Green Conferences

Some time ago I attended a conference but unlike others, this one billed itself as being a “sustainable conference.”  Being always on the look-out on new and practical ways to be green, I decided to probe further and asked to speak to the event manager.

Apparently, there are lots of way that business conferences can do its part for the environment and they can start from the very beginning by preparing a written environmental policy or statement that can be shared and agreed to by the suppliers, delegates and speakers.  One can also estimate the total carbon footprint of the conference (especially easy if the conference is an annual event where the unexpected can be minimized) and plan to offset the emissions.

How interesting I thought! It’s really just applying the environmental values and practices that one would do in their office or home at a conference event.

Here are some other tips for holding a low or no-carbon conference:

• Consider using airlines with offsetting programmes if you are flying speakers in from abroad.
• Choose a venue that accessible by public transport or by foot.
• Consider venues that use natural light and natural ventilation.
• Use or recommend hotels within walking distance of the venue and with sustainable practices.
• Use new media and electronic technology to communicate whenever possible (e.g. online registration)
• Reduce food miles by planning menus that use local, in-season organic food.
• Encourage delegates to separate waste by providing the appropriate receptacles and instructions.
• Offer off-site activities that are nature-based with minimal environmental impact.

The next time you are involved in planning a conference or a major event for your company, consider making it as green as possible. You don’t need to do everything listed above in the first try but set aside incremental goals to work towards.  Not only will you lighten the carbon footprint of the event but it will likely save your company some money as well!