Sustainable events: Fad or future?

Tip 1: Green compensation

From the very start of your event communications, you can draw attention to the topic of sustainability and thus raise awareness of this issue. For each registration, for example, you can donate a certain amount to organisations that aim to reduce waste, improve living conditions or restore the ecological balance.

Tip 2: Hybrid events as game changers

A hybrid event combines the best of the digital and physical worlds. It’s the ideal solution to offer event participants an immersive experience. By ensuring fewer guests have to travel, you also actively contribute to sustainability and protecting the environment. At the same time, you can significantly extend your reach. This in turn brings you cost and logistical benefits. With your ability to innovate, you can also present yourself as a forward-looking host. Another bonus for participants is the embedding of AR/VR technologies.

Tip 3: Environmentally conscious mobility

Travelling to and from an event is often the biggest source of emissions. Are there public transport options for guests? Is the event only accessible by car? You can reduce CO₂ emissions by organising transport. Shared economy is the keyword here if travel is designed to be economically sustainable. One helpful approach is often to cooperate with transport services that also have electric or hybrid vehicles in their fleet. However, if guests are responsible for their own arrival and departure, the designated parking area should be clearly signposted to avoid the need to search for a parking space – this helps to minimise air pollution and CO₂  emissions.

Tip 4: The future-oriented location

Greenhouse gas emissions caused by guest transportation can be reduced both by designing an environmentally conscious event venue, and by the relevant accommodation options. Many venues and hotels are working purposefully on an environmentally friendly approach to business, such as our partner venues the Hotel Kursaal Bern & Congress Centre and the Hallenstadion. Trafo Baden has explicitly created a Green Team to implement sustainable solutions. When making your choice, make sure that the venue and hotel have a sustainability management system or environmental certification of some kind.

Tip 5: Regional cuisine & economy

The choice of caterer can have a big impact on an event’s environmental footprint if attention is paid to product selection. Is the produce sourced locally? We all agree: the shorter the distance, the better it is for the environment. Are the products certified? Using local producers can also support the regional economy. For products that cannot be sourced from the surrounding area, there are labels like Max Havelaar, MSC, demeter, Bio-Suisse Knospe  –  and many more  – that guarantee fair-trade products.

Tip 6: Organised waste

The magic formula is: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. One of the most important criteria at an event is efficient waste management which aims to minimise the quantity of waste, and ensure that it’s sorted and recycled. A good waste management system can save cost and effort. Tell the participants about the waste sorting system to make them aware of this aspect.

Tip 7: New energy

An efficient energy concept is highly significant for events. Many venues actively communicate their sustainability management on their website. Check whether electricity or heat is generated from renewable energy sources. You can also achieve sustainable reductions in energy consumption by making sure the equipment used at your event  – like sound and cooling systems  – has the highest efficiency ratings. Lighting is another important factor in reducing energy consumption. LED lamps consume almost 90% less electricity than incandescent (“traditional”) light bulbs!

Tip 8: Advertising materials: digital vs. print

Lots of events distribute flyers or notepaper – only for these to end up in the bin. To protect the rainforests and the habitats of native animal and plant species, you can provide participants with all information digitally, both before and after the event. At the event itself, information can be provided via an app or using QR codes. Do you still need printed materials for your event? In this case, we recommend using recyclable, FSC-certified paper, and opting for double-sided printing to cut paper consumption by half.

Tip 9: Social responsibility

Ethical and social issues are also part of planning a sustainable event. Consider the requirements of your target group, so that all their needs are taken care of. Socially responsible business also means integrating diversity and equality in every aspect of your event, to promote the inclusion and well-being of all guests. This affects all sorts of touchpoints at an event – from the food and drink on offer to the WC signage. Make sure your event is accessible for people with a disability and use inclusive, gender-sensitive language in all your communications. Sustainable diversity management can also be enhanced by details such as choosing the right seating and table set-up for the relevant space requirements, and informing participants about the available services for people with mobility, hearing or visual impairments.

	You can support nature and the environment with your commitment.
	You can be a sustainability pioneer through your actions.
	You can bring economic benefits to the entire region through your business.
	You will make a long-lasting and positive impression that enhances your image.
	You can raise awareness and help teach society to act more sustainably.
	You can save money in the short and/or medium term with a sustainable event.
	You can count on support from the local municipality or region.

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