The events industry took a gigantic step at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, when it committed to a net zero carbon events pledge. This was followed by a recent defining moment at COP27 in Sharm El- Sheikh on 11th November 2022, when the roadmap was officially launched.
“Measurement is key – without it, you can’t track progress”, said Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of UFI (the global association of the exhibition industry).
And herein lies the crux of why the roadmap is so long awaited by hotels and venues, suppliers and event professionals. The event industry has previously been a difficult place to progress beyond good intentions and lip service towards proactivity and trackable results. In response, the roadmap has been designed to do just that, by –
· Defining a pathway
· Identifying best practices
· Introducing measurement tools
It includes five key takeaways that businesses can adapt on an event-by-event basis, bearing in mind that different businesses are in different places with their sustainability efforts, and have wildly different budgets to invest in it. The five stages are –
- Starting small and tackling the easier fights first
- Promoting top to bottom buy-in to event sustainability
- Set objectives and targets for carbon footprint measurement
- Cultivate understanding across all stakeholder levels
- Get involved as soon as possible to be part of the industry-wide revolution
At MICE Concierge, we’re fully committed to net zero carbon events, and to helping you meet your sustainability goals. Get in touch for a chat about sustainable events and measurement.
Source
Net Zero Carbon Events Roadmap officially launches, Catie Owen, Conference News
