EXSA NEWS

Things are changing – be part of the change

EXSA and the Event Greening Forum (EGF) as well as other individual companies have joined the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge as representatives of the South African business events industry.

By Liam Beattie, board member of EXSA and Gary van der Watt from Xanita.

Ultimately, all service providers will be measured in relation to a possible Zero Carbon footprint (similar to BBEEE or OHS). Notably, this measurement will consider the entire supply chain, from the smallest to the largest contributor.

To achieve their company CO2 targets, all their suppliers will need to meet similar targets and requirements. As will any supplier on a specific event, site or venue. The planned rollout and the fact that the industry has been very aware of the demand for sustainability over the past 10 years, makes this less onerous than many other prescribed requirements.

In South Africa, EXSA and EGF have promoted the ideals diligently and associations such as ICCA and SAACI have consistently introduced and implemented sustainable guidelines.

The change required in local events requires exhibition and events companies to meet with the same standards as those implemented globally.

Companies have adequate time to alter unsustainable practices to methods, materials and suppliers that offer alternatives.

Fortunately, there are a number of alternatives in South Africa and in the rest of Africa that have been tested for more than a decade. To reach the targets, companies must simply foster relationships with those suppliers.

Another plus point is that through certification the level of sustainability of an organiser, supplier or venue will be easily determined.

The prevalence of green-washing will diminish and concrete cradle-to-cradle supply chains established. In practice, the simple reuse of a ‘unsustainable‘ product will no longer be adequate. The origin, manufacturer, use, reuse and recyclability of any product will determine its position in the sustainable value chain. There will no longer be a broad-brush stroke of ‘green’, but an assessed and certified value.

Why is this so important?

What we should do is always bear in mind “why are we doing this?” Sustainability speaks to ecological but also socio and economic welfare.

If we are to create a world that preserves heritage for our future while creating an environment that fosters the prosperity and well-being of our people and economy, we need to think in a sustainable way.

We are all linked in some way. And as such, what we do has critical importance. The cliché of a small ripple in a big pond still holds true. We can all contribute to a better now and a better future.

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan

Let’s not wait for the world to do something. Be the change.

Call to action

The initiative is currently in research phase with the following planned milestones in effect: 1. Desk research — November 2021/

February 2022 2. Industry engagement for input —

November 2021/March 2022 3. Drafting and reviews of Roadmap — March/August 2022 4. Roadmap finalisation, design and

communication — September/October 2022 1 and 2 overlap and their output will attempt to answer the following questions: • What are the main sources of emissions that relate to events? • How are they/can they be measured? • Where do they fall within scope 1, 2, 3 of the various stakeholders? • How should they be prioritised? • What actions can be taken to reduce the emissions from those sources? • What kind of timeline are we looking at for getting to Net Zero with each? • What industry solutions/initiatives are needed?

The roadmap will be launched at COP 27 in November/December 2022.

We encourage all members and nonmembers to join this movement. With all major industry event stakeholders already onboard and driving this, it’s clear that we either get onboard or risk being left behind.

As EXSA – and the multitude of local companies who have pledged to the Zero Carbon Initiative – we look forward to a brighter, better 2022 and years following.

What is the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative?

Net Zero refers to a balance between man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and their removal from the atmosphere. To achieve this balance, GHG emissions must be reduced, and the non-avoided ones must be compensated or neutralized with long-term carbon capture solutions.The Joint Meetings Industry Council is an organisation that represents the combined interests of major international Meetings Industry associations. The initiative is conceived and led by the JMIC, which is comprised of the world’s leading venues, organisers and service providers.

It’s clear that the days of mountains of chipboard discarded after one use at events cannot continue. Similarly, single use plastics such as those used for packaging require sustainable alternatives as do trinkets given away as ’gifts‘ that end their lives on landfills or in our seas.

https://netzerocarbonevents.org/

Liam Beattie

Gary van det Watt