COP29: A Call to Action for Sustainability in Events and Tourism
The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), a pivotal gathering for global leaders and climate activists happens annually in November. With record-breaking global temperatures and increasingly severe weather events, this year’s summit brings together leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society to accelerate solutions to this defining crisis.
For the first time in COP history, the tourism industry will have official recognition, acknowledging its significant impact on climate and the urgent need for action. While industry leaders signed a climate accord in 2021 with the goal of making travel more sustainable, progress has been underwhelming. COP29 reignites this call to action, urging all sectors, including events, to adopt meaningful sustainability practices.
Why Finance and Action Matter
A key focus of COP29 is finance—mobilizing the trillions of dollars required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect lives from climate change impacts. The conference will also feature updated national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, which are critical to limiting global warming to 1.5°C. These plans represent not only a blueprint for climate action but also investment opportunities that align with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Sustainability in Events: Challenges and Opportunities
As event professionals, we are uniquely positioned to drive change through thoughtful design and operations. However, sustainability often comes with perceived challenges, particularly around cost.
Here are some factors to consider:
- Local Sourcing: Prioritizing local materials reduces carbon footprints and supports communities but can be pricier than imports due to limited availability.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Sustainable products often involve higher production costs due to ethical manufacturing and advanced technologies.
- Design and Printing Costs: Opting for sustainable, high-quality visuals and graphics can add to budgets, but digital alternatives offer impactful, cost-effective solutions.
Example of repurposed physical elements for different exhibit needs.
Actionable Steps for Sustainable Events
While some solutions require investment, many strategies can balance costs while making a positive environmental impact:
1. Develop a Sustainability Policy
Establishing a sustainability policy is the foundation of eco-conscious event planning. Engage key stakeholders to define goals, such as reducing water waste or minimizing food waste. Implement simple yet effective measures like free water refill stations to encourage reusable bottle use or providing compostable dining ware to cut down on disposable plastics.
2. Focus on Local and Regional Events
Instead of large centralized events, organize smaller regional gatherings. This reduces travel emissions and supports local economies. Choose in-season, locally-sourced catering options to further minimize environmental impacts and enhance community connections.
3. Incorporate Portable and Reusable Structures
Opt for portable event environments or pop-up structures designed for reuse. Collaborate with innovative event design agencies like VDA, which specialize in sustainable and reusable installations.
4. Prioritize Sustainable Venues
Choose venues with strong sustainability credentials, such as LEED-certified facilities. These venues often use renewable energy, efficient systems, and eco-friendly construction materials, which align with your event’s green goals.
5. Collaborate with Eco-Conscious Vendors
Select vendors who share your commitment to sustainability. From reusable decorations to catering companies that minimize waste, partnering with aligned suppliers ensures an event that’s both memorable and environmentally responsible. As an example, Boston-based event design agency, VDA, has successfully utilized recycled materials to design numerous green corporate events. Moreover, VDA was also the first to introduce a re-purposing initiative in 2014, which positively impacts the environment by promoting sustainability, recycling event materials, and donating them to local artists. Working with partners who share your values and objectives will make the planning and management process easier, so finding them is a crucial step in your sustainability journey.
6. Implement Green Catering Practices
Support local suppliers and opt for plant-based or seasonal menus to reduce your carbon footprint. Donate any leftover food to local organizations to prevent waste and help communities in need.
7. Leverage Virtual and Hybrid Models
Integrate virtual and hybrid options to minimize travel emissions. Platforms like VDA Virtual create engaging, immersive experiences that make remote participation seamless.
8. Go Paperless and Offer Digital Alternatives
Replace printed materials with apps, virtual brochures, and digital swag like online courses or downloadable resources. This reduces waste while enhancing attendee convenience.
9. Introduce a Waste Management Program
Encourage attendees to bring reusable items, and set up recycling and composting stations at your event. Work with vendors that utilize eco-friendly materials and ensure proper disposal of waste post-event.
By implementing these actionable steps, you can align your events with sustainability goals, showcasing leadership and innovation while making a meaningful environmental impact. Let’s redefine what it means to create events that inspire—not just through their content, but also through their commitment to the planet. For more in-depth insights and practical tips on planning eco-friendly events, check out VDA’s blog post: Here’s What You Need to Know About Planning More Sustainable Events.
A Shared Responsibility
COP29 challenges all industries to step up, and the event and tourism sectors are no exception. By rethinking how we plan and execute events, we can align our practices with global climate goals and become leaders in sustainable innovation.
This is our opportunity to lead by example, proving that impactful, memorable events can also be environmentally conscious. Let’s embrace this moment and work toward a future where sustainability is at the core of every experience we create.
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