Corporate event planners are in a unique position to make a real difference in creating a more sustainable future. At ETHOS Event Collective, sustainability is not just a buzzword. It’s a fundamental part of our mission to deliver purpose-driven events that contribute to our planet's health and the communities we support. ETHOS believes that corporate events are powerful tools for sustainability and can be used as a platform for making an impactful change if approached with purpose.
As a purpose-driven destination management company (DMC), our team works tirelessly to help businesses integrate sustainable practices into their events. Through our Purposeful Planning™ approach, we focus on creating long-term value—not just for the event at hand, but for the environment and the communities we engage with. By embedding sustainability into every aspect of eco-friendly event planning and execution, corporate programs can become more than just an opportunity to showcase a product or service—they can drive real positive change.
The Importance of Sustainability in Corporate Events
Corporate events have a unique opportunity to not only showcase new products or services but also to lead by example in sustainability. With the resources required to host these events, it’s critical that we consider the long-term impact on the environment.
Whether it’s travel, food choices, gifting, or entertainment, every decision made throughout the event planning process presents an opportunity to make a responsible and sustainable choice. At ETHOS, we recognize this responsibility and continually strive to help our clients host events that leave a lasting, positive impact.
The events industry is one of the largest sectors globally, with a significant environmental footprint. But instead of viewing this as a challenge, we believe it’s an opportunity—an opportunity to use events as platforms for sustainable change. Here's how to make the most of these opportunities.
Step 1: Use Data to Drive Sustainability Decisions
The first step toward creating more green events is arming yourself with data. Sustainability is about making informed decisions. It’s not enough to simply choose eco-friendly options—it’s about understanding how those choices will affect the event and the environment in the long run.
Planners can make more responsible decisions by using data-driven insights like carbon footprints, waste reduction metrics, and attendee feedback on sustainability practices. This data not only guides the event planning process but can also help communicate the value of sustainability to clients and stakeholders. When clients can see tangible numbers, such as the reduction in waste or the carbon offset achieved, they are more likely to embrace sustainable practices in future events.
Tip for Event Planners: Start with the basics—track your event’s carbon footprint and waste reduction efforts. Presenting this data to clients makes incorporating sustainability into future projects easier.
Step 2: Make Sustainability Part of Every Client Conversation
Once you have data in hand, the next step is making sustainability a core component of every conversation with your clients. It’s no longer enough to ask if a client wants to "go green." Sustainability should be a part of the conversation from the very beginning of the planning process. Offer eco-friendly solutions, such as sustainable venues, carbon offsets, and locally sourced food and decor.
Many clients may not realize the full environmental impact of their choices. That’s where event planners can step in—by educating clients on the value of these decisions and helping them make more sustainable choices. For instance, recommending venues with energy-efficient systems or offering green transportation options can help reduce a client’s overall carbon footprint while still creating an amazing event.
Tip for Event Planners:
Always frame sustainability as a value-add to the client. The more you can educate them on its benefits, the more likely they’ll adopt it in their future programs.
Step 3: Practical Tips for Getting Started with Sustainability
Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are many small, sustainable practices that can make a big difference when planning eco-friendly corporate events. Here are some practical tips that can be incorporated into your event planning right away:
Sourcing Locally: Choose vendors that prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as those using biodegradable materials or reducing single-use plastics. Supporting local artisans and businesses not only strengthens the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.
Eco-Friendly Gifting: Instead of offering generic items that are often discarded, opt for high-quality, sustainable gifts that attendees will use long after the event. Think reusable water bottles, eco-friendly bags, or compostable items. Not only do these items help reduce waste, but they also reflect the sustainability values of the event.
Minimize Single-Use Plastics: Reduce waste by providing reusable or compostable items at your events. From cups and plates to utensils, sustainable options are more widely available than ever before.
Sustainable Activities and Entertainment: Event activities also offer an opportunity to promote sustainability. Consider activities like tree planting initiatives, beach cleanups, or sustainable cooking workshops. Not only does adding CSR in events leave a positive mark on the environment, but they also encourage attendees to engage with the destination in a meaningful way.
Tip for Event Planners: Ask your vendors about their eco-friendly practices—from the detergents they use to their waste management strategies. If your current partners don’t have sustainable practices, be transparent and encourage them to adopt greener habits.
Step 4: Sourcing Locally for Greater Impact
One of the most effective ways to contribute to sustainability is by sourcing locally. Local sourcing reduces transportation-related emissions, strengthens the economic foundation of communities, and creates authentic experiences for event attendees.
When it comes to food, consider offering farm-to-table dining experiences or partnering with local chefs to highlight the region’s unique flavors. For gifting, offering locally sourced items not only reduces waste but also supports small businesses that align with your sustainability goals.
ETHOS Waste-Reduction Strategies Include:
Donating leftover food and floral arrangements to local charities.
Offering intentional, locally sourced gifts that are useful and sustainable.
Designing events that integrate givebacks, like reusable water bottles and upcycled materials.
Step 5: Reducing Carbon Emissions
Transportation and energy consumption are among the largest contributors to an event's carbon footprint. To mitigate these emissions, choose electric or hybrid transportation options and venues with energy-efficient systems. Incorporating carbon offset programs or providing virtual event options can also help reduce the environmental impact.
Tip for Event Planners: Consider adding a carbon offset fee to your event budget. This could be used to fund projects that neutralize the carbon produced during the event, such as tree-planting initiatives or renewable energy programs.
The Road Ahead: A Shift Towards a Sustainable Future
Sustainability in the events industry is not just a trend; it’s a responsibility. At ETHOS, we are committed to continuous learning and adapting our processes to ensure we are doing our part. But there is always more to be done. As an industry, we must make sustainability the foundation of every event—rather than an afterthought.
Together, we can reshape the future of corporate events. By adopting sustainable practices, we can create purpose-driven events that benefit the environment, strengthen communities, and set a new standard for how events are planned, executed, and experienced.
It’s time to embrace sustainability—not just for the environment, but for the future of our industry.
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