Best Sustainable Practices for Memorable Business Events

There are a lot of things that you have to be concerned about when you are trying to run a business. You have to think extensively about finances, marketing, hiring and much more. One of the more pressing things that you have to think about these days is sustainability.

A growing number of companies are embracing sustainability these days. One survey of C-suite business executives shows that 67% have sustainability plans in place. Many small businesses are trying to be eco-friendly as well.

There are a lot of things that you can do to try making your business eco-friendlier. One thing that you need to do is try to make sure any business events that you run are as eco-friendly as possible.

Sustainability is the watchword of this decade. As businesses globally take note of their carbon footprints and strive to be environmentally responsible, corporate events aren’t left behind. If you’re in charge of organizing corporate gatherings, be it a training session or an annual celebration, ensuring they’re green and memorable is paramount.

This article offers a comprehensive guide to hosting eco-friendly corporate events that leave an impression—not on our planet, but in attendees’ minds. You can also find more ideas from this article from the Green Business Bureau.

Location Matters: Opt for Green Venues

The first step in curating an eco-friendly corporate event is selecting the right venue. Many establishments now offer green certifications that vouch for their sustainable practices.

• Certifications to Look For: Search for venues with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification or a similar green acknowledgment.
• Outdoor Events: Weather permitting, consider hosting events outdoors. Natural light reduces energy consumption and provides a refreshing ambiance.

Pro tip: Check if the venue supports local communities or is involved in any environmental initiatives. Partnering with such venues can elevate the overall ethos of your event.

Eco-Friendly Invitations

Gone are the days when paper invitations were the norm. The digital age has provided us with several sustainable alternatives.

• Digital Invitations: Platforms like Evite or Paperless Post allow you to design and send attractive e-invitations.
• QR Codes: For events where invitations must be presented, consider QR codes. Attendees can scan these codes on their phones, ensuring no paper waste.

Mindful Catering Choices

What’s an event without delicious food? However, food production and waste contribute significantly to environmental concerns.

Choose Local and Organic

Local produce not only tastes better but also has a lower carbon footprint due to reduced transportation requirements. It also supports the local economy.

Waste Not, Want Not

Estimate the food requirement accurately to prevent wastage. Consider donating excess food to local shelters or food banks.

Pro tip: Use biodegradable or compostable plates and cutlery. This reduces the waste destined for landfills.

Tech for Sustainability

Incorporating technology can play a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability of your event.

Event Apps

These not only reduce the need for printed schedules or maps but can also provide attendees with live updates.

Virtual Participation

Given the recent rise in remote work, consider allowing virtual participation. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with travel.

Eco-Friendly Tokens of Appreciation

Recognizing participants or speakers at corporate events is a long-cherished tradition. While many opt for conventional trophies or certificates, there’s an increasing trend toward sustainable tokens of appreciation.

Plantable Tokens

Consider using awards or gifts embedded with seeds that recipients can plant, transforming the recognition into a living, breathing entity over time.

Recycled Material Accolades

Consider awards made from recycled or repurposed materials. They not only offer a sustainable twist but also a unique design flair. For instance, if you’re thinking of a transparent, elegant yet sustainable award, a glass trophy award can be a beautiful choice without compromising on environmental values.

Digital Recognitions

E-certificates, e-gift cards, or even shout-outs on company social media platforms are modern ways of appreciation, completely eliminating any physical waste.

Promote Sustainable Transportation

The transit associated with corporate events, especially large ones, can have a sizable carbon footprint.

Encourage Public Transport

If your venue is accessible by public transport, encourage attendees to utilize it. Some cities even offer day passes for such occasions.

Carpooling

Rideshare apps and platforms allow attendees traveling from similar locations to carpool, reducing the number of vehicles on the road.

Lasting Impact: Eco-Conscious Networking Activities

Networking is a vital aspect of corporate events. However, why not make it memorable and green?

Beach or Park Cleanups

Instead of traditional mixers, consider organizing a cleanup activity. It’s unique, promotes team-building, and leaves a tangible positive impact.

DIY Workshops

Invite local artisans to teach a sustainable craft, like making tote bags from recycled materials. Attendees can network while engaging in a fulfilling activity.

The Aftermath: Post-Event Practices

Feedback Loop

Collect feedback digitally. Platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms can help gauge attendees’ experiences without paper waste.

Evaluate and Audit

After your event, take the time to evaluate its environmental impact. This assessment can guide better practices for future events.

Conclusion

Incorporating sustainability into corporate events not only aligns with modern values but also provides an avenue to innovate. By rewarding employees with meaningful experiences and tokens of appreciation that also protect the environment, businesses can reaffirm their commitment to a greener future.

While it might seem challenging to pivot to entirely green events, every small step counts. Whether it’s by choosing e-invites over paper ones or opting for a beach cleanup instead of a mixer, there’s always an eco-friendly alternative waiting to make your event memorable and responsible.