Add GREEN to your event checklist

As more people become aware of the effects their actions have on the environment, they come to expect a certain benchmark of eco-friendly performance. Holding a green event will not only enhance your not-for-profit’s brand and reputation, it will meet and excel the expectations widely accepted as standard practice.

Hosting a green event doesn’t necessarily require a bigger budget. In fact, sometimes implementing green initiatives can help to reduce event costs. Below are some simple steps your organisation can take to reduce the environmental impact of its next event.

Event production

• Choose locally sourced materials contained in minimal packaging
• Choose infrastructure that can be reused or recycled after the event
• Choose organic centrepieces such as flowers or fruit, or centrepieces that can be reused.

Exhibitors and exhibits

• Ensure exhibits are made from recycled materials. The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) works with preferred exhibitor suppliers who use environmentally friendly materials
• Promote the green considerations of the event to exhibitors.

Communications and marketing

• Avoid metallic ink, varnishes and lamination as these products can’t be recycled. Limit or avoid using glossy paper, which is harder to recycle Encourage delegates to register and access event information online
• Ensure your event communication includes a green message reminding people to think before printing
• Consider podcasting the event to reduce softcopy notes
• Recycle any communication materials including name badges where possible. GCCEC will provide recycling facilities at your next event
• Leftover or unwanted conference materials such as satchels and pads can be donated to underprivileged schools or shelters.

Food and beverage

• Confirm attendance numbers in advance to reduce food waste. GCCEC requires attendance numbers confirmed two weeks before the event as part of catering requirements, and leftover packaged foods are donated to local food banks
• Source local produce. GCCEC’s menus consist of 85 per cent locally sourced products, and vegetarian and vegan meal selections are available as greener options requiring less energy input than livestock farming.

Accommodation

• Enourage delegates to select accommodation close to the event venue. GCCEC is located within walking distance of more than 3,000 accommodation rooms.

Gifts

• Choose locally crafted organic gifts over those made from synthetic materials
• Avoid using wrapping paper with foil, glitter or cellophane as these materials can’t be recycled
• Consider gift certificates to reduce the risk of unwanted gifts.

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) has been awarded EarthCheck Silver Certification for the fourth year in a row, making it one of the first convention centres in the world to be eligible for gold certification in the upcoming qualifying period.

EarthCheck is an environmental accreditation for sustainable travel and tourism operators who lead the way in the green domain by advancing both environmental and business performance through measurable operational practices.

To achieve EarthCheck Silver accreditation, GCCEC had to submit a year’s worth of operational data, which was benchmarked against industry best practice across eight key areas. GCCEC achieved best practice in five categories and is recycling, reusing or composting 75 per cent of the centre’s overall waste.

Sarah Harding

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