What does net zero mean for the events industry?
As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, the concept of net zero has gained prominence. Can large-scale gatherings truly achieve net zero status?
We delve into sustainability, explore carbon neutrality and discuss practical steps for event planners to create eco-conscious experiences.
Understanding net zero
It's now clear that in addition to reducing emissions, the world urgently needs to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it permanently. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), carbon removals are now unavoidable to get to net zero by 2050—and we can all play our part in making a collective positive impact.
Net zero refers to achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted and those removed from the atmosphere. In the context of events, it involves minimizing emissions associated with organizing and hosting gatherings while reducing and offsetting the remaining impact through sustainable practices.
The role of sustainable events
1. Measuring carbon impact
Carbon neutrality is at the heart of net zero events—and measurement is key here.
To reduce carbon impact, event planners must first calculate the carbon footprint of their activities across their event and supply chain: from transportation and energy use to waste management. Only once the emissions are quantified, can strategies be put in place to reduce them.
At IMEX, we work with sustainability experts isla to measure and report on travel emissions for participants at our shows via their platform TRACE. We then use this insight to guide and inform how we can reduce those emissions further.
2. Reducing carbon impact across the event management supply chain
Venue selection: Choose venues that prioritize sustainability. Look for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified buildings, solar-powered facilities and efficient waste management systems.
Booths: Work with exhibitors and booth builders to reduce GHG emissions by steadily increasing their use of reusable and sustainable materials. The ultimate aim? An event where all booths are 100% reusable and sustainable.
Local sourcing: Opt for locally sourced food and beverages. This reduces transportation-related emissions and supports local economies.
Here’s an example of sustainable event catering solutions: at IMEX America, we offer clearly labeled waterwise, meat-free and emission-friendly catering. Sustainable serviceware and food packaging is composted while leftover food is donated to a local food bank.
Energy efficiency: Implement energy-saving measures such as LED lighting, smart climate control, and efficient transportation options for attendees.
Waste reduction: Use reusable materials, avoid single-use plastics, and collaborate with vendors who share your commitment to sustainability.
Here’s an example of event waste reduction: our IMEX Frankfurt venue, Messe Frankfurt, sorts and recycles leftover waste. Nearly all, 99.5 per cent, of waste at our shows is diverted from landfill for recycling, community donations or energy conversion.
3. Offsetting
Alongside working on carbon reduction and avoidance, event planners should develop a carbon offset strategy for unavoidable emissions. By investing in renewable energy projects, reforestation initiatives, or carbon credits to compensate for their emissions. For instance, planting trees or supporting wind farms can offset the carbon released during an event. It’s important, however, to see carbon offsets as an opportunity to invest in nature, in vital environmental projects, rather than a free pass to carry on with business as usual.
At IMEX, we’re working with Cloverly to give attendees the opportunity to make a positive climate contribution by balancing their travel to and from the show.
Once logged in to their individual IMEX account, attendees can see their estimated carbon footprint, which they can then choose to offset by investing in a selection of carbon credit projects from around the world. These include: a reforestation project in Uganda; peat swamp restoration in Indonesia and an innovative project produces biochar which stores carbon for hundreds of years located within minutes of IMEX venue, Messe Frankfurt.
Next steps for achieving net zero in events
Event organizers around the world have joined the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative, pledging to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest, with an interim target to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.
Achieving net zero for events is both a challenge and an opportunity. By embracing sustainable practices, event planners can create memorable experiences while safeguarding the planet. Together we can work to make every event a step toward a greener future.
