Sustainability and circular economy are — and will continue to be — the key to all upcoming and future events.
The event industry plays a crucial role in driving many economies. For this reason, it’s essential to focus on awareness and shared responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of events and, why not, to take the lead in adopting sustainable practices.
Every event, regardless of its type or size, generates an environmental footprint proportional to its scale. Think about the massive number of vehicles participants use to reach the venue, the air and light pollution, the emissions linked to logistics, the food waste, or the mismanagement of waste disposal.
However, there are several stages in which organizers can take action. When identified and managed correctly, these steps can make an event significantly more sustainable.
Below, we have summarized seven key steps to make your event greener and more responsible.
1. Choosing the Right Venue
The choice of venue is the first and perhaps most important step, as it determines the connection between the event and the surrounding environment.
Selecting the right location can be challenging, especially if structural changes to improve facilities (for example, in public buildings or rented spaces) are not possible.
Consider how your guests will travel to the venue. Promote green mobility by encouraging the use of eco-friendly transport options such as bicycles, scooters, electric vehicles, or carpooling. Offer incentives or discounts to those who choose sustainable transportation.
At the same time, avoid offering free parking to discourage attendees from using private cars — a simple yet effective way to promote sustainable travel.
2. Energy Consumption
Opting for venues that use clean, renewable energy sources is an excellent starting point to reduce emissions.
Limit unnecessary energy consumption — electricity, lighting, water, and gas — and consider water recycling systemswhen possible. Always ensure your energy suppliers use renewable sources.
Choosing sustainable facilities also makes a difference. For instance, venues equipped with solar panels can supply their own energy, while thermally insulated buildings help reduce heating and cooling losses throughout the year.
3. Waste Management
Waste management is a critical and often complex aspect of sustainable event planning.
Coordinate with local waste collection services and ensure that both staff and attendees understand how to properly dispose of waste.
Raise awareness among participants by providing clear instructions on waste sorting. You can include short reminders on printed tickets or use digital pop-ups and notifications through the event app, Wi-Fi, or digital platforms.
Don’t forget to mark recycling points clearly on event maps — both physical and digital — to make waste sorting as easy as possible for everyone.
4. Catering and Food Services
Food is often a central part of any event, and therefore has a significant environmental impact.
Food and beverage supplies should be managed responsibly to avoid overproduction and waste. Consider setting up partnerships to donate unsold food to charities or organizations.
Given the short life cycle of tableware such as plates, cups, and cutlery, opt for compostable materials to minimize environmental harm.
To reduce plastic waste, install water refill stations throughout the venue, encouraging participants to bring their own bottles. For soft drinks, choose recyclable materials like glass and aluminum, avoiding plastic bottles altogether.
5. Shared Responsibility
Sustainability is a collective commitment. Collaborate with suppliers to choose eco-friendly materials for your event setup.
Avoid unnecessary paper materials, such as flyers and plastic-coated badges. Instead, use reusable setups and digital solutions.
If you plan to offer giveaways, replace traditional gadgets with exclusive or personalized experiences. This not only reduces waste but also allows you to track participant engagement after the event.
6. Innovation and Technology
These sustainability tips can help you organize more eco-friendly and responsible events, but technology continues to offer new ways forward.
Innovative tools and platforms are emerging to monitor, reduce, and report on environmental performance, making it easier for organizers to stay aligned with sustainability goals.
For those who find it challenging to manage all these aspects, consider appointing an Event Sustainability Manager — a professional dedicated to overseeing sustainable practices during event planning and execution.
7. Inspiring Sustainable Behavior
Encouraging participants to act responsibly is just as important as implementing sustainable measures.
Raise awareness among your guests, suppliers, and staff about the importance of sustainability — not just for your event, but as a value to carry forward into everyday life.
This is how the events industry can truly lead by example, inspiring current and future generations to embrace sustainability and make a lasting impact on our planet.
