Is your business thinking about how to make your events more sustainable and eco-friendlier? You’re not alone! The focus on sustainability has become more pressing than ever over the last few years, as businesses and individuals look for ways to reduce their environmental impact.
With climate change and environmental concerns rapidly rising, we are all adapting our habits in small but meaningful ways. Recycling is now second nature, plastic straws are a thing of the past, and many companies are switching to compostable or reusable alternatives. It’s clear that sustainability is no longer a trend, but a necessity.
At Sheer Edge, we believe in doing our part to protect the planet for future generations. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you plan events that are not only successful but also environmentally responsible. If sustainability is on your agenda, here are a few practical tips to help you plan greener events.
Choose a Sustainable Venue
The venue you choose can make a huge difference in your event’s overall environmental impact. Fortunately, sustainable venues are becoming more common across the UK, and many of them have earned ISO20121 certification, a globally recognised standard for sustainable event management. By choosing such venues, you’re showing your commitment to supporting eco-friendly practices.
When looking for a venue, consider the following:
- Accessibility: Choose venues that are easily accessible by public transport, reducing the carbon footprint of your attendees.
- On-site Accommodation: If possible, select a venue that offers both meeting spaces and accommodation to minimise unnecessary travel.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for venues that have invested in energy-saving technology, such as electronic signage and automated lighting, as well as paperless systems for event materials, utilising collected rainwater and solar powered energy for their operations.
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Many venues, whether they belong to a chain or are independently owned, understand that their actions impact not only the environment but also the wider community. As a result, many initiatives are in place to encourage and support local community projects, as well as to offset their environmental impact.
Sustainable Transport Options
Transportation is a major contributor to an event’s carbon footprint. If most attendees travel by private car, the environmental impact increases significantly. To reduce this, you can:
- Arrange shuttle services.
- Encourage carpooling or offer incentives for those who take public transport.
- Partner with green travel companies that offer carbon offsetting for flights and other transport options.
At Sheer Edge, we have built relationships with eco-friendly travel companies that can assist with all your travel needs.
Reduce Food Waste with Smart Catering
Food waste is a huge issue in event planning. Did you know that food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions?
Many venues that are serious about sustainability when hosting events will ensure they not only offer catering options for those with a vegan diet but also limit the food and beverages they order from overseas. By sticking to local and seasonal produce, venues that embrace this mindset are committed to supporting greener events and work with food waste charities to minimise food wastage.
By being mindful of how much food is ordered and served, you can help reduce this impact. We work with venues that tailor catering to the actual number of attendees, minimising wastage, while ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied.
When planning with us at Sheer Edge, we will ensure we gather accurate attendee numbers, which helps our venues reduce unnecessary food waste and manage catering efficiently.
Go Digital and Ditch the Paper!
Printing materials like flyers, brochures, and manuals are not only costly but also harmful to the environment. Going digital can streamline your event and cut down on paper waste. Here are a few ways you can go paperless:
- Use event management software for registration and communications.
- Consider virtual or hybrid event options.
- Replace printed surveys with online feedback forms for real-time responses.
At Sheer Edge, we can help you adopt digital solutions, from setting up online event registration to organising virtual meetings. Not only will this reduce your event’s environmental impact, but it will also make your operations more efficient.
We’re passionate about offering green event management solutions. Whether you’re looking for sustainable venues, eco-friendly transportation, or digital event tools, Sheer Edge is here to support you every step of the way. If there’s something we don’t already have, we’re happy to explore new options to ensure your event meets its sustainability goals.
Together, we can make a positive impact on the planet, one event at a time.
For more support with making your future events sustainable, get in touch with us today:
hello@sheereddge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176
