Corporate events should lay stress on sustainable solutions

In the age of heightened environmental awareness, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability across all facets of their operations. Corporate events, often held in diverse locations, present a unique opportunity to integrate eco-friendly initiatives into business practices. As the global MICE market is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2028, embracing sustainable practices during these gatherings becomes even more crucial. This not only diminishes carbon footprints but also cultivates a positive environmental impact. Here's a comprehensive guide to transforming your next corporate event into a greener, more sustainable affair.

Paperless approach: Opting for a paperless approach is a fundamental step towards reducing environmental impact. By choosing digital invitations and event communication, businesses can significantly decrease paper consumption. Additionally, utilizing electronic registration and check-in systems minimizes the reliance on printed materials. Encouraging attendees to use digital devices for note-taking and providing access to event schedules and information through a dedicated event app further enhances the paperless experience.

Waste reduction: Implementing a comprehensive waste reduction strategy is essential for promoting sustainability at corporate events, especially considering that India’s urban population produces 65 million tonnes of garbage annually, with 95 percent of it ending up in landfills. This includes setting up recycling and composting stations and opting for eco-friendly and biodegradable disposable products for catering. Collaboration with vendors prioritizing sustainable packaging practices helps minimize packaging waste. When setting up event spaces, opting for venues prioritizing sustainability in their infrastructure and operations and using reusable and recyclable materials for decorations, signage, and booth setups minimizes waste. Discouraging the use of thermocol and single-use plastics and exploring eco-friendly alternatives like recycled cardboard or bamboo for display structures and signage further support waste reduction efforts.

Culinary sustainability: Culinary sustainability plays a pivotal role in reducing the environmental footprint of corporate events. Working closely with caterers to estimate guest attendance accurately minimizes food wastage. Choosing locally sourced, organic, and seasonal food options supports local communities and reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation. Implementing a "no single-use plastic" policy for water bottles and encouraging the use of reusable containers further contributes to culinary sustainability.

Sustainable transportation: Prioritizing sustainable transportation options is another key aspect of eco-friendly corporate events. Selecting offsite venues easily accessible by public transportation and arranging carpools or shuttle services using fuel-efficient or electric vehicles helps reduce carbon emissions. Additionally, offsetting travel emissions through partnerships with carbon offset programs, or renewable energy projects, mitigates the environmental impact of event-related travel.

Green accommodation: Choosing accommodations with recognized eco-certifications and promoting energy-saving practices such as linen and towel reuse programs further enhances the sustainability of corporate events. Integrating educational initiatives into event programs, organizing workshops, and presentations on eco-friendly practices, and encouraging speakers to address sustainability in business operations facilitate knowledge sharing and awareness.

Educational initiatives: As part of educational initiatives, sustainability can be integrated into the event program by way of workshops or presentations focusing on eco-friendly practices. These sessions provide attendees with valuable insights into sustainable business operations and offer practical strategies for implementing environmental initiatives within their organizations. Speakers can address the significance of sustainability in driving business success and share inspiring success stories to motivate participants to adopt more environmentally responsible practices.

Sustainable air travel: In light of the increasing global demand for sustainable travel options, which was underscored by a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council and trip.com Group revealing that 69% of travellers actively sought such options in 2022, the imperative of promoting sustainable air travel becomes evident. Additionally, the report highlighted that 75% of travellers were contemplating travelling more sustainably in the future, with nearly 60% having already embraced more sustainable travel options in recent years. Against this backdrop, encouraging attendees to opt for airlines prioritizing carbon reduction initiatives emerges as a strategic move. This aligns with the growing eco-conscious mindset of travellers and underscores the importance of integrating sustainable practices into corporate events.

By embracing measures such as offering sustainable event giveaways, minimizing waste, and incorporating green technology like virtual participation and energy-efficient AV equipment, businesses can not only foster a waste-free event experience but also contribute to a broader sustainability agenda, meeting the evolving expectations of attendees while reducing environmental impact.

Carbon-neutral initiatives: Carbon-neutral initiatives are paramount for reducing the environmental impact of corporate events. One effective strategy is to offset the carbon footprint of the event by investing in carbon offset programs or supporting renewable energy projects. Providing attendees with information on their carbon footprint associated with travel is also crucial. Encouraging participants to participate in carbon offset programs can further mitigate the event's environmental impact. Collaboration with airlines and transportation partners that have established commitments to carbon neutrality and sustainability is essential for achieving meaningful progress in this area.

Waste-free gifting: Incorporating waste-free gifting practices into corporate events is essential for minimizing environmental impact. To achieve this, organizers should opt for sustainable and practical event giveaways that reduce waste, such as reusable bags, water bottles, or eco-friendly office supplies. Additionally, it's important to avoid promotional items with excessive packaging and instead encourage vendors to use environmentally friendly packaging for giveaways.

By embracing these sustainable practices, corporate events can play a significant role in promoting environmental stewardship and fostering a positive corporate image.

As businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability, incorporating these practices into corporate events becomes a vital step towards building a greener future.

(The writer is the co-founder and Director of Trip Navigator)