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How I’d Measure Event Sustainability Starting from ZERO

Event sustainability is truly under the microscope. But measuring it can be an entirely different ball game, despite becoming an increasingly crucial factor. But worry not! The Venue Hunters have got you covered with the simplest ways to start measuring sustainability if you’ve never done it before.

 

After all, if you can’t measure it you can’t improve it!

 

So, let’s take a look at the key factors and tools to make tracking second nature.


Hands working on a laptop on a desk featuring the recycling symbol as the home page, with a notebook, pen and glasses, potted plant and cup of coffee on a saucer.

 Tap Into the Sustainability Shift

 

Sustainability is officially a big deal in events, and it’s here to stay. The thing is, making your events greener isn’t just about swapping out plastic straws. Moreover, you need to understand your event’s environmental impact.

 

Here’s how you can make headway when you’re on board with event sustainability but haven’t been in a position to track and quantify it – yet:

 

  • Choose Sustainable Suppliers - Partner with venues and suppliers who share your sustainability goals.

 

  • Leverage Eco-Friendly Tools – There are purpose designed tools on the market to track your event’s emissions in real-time and generate user-friendly impact reports to simplify sustainability for everybody who needs to know.

 

  • Check Certifications - Look for venues with certifications showing their commitment to greener practices.

 

Honestly, once you’ve got the the right tools at your disposal, measuring event sustainability isn't the mission impossible you might have expected. (And that’s good news, isn’t it?)


A hand holding a plasticine globe with a shoot growing out of the top.

 Go Digital with Tracking Tools

 

The days of endless spreadsheets are long gone (and we’re NOT missing them already!). Instead, the right tech gives you a goldmine of insights without the time, effort and bother. Here are some of the industry’s favourites:

 

·        event:decision - Ideal for calculating event emissions, analysing your event across the full range of ESG, and planning for more sustainable events in the future.

 

·        TRACE by Isla - This tool tracks emissions, helping you measure event sustainability and share real-time updates with your clients and stakeholders.

 

·        You. Smart. Thing. - A powerhouse for tracking carbon footprints, offering actionable insights for reducing environmental impact, and making it easier to stick to your green goals.

 

Then there’s certifications. Ok, so accolades and awards don’t always mean much. But they’re indicators of genuine commitment to sustainable practices in this space.


A hand holding a lightbulb, surrounded by symbols relating to event sustainability, like ESG and the recycling sign.

 Know Your Event Sustainability Certifications from Your Back Slapping Shiny Badges

 

Venue and supplier sustainability certifications are worthwhile benchmarks when you’re looking to make greener event choices.  Here are a few to keep your eyes peeled for:

 

·        Greengage ECOsmart - This certification gives venues a ranking from Bronze to Platinum based on eco-criteria like waste reduction and energy usage.

 

·        Green Key, Green Meetings and Green Tourism  - These accreditations offer global standards for sustainable practices across both business and leisure tourism facilities.

 

·        ISO 20121 - This is the gold standard for sustainable event management, covering everything from planning to waste management.


A leafy green shoot spelling out ECO and a green model aeroplane.

 

At The Venue Hunters, we’re firm believers measuring event sustainability doesn’t have to be a chore. You’ll get a clear picture of your event’s impact and planet-friendly practices by using the right tools and focusing on what matters to your organisation and your audience.


Get in touch for our FREE, green-friendly venue finding service and supplier sourcing. And together, let’s track, measure, and evolve sustainability for even better results next time around! 

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