Events With Purpose: Building A Sustainable Tomorrow
Paving The Path to Net Zero Carbon Events by 2050
Introducing Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE), a global initiative that aims to connect the events industry with the rapidly growing movement towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The initiative was launched in November 2021 at a meeting in Glasgow, Scotland where world leaders showcased how their countries would achieve the 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 in accordance with the Paris Agreement. At this meeting, the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge gained over 100 initial signatories from the events industry.
NZCE’s mission is to get industry organizations to commit to (1) support the goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, in line with global efforts set out by the U.N. Paris Agreement to limit warming to 34.7°F, (2) cut total global GHG emissions in half by 2030, & (3) actively advocate for industry efforts.
At its core, NZCE’s initiative aims to:
- Get ahead of the process of regulation & legislation.
- Find a common methodology for measuring the carbon footprint of events.
- Become a role model for all industries whose events, exhibitions or congresses the MICE industry is organizing.
- Activate the entire ecosystem to move toward net zero, in time.
Over 500 organizations across 55 countries are supporting NZCE, to date. These include venues, operators, service providers, destinations, organizers, associations, & many others who are involved in events. Joining the NZCE initiative is an excellent way to demonstrate genuine engagement & commitment towards sustainability.
How Can Industry Organizations Create More Sustainable Events?
Build Partnerships with Vendors Who Conduct a Green Certified Business.
Green Certified businesses prioritize environmentally friendly practices by using materials and practices to protect, preserve & sustain our environment – they obtain green certifications for their business operations.
Minimize Paper Waste by Implementing Reduction Measures.
Instead of handing out printed brochures, white papers, etc., hand out a business card-size document with just the URL’s.
PRO TIP: Embed QR codes on your custom
graphics!
Offer Online Surveys for Attendees, Whenever Feasible.
Set up a convenient ‘survey station’ with multiple tablets for attendees to provide brief feedback before they leave – or have them scan a QR code!
Locate Green Printing Options for Your Banners, Collateral, & Signage.
Print brokers can point you the most sustainable options – soy inks instead of petroleum-based inks & printing processes that significantly minimize waste as well as use renewable energy resources.
Think About Your Giveaways
Does it really have value outside of your branding? Or is it simply a novelty that will find its way into the garbage.
Ensure your swag has a functional or decorative use that will outlast the event. Consider the size & placement of your logo on objects – this can greatly impact whether the item is used over time or quickly discarded. For example, opt for a smaller, well-placed logo as this is often more appealing compared to a large graphic covering the entire front.
There are many great green giveaways… Get creative! For example, promote saving the turtles ~in style~ with a branded reusable straw set! Or embrace sustainability, & impress attendees, with a sleek bamboo reusable water bottle at your next event!
It’s always good to have a giveaway distributor on your side to help you find these options.
Use & reuse environmentally safe packaging/shipping materials.
Explore biodegradable & recycled content options for packing materials that may safely be reused for future events.
For printing materials, Opt to Use local print shops & courier
For materials that cannot be produced locally – plan ahead & use ground shipping instead of air shipping.
Air shipping generates 8X more carbon emissions.
PRO TIP: Promote Your Green Practices: An increasing number of people are interested in having greener options as well as working with environmentally sensitive companies. It only takes an extra line of eco-friendly ink to explain how a collateral piece was printed, or to indicate the green materials & processes in your giveaways.
