Sustainability in Corporate Events: 8 Tips to Get Started

The changes in the environment have been noticeable in the past years. This is one of the reasons why people are considering more eco-friendly options, even when hosting events.

As you can observe, events tend to generate a large amount of waste. One example would be a concert. Vendors are usually present at concerts, making it difficult to maintain the cleanliness of the surroundings. But it’s not just about the garbage, but also other ways to practise sustainability.

In this article, we’ll discuss some tips to maintain sustainability when hosting corporate events and other activities.

 

1. Set a Clear Sustainability Goals

Just like other events, corporate events should start with the planning process. When establishing goals, it’s essential to incorporate sustainable practises to guide you throughout the event. Once your goals are set, it’s easier to look for sustainable practises that you can apply to your corporate events.

For starters, you can research for inspiration online. For instance, if you can find a list of sustainable policies that fit your event, you can adapt it and make some necessary changes.

2. Choose Green Venues

Once you’re done with listing the sustainable policies for the event, you can now move on with finding the venue. In doing so, you can start by looking for venues that don’t need too much lighting, water, and waste.

For instance, if the weather is fine on the event day, you can opt for an outdoor venue. That way, you won’t have to worry about the lighting and ventilation. Meanwhile, other venues have certifications in terms of using eco-friendly lights, recyclable water systems, and cleaning routines.

3. Embrace Digital Technology

As the digital industry moves forward, there are various ways you can do to implement sustainable practises. Some of the minor things you can do to embrace technology are using online platforms when sending invitations, and creating digitalised publication materials, and other announcements.

In addition, on the day of the event, you can flash the important details on the screen instead of printing them on tarpaulins and billboards, you can save more money and lessen your carbon footprint.

4. Well-planned Catering Choices

No matter what the number of attendees is, there are eco-friendly solutions when it comes to catering choices. First, you can choose non-disposable plates and utensils. Additionally, try to count the number of people who are going to attend the event, so there’s no food going to waste.

However, if this situation can’t be prevented, try to look for an institution where you can donate the leftover food. Just make sure to monitor the quality of the food you’re going to donate.

5. Waste Reduction and Recycling

Are you planning for the event decorations? When doing so, you should also have a plan for waste recycling and reusing. As you know, there are types of waste that can be recycled and reused, such as glass, aluminium, and plastic.

Usually, the local areas have their way of disposing of various ways. However, since they constantly receive a significant amount of waste daily, there’s a chance that not everything goes to recycling.

So if possible, try to look for ways to reuse and recycle the residuals used for your party.

6. Transportation Alternatives

As much as possible, encourage the event attendees to ride public transportation when going to the event venue instead of bringing their cars or providing a vehicle. This can lessen the overall carbon emission of your event.

So when looking for the right venue, make sure to consider the location. If it’s accessible by public transportation, it’s easier to make the suggestion. In addition, since you’re hosting corporate events, try to look for a venue that people don’t need to travel too far. For instance, it’s safer to get a place near the office since people may tend to live nearby.

7. Energy Efficiency

Events usually consume a significant amount of energy. Whether it’s the light, air conditioner, or digital equipment, the time and size of the venue are related to the overall energy consumption.

So instead, use energy-efficient options. Usually, modern equipment has this kind of label, that’s why you should counter-check the actual equipment.

Additionally, if using solar panels is possible, even if it costs a bit much than the common equipment, you should go for it.

8. Educate Attendees

Don’t let the goals you set go to waste. Make some time to educate your guests about your goal of implementing sustainable corporate events. The discussion doesn’t have to be too complicated, but make sure it’s also not too basic, otherwise, the participants might lose interest in listening to your discussions.

As you explain the benefits of implementing sustainable practises in corporate events, try to relate them to people’s work.

Final Thoughts

Aside from the aforementioned tips, you should also assess the impact of the way you communicate your sustainability goals. Furthermore, an event isn’t enough. As you work your way through more corporate events in the future, don’t forget to incorporate sustainable practises.

We hope this article helps you get started with implementing sustainable practises in corporate events. If you want to add more to the discussion, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Aliana Baraquio is a content writer for Pink Caviar Events Sydney, a full-service event management and decorative hire company located in Sydney. When she’s not typing out blog posts, you can find her watching anime series or baking cupcakes.