FROM 0-2030 : THE RACE IS ON
Danielle Ward , founder of Reward Events , explores how the events sector can accelerate the UN ’ s Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG )
ustainability has been on the future trends list for events for many years now and , while 2020 was set to be the year of sustainable events , Covid had other plans . Thankfully , as the event industry re-builds itself , sustainability has not been forgotten , and what was previously a ‘ trend ’, is now a strategic necessity .
One way the event industry is responding to this need , is by adhering to the UN Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ). The SDGs were adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 , as a ‘ universal call to action , to end poverty , protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 ’.
There are 17 SDGs ( see fig 1 ) ranging from reducing inequalities to climate change to innovation , highlighting the integrated environmental , social , and economic pillars of sustainability .
Each of the goals can be achieved through our event design and with an industry worth £ 84bn in the UK , capable of bringing together 1.5bn people each year across industry ; the event sector has a unique opportunity at a strategic level , to not only talk about the SDGs , but showcase them in action .
Not sure where to start ? Firstly , don ’ t try to attack all 17 goals at the same time , start with something you are passionate about or where you can have the biggest impact .
That might be ‘ gender equality ’ or ‘ climate action ’. And don ’ t forget the goals are all interconnected , so by achieving one , you will undoubtedly have ripple effects on others .
Here are a few ideas to get you going :
‘ Events have the ability to bring people together and it is that collaborative commitment that we need to drive the sustainability agenda forward ’
Research your venue
You can manage a lot of SDGs just by choosing the right destination for your event . Does the venue have good public transport links ? Are the event spaces well ventilated with natural daylight or is there outside space you can use to build wellbeing into your agenda ? Choose a green venue with sustainable credentials for their low energy use , water saving and waste management initiatives .
Sustainable venues will avoid using disposable service ware , source their food locally ( and seasonally ) to keep food miles down and may even grow their own produce on site . You will also find they run eco-programmes such as kitchen and herb gardens , bug hotels or tree planting and will work closely with their local area to support community projects . Many organisations are now prioritising destinations where their event will create a positive legacy .
Events shape sustainable cities and communities and there are locations up and down the country that rely on business and consumer events to fuel the local economy , employment and growth .
l This is covered by SDGs : 1 , 2 , 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 17 .
Rethink , Refuse , Repurpose
The event industry can sometimes be notorious for single-use items and the excessive waste streams it produces , so it is important to embed circularity into our event strategy and design . SDG 12 looks specifically at ‘ Responsible Consumption & Production – in other words , what are you using for your event ? What is it made of and what happens to it afterwards ?
Firstly , look at everything you have in your event kit list and ask yourself ‘ what value is it bringing ?’ If you can ’ t answer that question with any conviction , ditch it . Have a digital-first approach and then look www . conference-news . co . uk