As business professionals become increasingly environmentally conscious, event planners are being asked about the sustainability of their events. The following top tips will help you make your event in NYC more green:
Integrate Sustainability from the Start
Decrease your event’s environmental footprint more efficiently by integrating best practices from the beginning. Decisions made early in the process, including the venue and catering, have an outsized impact on your footprint relative to choices made in the days leading up to the event.
Ask Venues About Their Sustainable Practices
Venues like NYC’s Javits Center, which features a 7-acre green roof that absorbs 7 million gallons of rainwater each year and contributes to a 26 percent reduction in the center’s annual energy consumption, will make your event more sustainable. Many venues can measure how sustainable your event will be before your event begins—add this question to your punch list!
Reduce Food Waste
Food management contributes to up to 35 percent of greenhouse gases, but minimizing your food waste does not have to be complicated. Today, you can implement actionable climate solutions around menu selection, base foods, sourcing, food rescue and much more. Learn more in our feature 8 Steps to Managing Food Waste.
Focus on Material Reuse
Reuse reduces greenhouse gas emissions, prevents pollution, conserves energy and saves money. Cut down on waste by focusing on implementing sustainable booths and activation structures; using eco-friendly carpeting; designing reusable lanyards; and printing recyclable paper badges. For more, see 8 Ways for Planners to Promote Material Reuse at NYC Events.
Share Your Practices
Share your sustainability practices with your audience and partners—inspire collective action by making sure attendees and people who collaborate with you on your event know the impact of your actions. You will encourage others to follow in your footsteps!
These tips have been implemented at The Nest Climate Campus, the largest and most inclusive US climate event, which takes place at the Javits Center in September. By participating, you’ll be able to dive into actionable climate solutions, collaborate and network with climate leaders, and more! For information, visit thenestclimatecampus.com.