive reflection on digital sobriety.
Are there labels or certifications for sustainable events?
Yes, several labels recognise a responsible approach, such as ISO 20121 (responsible management system applied to the events industry), the Green Globe label, or the Eco-Responsible Event certification granted by certain public or private organisations.
