EVENT GREENING FORUM

Embracing sustainability: the imperative for Africa’s events industry

As Morwesi Ramonyai, Chairperson of the Event Greening Forum (EGF), aptly puts it, the imperative for sustainability within the events industry is not just a passing trend; it’s a call we can’t afford to ignore amidst the looming reality of climate change.

The role of the events industry in climate action

While celebrated for their vibrancy and impact, events also cast a significant shadow on the environment, contributing substantially to carbon emissions. In Africa alone, events leave a considerable carbon footprint, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable practices within the industry.

The commitment of the event greening forum

Leading the charge towards a greener future is the Event Greening Forum (EGF), steadfast in its commitment to achieving the global Net Zero by 2050 Goal. Through initiatives like the ‘Journey to Net Zero’ campaign and strategic events held in 2023, the EGF spearheads efforts to mobilise the events industry in South Africa and beyond.

Practical steps towards sustainability

But how do we translate commitment into action? It starts with practical steps that event professionals can implement, from reducing waste to embracing renewable energy solutions. These sustainable practices benefit the environment and enhance business efficiency and reputation. Drawing from the learnings and experiences of 2023, here are eight fundamental steps event professionals can take to drive sustainability:

1. Integrate sustainability into the core business strategy

Prioritise sustainability by embedding it into the fundamental objectives and decisionmaking processes of event planning and execution.

2. Address energy use and financial barriers

Explore opportunities to reduce energy consumption and minimise costs through energy-efficient practices and investments in renewable energy sources. Overcoming financial obstacles may require innovative financing options or partnerships to implement sustainable solutions effectively.

3. Leverage technology

Embrace technological advancements to streamline operations, reduce resource consumption, and assist in data collection for measurement purposes.

4. Track emissions across the supply chain

Implement systems to monitor and measure greenhouse gas emissions throughout the event supply chain, from transportation and venue operations to food and beverage services. This data provides valuable insights for identifying areas of improvement, and setting emission reduction targets.

5. Stay informed

Stay abreast of the latest developments, best practices, and innovations in sustainable event management. Engage with industry experts, attend conferences, and participate in training programs to continuously expand knowledge and skills in sustainability.

6. Avoid greenwashing

Ensure sustainability initiatives are genuine, transparent, and backed by measurable actions and outcomes. Avoid the temptation to engage in greenwashing, which can erode trust and credibility within the industry and among stakeholders.

7. Upskill team members to drive sustainability transformations

Invest in training and development programs to empower event staff with the knowledge and skills to champion sustainability initiatives. Encourage a culture of innovation and collaboration, where team members actively contribute to greening efforts.

8. Get buy-in from stakeholders and staff

Foster stakeholder engagement and cultivate support for sustainability goals among event participants, sponsors, vendors, and staff. Communicate the importance of sustainability.

Challenges and opportunities

Yet, the path to sustainability has its challenges. Event professionals grapple with issues like cost barriers and logistical complexities. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and collaboration, as evidenced by success stories of events overcoming obstacles to achieve their green goals.

Looking ahead

As we look to the future, the trajectory of sustainability within the events industry is promising. Emerging trends and technologies offer new avenues for greening operations and reducing environmental impact. However, the key lies in continued commitment and collaboration, ensuring that the greening agenda remains at the forefront of industry priorities.

The imperative for sustainability within Africa’s events industry is clear and pressing. As event professionals, we are responsible for embracing greener practices, driving positive change, and shaping a more sustainable future for future generations. We heed the call to action, united in our commitment to building a more resilient and environmentally conscious events industry.

About us

The Event Greening Forum is a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability within the business events sector. To find out more, please visit www.eventgreening.co.za

For more information, please contact:

Lynn Mcleod

Tel: 082 891 5883

Email: lynn@eventgreening.co.za