Sustainable events: how to organise them and the benefits

Sustainable events: supporting your local area

Sustainable events through responsibility,
good habits and sustainable tourism

Sustainable events, besides being a new way of traveling is also a concept of respect for the environment and local communities.

Those who travel in this way aim to limit theirimpact on the environment and support smaller, local businesses.

More and more people have shown that they are very sensitive to environmental issues and the preservation of places.
For this reason, investment in environmentally sustainable forms of tourism could grow significantly in the coming years, thanks in part to increasing awareness campaigns.

When a sustainable event ?

An event is sustainable when it is "designed, planned and implemented in a way that minimizes negative impact on the environment and leaves a positive legacy for the host community."

The potential of sustainable events, in terms of communication and appreciation, is numerous.
However, many events claim to be "green" must meet specific standards.

Event organizers, promoters and suppliers have at their disposal new ethical-behavioral standards developed for the purpose of ensuring and communicating widespreadsustainability commitment in sustainable events.

The standards are elements of recognition and assurance for customers, both for the public market, through Green Public Procurement, and for the private consumer, who now places environmental and ethical issues among the determinants of purchasing choices.

Why organize a sustainable event?

To minimize negative environmental, social and economic impacts and maximize positive ones by planning activities consistently and efficiently.
As a secondary commitment to educate people about sustainability, inviting them to behave responsibly.

What are the benefits for those who decide to make their event sustainable?

• Continuously improve sustainability performance.
• Use energy and products rationally.
• Reduce the ecological and carbon footprint of the event.
• Reduce the risks associated with event management.
• Accrediting one's commitment at the international level.
• Involve, respect and meet participants' expectations.
• Increase appeal to potential investors and sponsors.
• Improve corporate brand image and positioning.

What are the main types of sustainable events?

• Celebrations: festivals, carnivals, religious events, anniversaries
• Artistic: concerts, shows, performances, award ceremonies
• Commercial: trade show, exhibition, meeting, conference, convention
• Sports events
• Scientific or educational: seminars, workshops, conferences
• Recreational: games, non-competitive sports
• Civilian and political: inaugurations, visits by dignitaries, parades, rallies
• Private events.

The basic concepts of sustainability and good habits

What are the basic principles for a sustainable lifestyle?

• Respect for the environment
• Ethics: choosing non-exploitation of a territory, culture or population
• Economic sustainability for the people who live there
• Socio-cultural interest in the traditions of the people

Good habits for environmentally sustainable living

From environmentally sustainable tourism to everyday habits: let's see what the key points are:

• Modes of transportation:
  When it comes to covering long distances, traveling by air is almost a no-brainer. However, when it comes to covering short distances, it is possible to consider traveling on foot or by bicycle, using public transportation, renting electric or hybrid vehicles, or even traveling by train.
• Conscious spending
  When you travel to a place, choose accommodations and choose to buy from local businesses so you can improve the local economy by making a real contribution.
• Environmental stewardship
  Also choose eco-friendly facilities or those with environmental protection programs. Not just a few tourism entities are working to improve indigenous natural integrity and protect local habitats and biodiversity.
• Respect for local culture
  A key point is to immerse yourself in the local culture and accept its differences with your own. Getting to know different customs but also trying to speak a different language might be a place to start.
• Use of natural resources.
  Reduce, reuse and recycle. It is necessary to consider the efficient use of water, energy and raw material resources without underestimating the method of disposal of the waste produced.
• CO2 balance and environmental awareness
  When you move evaluate and calculate the CO2 emissions produced by your chosen mode of transportation and offset them with good environmental practices not necessarily related to travel.