EGF Master Class

Takeaways for the events industry to #BuildBackBetter

Morwesi Ramonyai, vice chair of the Event Greening Forum.

Meegan Jones, president of the international SEA

Shawna McKinley, sustainability consultant, event planner and author.

The Event Greening Forum (EGF) held its Master Class on 18 November 2020. Its aim was to unpack how the events industry can #BuildBackBetter to produce events that both mitigate the risks of Covid-19 transmissions and promote sustainability principles.

Morwesi Ramonyai, vice chair of the Event Greening Forum and an impact entrepreneur with nine years’ experience in the green economy, was the MC and facilitator for the session. She was joined by three speakers who addressed the theme from different angles.

Can we safely use reusables?

Meegan Jones, president of the international Sustainable Event Alliance (SEA) and author of Sustainable event management: A practical guide, spoke about the Sustainable Event Alliance’s recent hackathon event which gathered 800 event professionals from around the world to consider where sustainable event management priorities should be focused in our new normal.

One major issue which came up was a concern that we may undo the good work already done in getting off singleuse plastic at events, because of uncertainty about reusable serviceware and Covid-19. Research and guidelines were produced as a result. You can download the Reusables hygiene at events: Global best practice guidelines here: https://thrive.sustainable-event-alliance.org/ global-reusables-at-events-hygiene-standard/

“The good news,” Ms Jones said, “Is that if existing hygiene standards for reusables at events are adhered to, they will be Covid-safe.” She added that, when handling reusables at events, you would need to put in place measures to prevent the transmission of Covid-19. These would be the same ones needed when handling disposables, as all physical items being handled at events carry a potential risk of transmission.

Ms Jones also outlined the four pillars that she believes are essential to events of the future. These are:

• Purpose driven: Every event needs to have a clear purpose and benefit in bringing people together.

• Covid-safe: All recommended precautions need to be in place to safeguard the health and wellbeing of both staff and guests.

• Circular: The principles of a circular economy should be integrated into your event planning. This requires a shift in thinking and event design, with the result that your event will produce little to no waste.

• Climate responsible: Favour actions that will reduce the carbon footprint of your event.

The four decisions that will most reduce your onsite carbon footprint

Shawna McKinley, an accomplished sustainability consultant, event planner, author and instructor based in Canada, gave a data-driven presentation on which planning decisions have the greatest impact on your event’s carbon footprint, and are “the biggest carbon tipping points”. Armed with this knowledge, planners can make a few key decisions which will significantly reduce their onsite greenhouse gas emissions.

Ms McKinley identified four key areas that she suggested planners prioritise as we return to face-to-face events:

• The event format: Unsurprisingly, hybrid events (localised or regional events that connect online) can reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent or more. Ms McKinley suggests that sustainability needs to be considered from the outset of planning an event, before deciding on its format. She said, impact, and aligns best with our audience values.” that primarily uses renewable energy can have an emission saving potential of as much as 63% compared to one that uses fossil fuels, says McKinley.

• Energy supply: Choosing a destination that primarily uses renewable energy can have an emission saving potential of as much as 63% compared to one that uses fossil fuels, says McKinley. Unfortunately, in South Africa we are restricted as our sole energy provider, Eskom, relies exclusively on fossil fuels. But this means seeking a venue or hotel that has its own onsite renewable energy supply (even if supplementary) can have a significant carbon saving result.

• Green buildings: Opting for a venue or hotel that has green certification, such as a LEED® green building rating, or the Heritage certification label, means they will have robust energy efficiency, water conservation and responsible waste management systems already in place. Much of the hard work to reduce your event’s carbon footprint is automatically taken care of, efficiently and responsibly.

• Switching to plant-based meals: Deciding to serve more plant-based meals, or switching from beef to chicken, also considerably reduces your event’s onsite carbon footprint. McKinley cited one client who traditionally served a 20 per cent plant-based menu with chicken as the primary protein. When they switched to an 80 per cent plant-based menu, their carbon footprint was reduced by seven per cent. You don’t have to switch all meals and menus, she added, but making small changes will have a valuable impact. Ultimately Ms McKinley’s message was that we have a lot of tools in our toolbox when it comes to designing sustainable events. And, as the above examples show, these decisions are not onerous – in fact, they are largely simple, while also being unaffected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Greg McManus, chair of EGF

Procurement remains key

Greg McManus, chair of EGF, was the third presenter for the Master Class. As the founder of Heritage, South Africa’s only independent sustainability certification company, and with a wealth of experience in environmental to be taken to make events safer, and how sustainability can be considered alongside these.

He echoed Ms McKinley’s message that Covid-19 is not a significant obstacle to hosting events in a sustainable manner. Many of the decisions and practices we would normally make still apply.

One area he highlighted that needs some extra consideration is procurement. As well as looking at a supplier or service provider’s sustainability credentials as you normally would – such as their sustainability policy and commitment, location, the end-of-life impact of their products, and so forth – you need to also consider their ability to minimise the risks of Covid transmissions. For example, earth-friendly cleaning products are preferable to conventional ones, but you will need to establish that they are able to effectively destroy the virus.

In closing, Mr McManus encouraged everyone to focus on the available solutions and not the challenges we face. By staying informed and aware, we are in a strong position to find the best solutions for ourselves and our businesses – and to build back better, ultimately creating a more resilient and sustainable events sector.

About the EGF

The Event Greening Forum (EGF) is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability within the business events sector. It does this by hosting educational sessions for industry and lobbying government in an effort to implement sustainability principles into the daily operations of the events industry.

The EGF was established through dedication and support of eight industry associations who are recognised as founding members. The founding members are key industry associations working together to promote South Africa as a destination for various types of events.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about event greening, visit wwweventgreening.co.za where you can browse the free resources, sign up to the monthly newsletter, or contact them directly with any queries.

Contact: Lynn Mcleod

T: 082 891 5883

E: lynn@eventgreening.co.za