Going Green: 29 Practical Tips to Help Event Organisers Reduce Their Carbon Footprint

1. Choose a venue that is easily accessible by public transportation, bike, or walking.
2. Use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to power the event.
3. Implement a waste reduction strategy, such as recycling and composting.
4. Use digital tools and apps to minimise the need for printed materials.
5. Choose sustainable food and beverage options, such as locally sourced and organic products.
6. Use reusable cups, plates, and utensils instead of disposable ones.
7. Encourage attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles.
8. Provide water refill stations to reduce the need for bottled water.
9. Choose eco-friendly transportation options for event staff and suppliers, such as hybrid or electric vehicles.
10. Use LED lighting instead of traditional lighting, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 80%.
11. Encourage attendees to carpool or use public transportation.
12. Offset the carbon emissions generated by the event by investing in carbon reduction projects.
13. Choose a venue that is LEED certified or meets other sustainability standards.
14. Encourage exhibitors and sponsors to choose sustainable products and services.
15. Use recycled and sustainable materials for event signage and branding.
16. Choose a venue that has a water conservation strategy in place.
17. Encourage attendees to stay in eco-friendly accommodations.
18. Use a sustainability checklist to guide event planning and decision-making.
19. Monitor and report on the event’s carbon footprint to identify areas for improvement in future events.
20. Use video conferencing or live streaming to allow remote participation in the event.
21. Choose event dates that avoid peak travel times, such as holidays or weekends.
22. Provide bike parking or encourage bike sharing options for attendees.
23. Choose a venue with a green roof or rooftop garden to help reduce heat island effect and capture carbon.
24. Provide sustainable transportation options for attendees, such as shuttle buses or electric scooters.
25. Choose a venue with water-efficient fixtures and encourage attendees to conserve water.
26. Use energy-efficient AV equipment and choose eco-friendly production materials.
27. Choose a venue that has a waste reduction and recycling program in place.
28. Use mobile ticketing or RFID wristbands instead of paper tickets.
29. Partner with local environmental organisations to educate attendees on sustainability and offer green volunteering opportunities.

Without doubt, the main criticism most events get is the sheer waste of paper generated through printed programmes, maps, advertising and other items produced by exhibitors.  Gyder solves this key area of concern by digitising the entire programme from timetables, to advertising and helping improve the visitor experience by providing interactive wayfinding map information.