Sustainable events: the ultimate guide to zero-impact events

The demand for eco-friendly events is reshaping the business events industry. This comprehensive guide to organizing sustainable events, created with insights from Terraevents experts and supported by Treedom, examines how to host successful events while minimizing environmental impact.

How to organize a sustainable event

The demand for zero-impact events is rapidly increasing. As Terraevents confirms, "in recent years, we have noticed a growing interest from large companies in sustainable corporate events. Today, many organizations not only welcome eco-friendly suggestions but actively seek them out."

With their deep industry knowledge and pioneering commitment to event sustainability, we have partnered with Terraevents to create this practical guide. Let's explore the key areas to focus on and how to manage them effectively.

Which locations to choose for sustainable events?

Selecting the right venue is crucial for the success of an eco-friendly event. A sustainable venue should be easily accessible by public transport or on foot, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with participant travel. In your search, prioritize facilities that can demonstrate a concrete commitment to sustainability, ideally with LEED or BREEAM certification. These buildings offer significant advantages:

• Efficient energy management
• Optimized natural lighting
• Smart climate control systems
• Green spaces available for outdoor sessions

How to organize eco-friendly catering?

Sustainable catering presents a challenge that can become an opportunity to make your event truly green. With the right approach, you can minimize environmental impact and create a memorable culinary experience.

• Focus on seasonal and local ingredients, enhancing the menu with appealing vegetarian and vegan options
• Manage portions wisely through advance reservations and preference tracking
• Partner with local food-saving organizations to recover surplus
• Document and communicate the positive impact of your choices, turning catering into a tangible example of sustainability

How to select the best green event suppliers?

Careful selection of suppliers is key to transforming an event from superficially green to genuinely sustainable. Relying on appearances is not enough; a methodical and informed approach is necessary.

• Check the environmental credentials of suppliers through official certifications and past experience
• Examine the supply chain, prioritizing local businesses and carefully assessing transportation and material sourcing
• Reward innovation by choosing those who offer cutting-edge green technological solutions
• Evaluate creativity in sustainability approaches, seeking suppliers who think "outside the box"

How to create a completely plastic-free event?

Tackling single-use plastic is one of the most tangible challenges for organizing sustainable events, but with the right strategies, it can be almost entirely eliminated. Here's how to proceed:

• Rethink the setup by focusing on reusable modular structures, natural decorations, and durable signage
• Replace all disposable items with sustainable alternatives, from biodegradable badges to compostable tableware, and don't forget water stations
• Choose gadgets and merchandise that are long-lasting and useful, made from eco-friendly materials
• Plan the "end-of-life" for each item from the start, favoring objects that can be easily reused or recycled

How is the carbon footprint of an event calculated?

Measuring the carbon footprint is crucial for assessing and improving the environmental impact of your event. A precise analysis allows you to identify intervention areas and quantify the outcomes of the actions taken.

• Monitor the impact of transportation, from participant travel to supplier logistics and local transfers
• Calculate energy consumption related to lighting, climate control, and the use of electronic equipment
• Evaluate the impact of materials and waste, from setup to their recovery and disposal
• Consider the footprint of accommodations, including the energy consumption of hotels and additional services like laundry

We can assist you in calculating the carbon footprint of your event! Discover our carbon footprint calculation service for events.

Do you want to plan your next event? Learn how with the support of Terraevents experts.