The world is going green, and businesses are not exempt. As more companies become conscious of their environmental impact, ‘green’ corporate events have emerged as a top trend in the event industry. A green event incorporates environmental considerations to minimize its negative impact on the planet. In this comprehensive guide, we present ten innovative sustainable event ideas for 2022. These suggestions will help reduce your organization’s carbon footprint and add value to your brand by projecting a positive and responsible image.

1.   Organize a Local Park or Beach Cleanup

Collaborate with Terracycle & Give back to your Community

Becoming an eco-friendly brand doesn’t stop at the office or event venue; it extends into our communities, affecting how we interact with our local environment. One powerful way to demonstrate this commitment is to organize a Local Park Cleanup, in collaboration with TerraCycle.

TerraCycle is an innovative waste management company with the mission of Eliminating the Idea of Waste®. They offer a range of waste management and recycling solutions, including their Zero Waste Boxes for collecting and recycling complex trash that would typically end up in landfills.

Here’s a Guide on How to Organize a Zero Waste Beach Clean Up:

• Set a Date: Choose a date that suits your company and community members. Consider timing it with notable environmental dates like Earth Day or World Environment Day for greater impact.
• Order TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes: TerraCycle offers a variety of Zero Waste Boxes, each designed for specific types of waste, including Plastic & Paper Packaging, Art Supplies, Home Cleaning Accessories, Fabrics, and Office Supplies, among others. These boxes will help collect waste efficiently and ensure it gets properly recycled.
• Plan the Advertisement: Design flyers and social media posts to spread the word about your cleanup event. Highlight the importance of waste management and your collaboration with TerraCycle to add value to your initiative.
• Plan for Food and Drinks: Keeping your volunteers fueled is important. Partner with a local, sustainable caterer to provide food and drinks. Make sure to minimize waste by avoiding single-use packaging and offering recycling bins for any waste generated.

Receive 20% off any ZERO WASTE BOX using discount code: ALEC20

In addition to organizing a local beach cleanup, consider getting a TerraCycle box for your business. These boxes can be placed in your office to collect specific waste materials, from office supplies to e-waste. It’s an effective strategy to reduce your company’s waste output while also promoting your commitment to sustainability.

2.   Digital Conferences

In a world increasingly connected by technology, digital conferences are an excellent way to hold a green business event. They eliminate the need for travel and associated emissions, reduce waste from promotional materials, and require no physical venue. A digital conference can be as engaging as a traditional one, with live-streamed keynote speeches, interactive Q&A sessions, virtual breakout rooms, and networking opportunities.

To make your digital conference more sustainable, consider using a green web hosting company that runs on renewable energy. Ensure digital accessibility and provide guides on energy-saving practices during the event, such as dimming screens and encouraging attendees to engage in their local time zones to avoid overnight energy usage.

3.   Eco-friendly Venues

Selecting an eco-friendly venue is a significant step towards hosting a green business event. An eco-friendly venue has sustainable practices, such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and usage of renewable energy. Some venues are even LEED-certified, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable building design and practices.

The venue should have natural lighting to minimize energy usage, recycling and composting facilities, and options for green transportation, such as bike racks and proximity to public transit. Encourage attendees to share rides or use green transportation methods to get to the venue.

4.   Green Event Decorations

Decorations add aesthetic appeal to an event, but they can also contribute to environmental degradation. For a green event, consider eco-friendly decoration options. Use potted plants instead of cut flowers, LED lights instead of traditional incandescent bulbs, and decorations made from recycled or biodegradable materials.

Avoid single-use banners and signages; instead, opt for digital signage or reusable materials. Also, consider minimalist design principles – less is more, and a clutter-free event can be visually appealing while also reducing waste.

5.   Sustainable Catering

Food and drink are vital components of any event. Choosing a sustainable catering company can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your event. A sustainable caterer focuses on locally sourced, seasonal, and organic food, minimizing food miles and supporting local agriculture.

Consider offering vegetarian and vegan options, as plant-based diets have a lower environmental impact. Also, aim for a zero-waste catering plan, focusing on portion control to minimize food waste and using compostable or reusable plates, cutlery, and glasses.

