This is the third thought piece in a five-part series focusing on the key takeaways from SEWF22. SEWF is the flagship event for the global social enterprise community, providing space for sector friends and experts to connect, learn and be inspired.

Sustainable events: how far can we go?

After leading the successful partnership for Social Traders at SEWF22, hosted by White Box Enterprises, our Events Manager Selina Arnall takes a deeper look into sustainability at events - and why it’s such a hot topic.

Across the two days, White Box Enterprises and SEWF22 set a challenge to make the forum a zero-waste event. And with the help of Green Connect - a new standard of events practice was set. This meant everyone involved in the event delivery was committed to its sustainability goals, including us as proud partners and exhibitors at the event.

The importance of sustainability in events is no longer a trend, it’s dominating how events are created and delivered.

Sustainability will continue to be a major priority in 2023 and beyond, looking for ways we can work together to transform events for a greener future. As we establish solutions, policies and continuity across the industry – we are at a critical time for action. Events have the opportunity to lead the way through our many voices and platforms.

Making an event sustainable starts at the consultation stage.

Take a collective responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of the event. The choices made during the planning process will impact all following decisions for those involved, including contractors, sponsors, partners and suppliers.

Everything at our exhibition booth was sourced with the future in mind. We utilised digital business cards to connect, QR codes to facilitate our offering, used iPads to capture attendee details (be gone paper pads and pens). We chose to hire our exhibitor stand furniture from circular economy suppliers, rather than buying and supplying our own.

Make a circular economy your first thought.

When planning your event – consider how it will impact our planet from start to finish. Ask yourself - where have these items come from? Where will they go afterwards? Can they be re-used or shared within the community? Have I looked for certified social enterprise suppliers?

If it can't be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled or composted, then it should be restricted, redesigned or removed from production. - Pete Seegar.

SEWF22 had no show bags, flyers, or throw away promotional items - we all played a huge part in minimising the impact of the event on the environment. It’s a challenge, and you definitely have to get a little more creative with the set-up components., Seeded paper was used for name badges and lanyards were collected for reuse at the end of the event. All signage was digital and so was the program (with a few printed copies for those who needed them, balancing sustainability with accessibility).

The food was sourced locally, and mainly vegetarian. Over-catering was minimised with event organisers reporting to the venue on accurate attendee numbers. Food was served using washable plates, cutlery and cups. Once breaks were over, all food waste and napkins were composted.

In our collective commitment towards a zero-waste event, the ‘zero-waste team’ at Green Connect audited every bin. They made sure disposals were placed in the correct waste separation option. and set the benchmark for future events!

All tickets (Digital Passes and Physical Passes) for SEWF22 included a mandatory carbon offset. This was split between two social enterprise partners, SELCO Foundation in India (international) and the Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (Australian).

These are just small examples of the steps we can take to improve the environmental sustainability of events. Virtual and hybrid events can significantly contribute to our sustainability goals. Hosting an event online reduces its carbon footprint by 94% and its energy use by 90%. Hybrid events, with at least 50% of attendees tuning in virtually, can reduce carbon footprints by two-thirds. But the demand to meet in-person is not wavering and greener event strategies must be adopted to remain an event of choice.

How can you make your next event more sustainable?

• Develop a waste management plan
• Incorporate a hybrid solution
• Monitor waste stations and educate event attendees
• Report on waste outcomes for future reference
• Find a sustainable venue, suppliers and transport options
• No single use anything (including printing)
• Digital menus and digital signage
• Refillable water stations
• Create a green catering plan
• Choose to embed circular economy into your processes
• Connect with certified social enterprises committed to good.

For events to remain viable and attractive to attendees, we need to capitalise on buying from social enterprise. As one of the largest untapped opportunities you have to solve social and environmental issues, switching your spend to good can push forward the sustainable events movement. Let’s think differently and embed our collective sense of purpose into how we plan and host events, with sustainable delivery at the forefront!

For more information about using your business for good, get in touch.