Sustainability is reshaping the corporate events industry. This is where sustainable trends in corporate events play a pivotal role. Emphasising the importance of adopting sustainable practices, organisations are increasingly integrating eco-friendly venue options, waste reduction strategies, and initiatives to minimise carbon footprints. These efforts ensure that events not only meet environmental standards but also contribute positively to sustainability goals.
Choosing the right venue is crucial for sustainable events. Eco-friendly venues not only enhance environmental credentials but also show a company’s commitment to sustainability. These venues use energy-efficient systems and waste reduction programs to minimise their environmental impact while maintaining high standards.
Ethical sourcing and responsible tourism are vital in sustainable event planning. Supporting local communities through responsible tourism initiatives enhances event sustainability and boosts the local economy. Collaborating with organisations and advocating for eco-friendly practices strengthens these efforts, creating lasting positive impacts in event management. Embracing these sustainability trends not only enhances event experiences but also contributes to a greener future for corporate events.
10 Sustainable Trends in Corporate Events
Here are the latest 10 trends happening in the events and meetings industry to make events sustainable:
Trend #1: Circular Economy Initiatives
Circular economy principles in event design focus on reducing waste and conserving resources. This includes using modular, reusable structures for booths, stages, and decor, which can be easily set up and reused, reducing the need for single-use materials.
Events can use eco-friendly materials like biodegradable plastics, recycled metals, and reclaimed wood. These materials reduce environmental impact and extend product lifecycles.
Collaborating with suppliers committed to circular economy principles ensures a sustainable supply chain. This combination of strategies helps create a more sustainable event industry.
Trend #2: Renewable Energy Adoption
Corporate events are increasingly using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. Photovoltaic panels and on-site turbines provide clean energy, while companies may also purchase renewable energy credits.
Supporting renewable energy projects helps reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. Use electric vehicles (EVs) for event transportation to further reduce carbon footprints.
For example: Install solar panels at the event venue and utilize wind energy from a nearby wind farm or an on-site turbine.
Trend #3: Water Conservation Effort
Water-saving technologies like low-flow fixtures and efficient toilets are being introduced at event venues. Educating attendees on responsible water usage also helps reduce water consumption.
Event organizers are choosing locations with water management strategies like rainwater harvesting and recycling systems to decrease potable water demand.
Source a venue with established water management systems, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.
For example: Install low-flow showerheads and faucets at the venue, and use rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable water needs.
Trend #4: Sustainable Transportation Solutions
Some events will be sited in an inaccessible location to public transport. However, the number of persons who travel to the events privately determines the ecological impact caused by an event to a large extent. Promoting public transport use is a simple and effective solution to this challenge.
Picking a venue very close to bus, coach, or mainline stations would best provide delegates with a range of sustainable transport options. You could publicise that further by offering subsidised fares or other perks for people who use public transportation to get there.
Another would be to arrange group travel to your event. Even when public transportation is not an option, this will ensure that your attendees travel in groups and not in large numbers of half-empty vehicles.
Trend #5: Carbon Offsetting Programs
Carbon offsetting programs are crucial in mitigating the environmental impact of he MICE industry. Carbon emissions from activities such as delegate transportation, venue energy use, and waste generation are carefully measured.
Organisers offset these emissions by purchasing carbon credits, which fund projects like renewable energy and reforestation.
For example, in 2020, global voluntary carbon offset market transactions reached 104.3 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent, highlighting a significant industry effort towards sustainability (Ecosystem Marketplace, 2021). These initiatives help balance environmental impacts while promoting sustainable practices in corporate event management.
By investing in such projects, event organisers offset the carbon footprint of their events and work towards carbon neutrality.
JTB India offers tailored carbon offsetting services designed to help organisations minimise their environmental impact. By partnering with JTB India, you can ensure your corporate events are environmentally responsible and contribute to global sustainability efforts.
Trend #6: Green Certifications and Standards
Green certifications provide guidelines for businesses to follow specific environmental criteria. Venues and event organizers can achieve certifications by saving energy, conserving water, and using sustainable materials. These certifications build credibility and attract environmentally conscious clients.
Adopt a no-plastic policy and use eco-friendly products to meet certification standards. These certifications assure sustainable practices. They also build credibility, attracting environmentally conscious clients and visitors. Furthermore, they make businesses stand out in the competitive market.
They also aid in achieving broader environmental goals. In their appeal, they ensure continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable trends in corporate events. Such initiatives bring positive ecological outcomes and build a culture of sustainability.
Trend #7: Biodiversity Conservation
Event organizers are incorporating biodiversity conservation into their planning to reduce impacts on local ecosystems. Selecting venues that respect biodiversity and engaging in restoration projects help preserve natural habitats.
According to recent studies, the loss of biodiversity continues at an alarming rate, with an estimated 1 million species at risk of extinction in the coming decades (IPBES Global Assessment Report, 2019). In response, corporations are integrating biodiversity conservation into their event planning strategies to mitigate environmental impacts.
It is crucial to select venues and locations to host events that really respect biodiversity and the protection of ecosystems. This includes selecting venues with natural landscapes, protected areas, or habitats supporting diverse flora and fauna.
Trend #8: Waste Reduction Strategies
Food wastage is among the critical issues globally. Activities after which large amounts of food end up in the landfill as waste, having never been consumed, are identified as corporate events. Events aiming at being more sustainable shall find low-waste catering prudent. It prevents losing valuable resources and landfilling superb food. Select caterers that advertise a sustainable or low-waste approach to ensure this is implemented.
Organise events with buffets or optional refreshments. This way, you can avoid buying too many ingredients or products, which are wasted afterwards when nobody is interested in them anymore.
Trend #9: Community Engagement Initiatives
Engaging with local businesses and suppliers supports the local economy and ensures sustainable procurement. Events can also involve community groups in organizing and delivery, creating partnerships that promote community development.
MICE events can have volunteer programs where participants can help with community service projects like cleanups, workshops, or cultural exchanges. This initiative helps the local community by making events more enjoyable and educational.
By doing this, events can positively impact improving happiness and unity in the community. The second way of leaving a lasting legacy from an event is by investing in community infrastructure improvements.
Trend #10: Awareness Campaigns and Education
According to Eventbrite, 72% of event organisers consider sustainability when hosting an event, thus giving growing recognition to these efforts.
They are significant in making people understand the problems and act towards taking necessary measures that can guarantee more sustainable activity both at the workplace and outside.
Raising awareness about sustainability through educational events, workshops, and digital platforms encourages sustainable practices. Partnering with environmental organizations and using social media amplifies the message and impact of these campaigns.
Conclusion
Sustainable trends in corporate events are transforming the industry. By prioritising eco-friendly practices, companies can reduce their environmental impact. Implementing green initiatives also enhances corporate reputation. These practices promote social responsibility and appeal to conscious consumers.
As sustainability becomes a norm, companies gain a competitive edge. Investing in sustainable events is not just beneficial but essential for future growth. Embracing these trends ensures a positive, lasting impact on both business and the environment. JTB India helps event organisers by providing expertise and resources to ensure successful events with sustainability goals. They also go the extra mile to create great experiences for target audiences and stakeholders.
