• March 7, 2025

Beyond buzzwords: producing sustainable events, sustainably

Beyond buzzwords: producing sustainable events, sustainably

Beyond buzzwords: producing sustainable events, sustainably 1024 683 micebook.
Partner Content

Charlie Noble, communications manager, at Encore Global – headline sponsor for our inaugural Power 30 Most Sustainable UK Event Agencies 2024-25 in partnership with event:decision – explores what it means to deliver events that are truly sustainable…

Sustainability is no longer a choice – it’s a necessity. As awareness of our collective environmental impact grows, so too does the expectation for businesses to act responsibly. But true sustainability isn’t achieved through one-off actions; it requires long-term commitment and meaningful change. For the events industry – not historically known for its green credentials – this means rethinking traditional approaches while ensuring efforts remain practical and achievable. The key question: how can we produce sustainable events in a way that is itself sustainable?

The first step: measuring impact

Sustainability often raises concerns about cost, feasibility, and expertise. In reality, the best place to start is with the most manageable step: measuring impact.

Our recent collaboration with micebook and event:decision on the Power 30 Most Sustainable Agencies Award brought together industry leaders to share ideas and showcase progress. The most valuable takeaway? You can’t fix what you don’t know. Impact reporting is the simplest way to understand an event’s carbon footprint and pinpoint opportunities for improvement.

Small changes, big impact

Sustainable event production is a microcosm of events themselves; it is the smallest changes that have the biggest impact. A subtle shift in lighting or set design can transform an atmosphere – just as incremental operational changes can drive real progress.

One of our key learnings from impact reporting was that the biggest impact often comes from refining what’s already working. For example, we prioritise keeping most of our equipment regionally, reducing unnecessary transportation and travel emissions – one of the highest carbon contributors in events. By making the most of existing high-quality materials and local expertise, we minimise our footprint without compromising on production value.

Even smaller innovations can make a difference. At the Sustainable Events Show, we repurposed branding materials from past events to create an eye-catching centrepiece – showcasing that sustainable design doesn’t have to mean sacrificing creativity. Incremental shifts in material choices and set designs challenge teams to think innovatively while reducing waste.

Prioritising people: a sustainable approach to workflows

Sustainability isn’t just about carbon footprints – it’s also about creating a work culture that supports long-term success. The high-intensity nature of event production can lead to burnout, and as an industry, we have a responsibility to ensure our workflows are not only environmentally sustainable but also sustainable for the people delivering them.

At Encore, our Illuminating a Brighter Future initiative is built on three pillars: responsibility, planet, and people. Every decision we make considers the impact on our teams. We consult experts who work on the ground daily, ensuring process changes are practical and beneficial. We also champion work-life balance and recognise that sustainability isn’t just about green spaces – it’s about fostering healthy, thriving communities in the places we work and live.

A long-term commitment

Sustainability is not a passing trend; it’s an ongoing responsibility. Our focus remains clear: sustainability must be practical, scalable, and, most importantly, sustainable for the people driving it forward. Producing responsible events shouldn’t come at the cost of those behind the scenes.

By measuring impact, making small but meaningful changes, and ensuring these shifts support both people and the planet, we can create events that don’t just look good on paper but stand the test of time – for our industry, our communities, and the world around us.

 

 

Join Our Community

Join our community and receive the latest trending industry news in our weekly Departure Lounge and exclusive invites to events