Sustainability is a broad concept. Some organisations focus primarily on reducing CO2. Others choose circularity as their focus, or social sustainability: inclusivity and local suppliers. Plus fair working conditions.

Choose a focus that aligns with your organisation's core values. That makes it credible. Document that focus. Write an event policy. Set out the three sustainability priorities for your events, how you measure and how you report.

The choice of venue has the biggest impact on an event's carbon footprint. Transport is the largest source of emissions for corporate events. Good access by public transport and a central location already cut emissions considerably. If the venue requires no overnight stay, the gain is greater still.

Where possible, choose venues with their own sustainability certification or policy. Ask venues proactively for their sustainability report.

Consider the size of the venue too. A venue that fits the group size exactly is more sustainable than a large hall standing half empty.

Catering is the second major sustainability factor at events. A plant-based menu has a carbon footprint that is 30-50% lower than a meat-based menu.

When it comes to materials: choose reusable crockery and banners made from recycled material. Decor that gets a second life after the event too.

Draw up a circular brief for your events. It sets out what you want and what happens to the materials and leftover food after the event. And to the decor.

A sustainability policy without measurement is a promise without proof. Make sure you track at least two or three key indicators per event: CO2 emissions and the waste percentage. And the supplier score.

Communicate the results, internally and externally. Let employees know what the sustainable choices were at the annual event. Clients and candidates are paying ever closer attention to this.

Live Impact works structurally with sustainable suppliers and venues. We help clients make sustainable choices for every event. And to build an event policy that stays consistent over time.

We believe sustainable events don't have to be any less impressive than conventional ones. A plant-based menu can be more of a culinary surprise than a standard meat-based dinner.

Send a brief via live-impact.nl/briefing or get in touch via live-impact.nl/contact. Seriously fun.