4 'Real World' tips to a greener event
- Claire Cook at O3e
- Nov 9, 2016
- 4 min read
As an event company, we come across lots of tips about running a more sustainable event.
However, what struck us, was that these tips often don't take into account some real world sticking points. For example, it's all very well saying that you should source a carbon neutral catering company, but in reality many companies are tied to a preferred supplier list, which may not currently be as 'green' as it could be.
So rather than blue sky thinking (which definitely has it's place), we have had a good think about how we can make being green and sustainable more achievable and appealing to you, in the right here and now
Our top 5 tips are easily achievable right now, so no need for any excuses or delays.
1. Maximise the Social Legacy of your Event
Give your event a real, tangible and lasting impression. Use your event to directly impact the lives of the community around you. How? You may ask! It's easier than you think.......
Don't just talk about how green and sustainable you are - Live it!
For example, don't just use your event to present your financial support to a charity such as Barnardo's - use your next event to support and train young adults supported by their NEET's programme (Not in Education, Employment or Training). Be Bold. Be Brave.
Or, why not incorporate a bike build or a disability trike build for local children in need into your event.
Or, how about hosting your event at a charity or social enterprise venue. There are some incredibly inspiring venues out there - both in terms of the space they offer and the work they do. Check out Merci in Manchester, as a fantastic example of sustainability.
By maximising the social legacy of your event, you are creating something very real, tangible and engaging. But not only that, you're showing your employees, your customers, your shareholders, and the world, that you care. What could be more engaging?
2. Maximise your event's economic effectiveness
Looking for an easy win?
Travel: Keep travel distances, public transport links and time in mind, when choosing a venue. Encourage and incentivise car sharing - Who can post the picture of the fullest carload of delegates? (within the legal load of course!). Which department can clock up the most green cycle miles in their commute to the event. You know your audience - what would work for them?
3. Reduce Waste
Food: Cutting back on food may be seen as 'cheap' by your delegates, but...... it's been calculated that in the event industry over 50% of food is thrown away world-wide. The UK can take some comfort in the fact that our event industry 'only' wastes around 18%. But still, 18%!!!
Why not promote this fact, saying you'll reduce the amount of food you're ordering by 10%, which still means there is plenty for everyone (with an 8% surplus to avoid a buffet stampede!), plus - the money you save will go directly to a local charity or community group (perhaps voted for by the delegates), rather than in your pocket - and so removing the behind the hand comments about being cheap!
Or - ask your employees to help run a pop-up surplus food shop or donate the surplus food to a charity. Get creative. Need more inspiration? Check this out.
Re-use, Reduce, Recycle. Ask your venue to place their recycling bins in prominent positions. Ask for jugs of water and glasses, rather than plastic bottles, mugs instead of cardboard coffee cups. You get the idea.
Material Waste: Don't incorporate wasteful material exercises into your event. If you're going to team build - don't build a polystyrene bridge or a plastic chariot to race, when you could be building bikes, trikes, wheelchairs or skateboards to meet a genuine need! (And you can still race them!).
4. Consider the 'unseen' bits
Think green from the very beginning of your planning, rather than as an add-on at the end. If you must print, then print double sided. Send delegate information online - encourage delegates to view online, rather than to print. Keep delegate 'freebies' to a minimum or remove completely.
Hang on a moment - wouldn't it just be greener not to have the event in the first place?! Well no actually! Research and experience continues to tell us that face-to-face communication remains one of the most effective ways to engage your team with your goals, build a stronger community and to drive progress.
According to Forbes, a survey of 760 business executives concluded that;
"84% of respondents said they preferred face to face communication because it builds stronger, more meaningful and trustworthy business relationships."
And finally - never underestimate the ripple effect of what you have started at your event.
Feeling Inspired and need more ideas? Then our brand new Great Philanthropic Crystal Maze Challenge, may be just the thing to include in your event!
Know someone who would benefit from this wisdom? Don't be shy - share!
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