After working in different types of events over a long period of time, even though events generally have a very positive impact on the local community and those who attend, one thing that has always worried me is the negative environmental impacts that come with many events, the larger the event, generally the bigger the impact.
Here are some common environmental impacts associated with events:
- Waste Generation: Events often produce significant amounts of waste, including food waste, packaging materials, building materials, decorations, costumes, signage and other disposable or one of use items. According to insidethegames.biz around 130,000 meals were thrown away at the Tokyo Olympics.
- Energy Consumption: Events require energy for lighting, heating or cooling, sound systems, and other equipment. The energy sources used, such as fossil fuels or renewable energy, can have different environmental implications in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. Do you know how many miles the food you are serving has come from?
- Water Usage: Events may require substantial water consumption for catering, sanitation, landscaping, and other purposes. Depending on the region and water scarcity, this can strain local water resources and ecosystems.
- Transportation: Attendees traveling to events contribute to increased traffic and emissions. The mode of transportation used, such as private cars or public transport, affects the overall environmental impact.
- Noise and Air Pollution: Large events with loud music, fireworks, and generators can create noise pollution. Additionally, the use of generators and other equipment can contribute to noise and air pollution, especially if emissions control measures are not in place.
- Land and Habitat Impact: Events held in natural or sensitive areas may result in habitat disruption, damage to vegetation, and disturbance to wildlife. Proper site selection and management strategies can help mitigate these impacts.
- Carbon Footprint: The carbon footprint of events includes emissions from energy usage, transportation, waste management, and other factors. High carbon emissions contribute to climate change and its associated environmental consequences.
- Water and Air Quality: Improper waste disposal and inadequate wastewater management can lead to contamination of water bodies and deteriorated water quality. Similarly, air pollution from generators, vehicles, and fireworks can have adverse effects on air quality.
To minimise these impacts, event organisers can adopt sustainable practices such as waste reduction and recycling, energy-efficient technologies, carbon offset programs, promoting public transport options, selecting environmentally friendly venues, and raising awareness among attendees about sustainable behaviour.
It is worth noting that the environmental impacts can vary significantly depending on the type of event, its scale, and the actions taken to mitigate those impacts.
Certain types of events tend to have a more significant impact on the environment due to their scale, duration, and associated activities. Here are a few examples of events that can have a high environmental impact:
- Music Festivals: Large-scale music festivals often attract tens of thousands of attendees, resulting in high energy consumption, substantial waste generation, and increased water usage. The use of temporary infrastructure, including stages, lighting, and sound systems, along with transportation emissions, can contribute to their environmental footprint.
- Sporting Events: Major sporting events like the Olympics, World Cup, or Formula 1 races require extensive infrastructure, transportation networks, and energy consumption. Construction of stadiums, increased traffic, waste generation from spectators, and associated tourism can have significant environmental consequences.
- Conferences and Exhibitions: International conferences and trade exhibitions often involve long-distance travel for participants, leading to substantial carbon emissions. These events also require large venues, energy-intensive equipment, and waste generation from promotional materials and catering.
- Festivals and Parades: Festivals, carnivals, and parades, such as Mardi Gras or Rio Carnival, can generate enormous amounts of waste, including confetti, costumes, and food packaging. They also contribute to increased energy consumption for lighting and sound systems, as well as transportation emissions due to large crowds.
- Construction Projects: While not a one-time event, construction projects like stadiums, convention centres, or large infrastructure developments can have significant environmental impacts. They often involve land clearing, habitat disruption, increased energy and water consumption, waste generation, and emissions from construction equipment.
- Mass Gatherings: Political rallies, protests, and mass demonstrations can lead to increased waste generation, especially in terms of signage and placards. These events may also involve transportation emissions due to the large number of people gathering in one location.
It’s important to note that the environmental impact of an event is not solely determined by its nature but also by the practices and policies adopted by organisers and attendees. By implementing sustainable strategies and promoting eco-friendly behaviour, the negative environmental impact of events can be significantly reduced.
To reduce the environmental impact of an event, organisers can adopt various strategies and practices. Here are some effective ways to minimize the environmental footprint:
- Sustainability Planning: Develop a comprehensive sustainability plan that outlines specific goals, targets, and actions to minimise the environmental impact of the event. Assign responsibility to a dedicated sustainability team or coordinator to ensure effective implementation.
- Venue Selection: Choose event venues that have environmental certifications (such as LEED certification) or eco-friendly features. Consider proximity to public transportation, access to recycling facilities, and the venue’s commitment to sustainable practices.
- Waste Management: Implement a robust waste management system that prioritises waste reduction, recycling, and composting. Provide clearly labelled recycling and composting bins throughout the event area. Minimise single-use items and encourage reusable alternatives.
- Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient lighting and equipment. Opt for LED lights, which consume less energy and have a longer lifespan. Consider renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to meet electricity needs. Encourage exhibitors and vendors to use energy-efficient appliances and equipment.
- Water Conservation: Promote water conservation practices, such as using water-efficient fixtures and encouraging attendees to minimize water usage. Reuse water where possible, and ensure efficient irrigation practices if landscaping is involved.
- Transportation and Carbon Offsetting: Encourage attendees to use public transportation, carpooling, or cycling to the event. Provide incentives for sustainable transportation choices, such as discounted public transport passes or bike rentals. Offer carbon offset options to mitigate emissions from travel to the event.
- Food and Beverage Choices: Serve locally sourced, organic, and seasonal food options. Minimize food waste through careful planning, portion control, and donation of excess food to local charities. Use biodegradable or compostable food packaging and utensils.
- Communication and Education: Raise awareness among attendees, exhibitors, and staff about sustainable practices and the importance of reducing environmental impact. Provide clear information about recycling and composting locations, sustainable transportation options, and other eco-friendly initiatives at the event.
- Collaboration and Partnerships: Work with vendors, suppliers, and exhibitors who prioritize sustainability. Set sustainability requirements in contracts and encourage them to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Collaborate with local environmental organizations to share knowledge and resources.
- Measurement and Reporting: Monitor and measure the event’s environmental performance, including energy consumption, waste diversion rates, and carbon emissions. Use the data to identify areas for improvement and set targets for future events. Publish a sustainability report to showcase the event’s environmental achievements and transparency.
By implementing these strategies, events can significantly reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainability among attendees and stakeholders.