How to design sustainable events in 2024 and beyond

Everywhere you look, sustainable practices are becoming the norm. Whether you’re planning a small private soiree or a large-scale corporate conference, decadent wastefulness not only has the potential to hurt our fragile ecosystem but also a company’s reputation.

However, you’ll notice there are always ways to make more conscious decisions that care for the planet while still optimising the ‘wow’ factor of an event. With a little creative thinking and careful planning, here are some things you can do to make your function a more conscientious one.

Go bio degradable

Gone are the days where recycled packaging could cost a company a small fortune. In fact, the technology has become so advanced that biodegradable options have now become the standard, with affordable options available no matter your location. Whether you’re looking at food packaging for convenience or even office stationary to pass out to new clients at a conference, opt for biodegradable options that won’t cost you a fortune, or cost the planet.

Go paperless, embrace electronic

Paperless practices have become the norm worldwide. Whether in office spaces or at events, you’d be hard-pressed to find mountains of flyers or paper forms at the ready for guests to take/fill out. Everything has gone electronic, even business cards. Be sure to assess whether you’d be better off opting for a more digitally friendly strategy at your next event, rather than printing multiple assets on paper that will likely be thrown in the bin come day’s end. Not only will this boost your profile as a sustainable brand, but you’ll also save on unnecessary costs, allowing you to reinvest in other greener options and practices.

Seasonal produce for the win

While you may be cutting back on old habits in order to ‘get with the greener times,’ one thing you should never have to cut back on is good food. The most sustainable way to cater for an event while still providing the very best in culinary expertise, is to go for a seasonal menu with locally sourced produce. Not only will this ensure that a plethora of planes weren’t involved in getting your bowl of exotic foreign fruits to your event, but you’ll also be supporting local growers and artisans offering the very best in national produce. It’s a win- win situation.

Find a venue that shares your values

Not only will you need to ensure all the moving piece are organised behind the scenes to make your event a more sustainable one, but you’ll need to make sure you hire a venue that can help you achieve your sustainability goals. Be sure to book a location that can showcase their track record when it comes to their sustainability efforts. It could something major, like evidence of being B Corp Certified. Or, it could be something as small as them investing in sensor lighting, embracing sustainable practices in their overall work culture. You can usually tell if they walk the talk when they demonstrate attention to finer details (i.e. we like to check if their bathrooms use refillable soap dispensers).

While these may seem like small details, be sure to find a venue that aligns with your ambitions. You’ll notice the difference it’ll make to your event and to your guests, as they’ll no doubt notice the extra touches made with sustainability in mind. 

Venue Crew is at the ready to help you with your upcoming environmentally conscious event

When it comes to planning your next sustainable soiree, get in touch with the Venue Crew team to make it happen. Not only will we be able to help you find a location with a low carbon footprint, but our team of venue specialists will provide the very best in expertise, helping you find the perfect venue to ensure an environmentally-friendly event that’ll leave your guests impressed.