As you’re aware, event sustainability is non-negotiable when planning 2025 events to wow your attendees while also respecting the planet. After all, the days of event sustainability being a buzzword are long gone.
But let’s be honest. It isn’t always a walk in the park to go greener.
“The events industry is a complex network of stakeholders including companies who are directly involved in delivering events, such as venues, event organisers, exhibitors and their suppliers who provide food and beverage, onsite equipment and signage, among other things”, affirms the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge.
“In addition, many events include the requirement for visitors and exhibitors to travel to and stay at a location.
“Addressing the carbon emissions across the whole value chain is complicated and challenging, and many elements of an event (such as transportation and hotel stays) are not directly under the control of those putting on an event.”
There are challenges aplenty with event sustainability, from getting your mitts on non-leaky compostable cups to sourcing venues with genuinely green credentials.
The good news? The Venue Hunters have cracked the code for obliterating some of 2025’s biggest eco-event headaches.
1. Source Suppliers and Venues for Maximum Event Sustainability
Your venue is more than a space. Similarly, your materials are more than functional disposables. In fact, they’re now your partners in crime in terms of leveraging green advantage.
But, are your venues and suppliers going beyond lip service and actually walking the eco-friendly talk? Take them to task to find out for sure. And drill down into various elements of event sustainability, like:
· Green credentials - Book venues prioritising renewable energy sources such as solar panels, efficient lighting, water conservation systems (bonus points for rainwater harvesting!), and waste management programmes, including composting and recycling.
· Plant-based catering - Plant-based menus contribute to a lower carbon footprint. So, go ahead and swap steak for sweet potato sliders!
· Local sourcing - Slash transport emissions and give the local economy a much-needed boost by sourcing catering, materials, and decor locally.
2. Tackle Travel Emissions
It’s no secret transportation is one of the biggest culprits behind an event’s carbon footprint. But you don’t need to reinvent the (electric) wheel to come up with smarter travel solutions:
· Pick accessible venues - Choose locations with excellent public transport links, preferably where your attendees can walk from their hotels to various event venues if everything isn’t happening under one roof.
· Partner with travel providers - Offer discounted fares and rideshare options to nudge attendees toward eco-friendlier choices.
· Get offsetting savvy - Sponsor a carbon offseting program for unavoidable flights. It’s simple, effective, and resonates with increasingly eco-conscious crowds.
3. Reduce, Reuse, and Relegate the Waste Problem
Overflowing bins of half-eaten sandwiches and discarded flyers scream unsustainable! It’s not a good look in 2025, when the focus is on waste-free (or as close as humanly possible) events.
For this purpose, think about how you can ramp up waste-busting to support overall event sustainability by:
· Going digital - Swap old school paper programmes for mobile event apps. You’ll be saving trees and clutter.
· Choosing reusables - Ditch single-use plastic and opt for compostable or reusable tableware.
· Swapping traditional tat for sustainable swag - Think reusable water bottles, locally made goodies, or practical items attendees won’t bin after 10 minutes. (Because truthfully, who needs another branded stress ball?)
Here’s a key thing about event sustainability. It calls for substance over style. So, it’s not enough just to look like you’re ticking the right boxes (although it does wonders for your credibility). Conversely, you need to make real, measurable impact, with every small step adding up.
And if you need help sourcing the perfect green venues and event suppliers? You know where to find us. Get in touch with The Venue Hunters. Now, go forth and plan events to make Mother Nature proud!
Comments