EVENT GREENING FORUM

Green events in the time of load shedding

Morwesi Ramonyai, EGF chairperson and managing director of renewable energy supply company Borena Energy, shares her top 10 strategies to host a sustainable event during the current energy crisis.

Hosting sustainable events during load shedding requires careful planning and consideration of energy-saving measures. With load shedding becoming an ongoing and worsening issue, the business events industry must adapt and manage the unavailability and unreliability of energy supply. However, hosting green events in such challenging circumstances is not impossible. It presents an opportunity to think creatively, be innovative, and collaborate with everyone involved, to prioritise sustainability and lower energy consumption. Here are 10 strategies that can help navigate the challenge and host green events despite load shedding:

1. Choose a venue with clean backup power

Select a venue that has renewable backup power sources such as solar power, wind turbines, or bioenergy. These sustainable energy sources can provide a reliable power supply during load shedding, minimising the environmental impact and avoiding an increase in the event’s carbon footprint.

2. Utilise portable solar-powered generators

Consider hiring solar-powered generators that are portable and mobile. These generators can provide temporary power during load shedding periods without relying on fossil fuels.

3. Implement battery backup systems

Utilise battery backup systems to store excess energy generated from renewable sources or during periods of regular power supply. These batteries can be used to provide power during load shedding, reducing the need for fossil fuel-powered generators.

4. Prioritise essential services

Identify the critical components of your event that require uninterrupted power and allocate resources to ensure these essential services have backup power or alternative arrangements in place during load shedding.

5. Optimise power consumption

Review your event’s power requirements and find ways to optimise energy usage. Use energyefficient lighting fixtures, audiovisual equipment, and other event technology. Choose LED lights, energy-saving bulbs, and equipment with high energy efficiency ratings. Ensure proper insulation and ventilation to reduce the load on the power supply.

6. Minimise unnecessary power usage

Turn off lights, air-conditioners and equipment when not in use and utilise power-saving modes on devices. Plan high energy consumption activities around times when load shedding is not scheduled.

7. Embrace the outdoors

Incorporate the outdoors into the event’s space planning. Consider hosting meals and appropriate activities outdoors, taking advantage of natural lighting and minimising the need for artificial power.

8. Include raw foods in the menu

Introduce raw, vegan, plant-based, and sun-kissed meals that require no energy for preparation. These options can reduce energy consumption and promote sustainability.

9. Explore virtual or hybrid event options

Consider hosting virtual or hybrid events that require less physical infrastructure and are more flexible in managing power interruptions. Virtual components can reduce energy consumption and allow for broader audience reach.

10. Raise awareness and encourage responsible energy usage

Educate event attendees, suppliers, and staff about the importance of sustainability and energy conservation. Provide guidelines on minimising energy consumption during load shedding and encourage responsible energy usage throughout the event.

Since load shedding is an ongoing reality, adapting events to this challenge is essential. Remember that sustainability requires continuous effort, and regularly evaluating and improving your event's environmental impact is crucial. By incorporating these strategies, you can host sustainable events even during load shedding, minimising energy consumption, and promoting responsible environmental practices.

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 www.eventgreening.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