6.   Green Event Technology

Embracing green event technology can enhance the sustainability of your event. Use digital ticketing systems instead of printed tickets, event management software to plan and coordinate the event efficiently, and mobile apps or websites for event agendas, maps, and updates to reduce paper usage.

Live-stream your event to allow virtual attendance, reducing travel-related emissions. Additionally, use energy-efficient AV equipment and digital signage to cut down on energy use.

7.   Carbon Offsetting

Despite best efforts, your event may still generate some carbon emissions. This is where carbon offsetting comes in. Calculate the carbon footprint of your event, considering factors like travel, energy use, and waste, and then offset it by investing in carbon reduction projects.

Partner with a reputable carbon offset provider who supports projects such as reforestation, renewable energy, and community projects in developing countries. This practice not only offsets your event’s emissions but also supports environmental and social causes. You can have 10 green event ideas that can make a difference.

8.   Eco-friendly Swag

Promotional products or swag are standard at business events. Instead of traditional plastic-laden giveaways, opt for eco-friendly swag. Consider items made from recycled, biodegradable, or sustainably sourced materials.

Think about the practicality of the items – reusable shopping bags, bamboo utensil sets, stainless steel water bottles, or seed packets make excellent green giveaways. Also, provide digital alternatives to printed materials, such as e-brochures, digital business cards, and downloadable event information.

9.   Utilize Measurement Tools to Track Sustainability Goals

Accurate tracking and measurement of sustainability initiatives are crucial for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental impact. Numerous carbon calculators, specifically designed for event planners, have been launched in recent years. These tools allow you to gauge the environmental footprint of your event and provide actionable insights to further your sustainability goals.

One such tool is SAM, a free event sustainability carbon measurement tool. Built on an open API, SAM can be seamlessly integrated with other platforms and technologies, such as Cvent’s Event Marketing & Management Platform. SAM measures the carbon output associated with accommodation, food, travel, room usage, and communications, with a unique feature that communicates with delegates through the app to track their travel habits.

Additional resources offered by non-profit organization Isla include the TRACE platform and Proseed. TRACE is more than a carbon calculator; it calculates both carbon and waste footprints and provides in-app reduction tips and guidance. The data collected aligns with Scope 1 (carbon emissions), Scope 2 (energy consumption), and Scope 3 (supply chain management) reporting. Event planners can download detailed yet comprehensible graphs and charts from TRACE to include in event reports and debriefing documents.

On the other hand, Proseed is a templated guide designed to simplify the complexities of sustainable events. It aids event planners in understanding what to ask their supply chain, what answers to expect, and how to benchmark and reduce emissions. Actions suggested by Proseed include measuring energy usage, tracking travel footprint, limiting food waste, and building more eco-friendly sets.

10.   Incentivize Public Transportation and Carpooling

Transportation is a significant contributor to an event’s carbon footprint. As an event planner committed to sustainability, you can mitigate this by actively promoting public transportation and carpooling to your attendees.

Having chosen a venue that’s accessible by public transportation, it’s essential to communicate this information to your guests. Without proper communication, attendees may overlook public transportation options and resort to private vehicles, thus increasing carbon emissions. To make it easier for them, research the various bus and train routes leading to the venue, and share this information via social media or email. Including detailed maps, fare prices, and links to fare calculators will make it even more convenient for your guests to opt for public transit.

If public transportation is not readily available at your chosen venue, don’t fret! You can still reduce the carbon footprint by encouraging carpooling. Consider offering incentives like closer parking spots, discounted parking, or even reduced ticket prices for attendees who carpool.

Carpooling not only reduces the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing emissions but also fosters a sense of community among attendees. Similarly, incentivizing public transportation encourages attendees to become more eco-conscious in their daily lives, creating a ripple effect of positive environmental impact.

Conclusion

Hosting a green business event is not just an ethical choice but also a smart business decision. Sustainable practices can help companies save resources, attract eco-conscious consumers, and enhance their brand reputation. With these 10 green business ideas for eco-minded entrepreneurs, your next event can be a model of sustainability, setting a high standard for others in your industry to follow.

As environmental considerations become increasingly crucial, these green business event ideas are no longer just options; they are necessities for the future of corporate engagements. Let’s take a step towards that future today – one event at a time.

Written by

Awais Bukhari