Event sustainability does not only means:
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Taking action towards preserving our natural environment but also
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Promoting a healthy inclusive society and
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Supporting a thriving economy (Events Industry Council)
As we know, the United Nations (UN) has set 17 goals that are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
In 2019, the Events Industry Council (EIC) developed 4 Principles for Sustainable Events designed to guide event organisers that address all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
1. Event organisers and suppliers share responsibility for implementing and communicating sustainable practices to their stakeholders.
2. Basic environmental practices include:
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Conservation of resources, including water, energy and natural resources
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Waste management
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Carbon emissions reduction and management
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Supply chain management and responsible purchasing
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Biodiversity preservation
3. Basic social considerations include:
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Universal human rights
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Community impacts
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Labour practices
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Respect for culture
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Safety and security
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Health and well-being
4. Sustainable events support thriving economic practices through:
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Collaboration and partnerships
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Local support, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
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Stakeholder participation
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Equitable economic impact
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Transparency
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Responsible governance
These principles provide guidance on how to clearly incorporate sustainability in the various aspects of an event. There is no one way to do sustainability. Small changes go a long way and making an impact takes time.
A good first step is to identify the impact of your event. Then you can use the above principles as a guide to finding out how you will address each area.