Organizing Green Events Interview with Barbara Skrott

Organizing Green Events? This is how it works!

with Barbara Skrott

Barbara Skrott has been certifying green meetings since 2014 and is Mondial‘s first point of contact regarding sustainable events. As Director of National Projects, she is also responsible for ensuring that all national congresses organized by Mondial in Austria run smoothly.

What is the difference between an eco-label certified event and a regular event? Apart from the certification, of course.

Barbara: The difference is in the planning and implementation. In the best-case scenario, a green event is one where you actively persue in more environmentally friendly methods. It starts with the appeal to the participants to travel in a CO2-friendly way. Then it continues with the catering, which should be as regional, seasonal, organic, and at best vegetarian as possible. You try to get all parties involved in the event on board and accommodate this green idea. But the bottom line is that the difference is not that big. You just try to switch to environmentally friendly alternatives and do without superfluous things like giveaways. This also sets you apart from other ”0815“ events.

What are the first steps toward certification?

Barbara: Come to me (laughs). First, I ask the questions: Where is the event taking place? Is it a venue that is already certified with the Austrian Eco-label? Is the venue easily accessible by public transport, or can a sustainable journey be organized? Then I ask how and from where the participants will travel and who will do the catering. A requirement for certification is that the caterer is willing to cooperate and can meet the criteria for sustainable catering. If these questions are clarified, and the conditions are all met, then there shouldn‘t be much standing in the way of certification.

And what is the next step?

Barbara: Then you have to look at the details. There are specific ”can“ and ”must“ criteria to fulfill. In this step, the challenge is to find out where you can score enough points on the ”can“ criteria.

What are some ”can“ criteria, for example?

Barbara: Not using bags and giveaways, not using printed materials, using potted flowers instead of cut flowers, etc. There is a good website from the Ministry of the Environment with information about all certified hotels and event locations from Austria and also the partners. Are Green Meetings more costly than regular meetings, and is there something like a cost shift in this case?

Barbara: The costs can usually be shifted. For example,

you can do without conference folders and gifts and instead invest a little more in catering. We only charge for the time we spend. Do you have a first meeting to determine whether the event can be certified before planning and organizing it?

Barbara: Yes, and that is also free of charge. With my experience I can assess very well whether an event can be certified or not.

What tips can you give in general? How high is the demand to have green events certified?

Barbara: The most important thing is to always be a bit green! No, just kidding. Even if certification is sometimes tricky, you should still consider where you can be sustainable. There is a presentation on our website with 20 simple tips on how to make an event more sustainable. The most important thing is to always be a bit green! Barbara: The demand is increasing. In the last few years, apart from the Corona break, we have certified two to three events yearly in the congress department. In 2022, there will be at least six certified green meetings.

Can you also license a private event?

Barbara: For private events, it depends on the size rather than the number of participants. There must be enough ”must“ and ”can“ criteria to get the points. Now, certification becomes difficult if you organize a party without external partners such as catering or accommodation.

TIP

HELPFUL LINKS FOR YOUR GREEN EVENT

Official Guidelines: https://meetings.umweltzeichen.at Checklist & more Infos: www.mondial-congress.com/ services/green-meetings

INCENTIVES & TEAMBUILDINGS

Teamwork makes the dream work!

A company is only as good as its workforce. A friendly working atmosphere, effective teamwork, and excellent communication are crucial in a company. That is why it is worth investing in your employees, which should aim to increase general happiness and productivity. Why not organize a motivating incentive trip for the company or the team?