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QUICK LINK: Download the free Go Green Guide for Greater Sustainable Practices in Your Venue. Get quick and easy access to practical tips and strategies for a more sustainable future.
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Discover how to improve efficiency and eco-friendliness for a sustainable event venue.
If your venue hosts events, consider offering virtual attendance options. Transitioning from in-person to virtual conferencing, for example, can substantially reduce carbon footprint by 94% and energy use by 90%. Complementing a reduced carbon footprint for sustainable event venues, virtual events typically generate less paper waste, as well as waste associated with catering, travel, and transportation.
However, even virtual events have an (albeit reduced) impact on the environment. To make a virtual or hybrid event at your venue even more environmentally friendly, consider;
Sustainable Venue Case Study - TFE Hotels
In a continued commitment to sustainability, TFE Hotels unveiled New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star Hotel, the Hotel Britomart. The building’s
Additionally, 13 Sydney city hotels from the TFE Hotel group, including Vibe Hotel, Adina, and Travelodge have implemented several sustainable event venue and hotel practices. This has resulted in a total water reduction of 46 megalitres per year and a total energy reduction of 115 megawatt hours per year. In tandem with several additional practices recommended by the City’s Smart Green Business Program, TFE Hotels have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 477 tonnes per annum, reducing operational costs by $185,000. |
When running a sustainable event venue, it’s more than likely you’ll be dealing with several suppliers daily. To make on-site events more sustainable, invest in suppliers that share similar goals, and invest in proactive practices.
For supplies, re-think current recycling practices, and consider where there's room for improvement. 21% of Australian event creators are now only working with vendors who have recycling initiatives in place. Think about the different ways you can reduce waste, or better yet, recycle. For events, consider ways in which you can re-use different materials (name badge sleeves, wristbands, reusable cups and cutlery), and if possible, avoid single use decorations such as helium balloons in favour of fresh flowers or fruit bowls that can be taken by guests or event attendees. For goods such as coffee, nuts, chocolate, seafood, and even decor including flowers and candles, ensure fair-trade products are sourced. Compliant with rigorous standards, being fair trade certified ensures goods are attained in a sustainable manner that protects both workers and the planet.
On-site dining establishments are also contributing to a more sustainable venue. On-site gardens have flourished as a means of growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, and garnishes used throughout venue menus, with beehives and chicken coops adding to the eco-friendly initiative by providing fresh eggs and honey, while also supporting local biodiversity.
Comwell Hotels is a champion for sustainable business practice in the venue and accommodation industry, dubbed Denmark’s most sustainable hotel chain and recipient of the Sustainable Brand Index Awards for the third consecutive year. Comwell has several sustainable policies in practice throughout all venue departments. Food and beverage in particular focuses on prioritising sourcing organic, seasonal Danish products, fish and shellfish caught in Danish waters, and partnerships with local farmers on the delivery of meat products. In collaboration with the Hotel and Restaurant School, ambassadors from each Comwell kitchen have also implemented a Comwell Food Coordinator, training staff to learn better ways of utilising ingredients to reduce food waste.
Sustainable Venue Case Study - Comwell Hotels
Comwell based its sustainable practices on three key parameters:
Over the last few years, Comwell hotels have collectively reduced electricity, water and heat consumption by over 20%, to continue reduction by a further 2% every year. Comwell’s exceptional commitment to sustainable practices has resulted in acquiring a global reputation for engaging in eco-friendly practices. |
Work with event clients to inform attendees on sustainable event and venue goals, and how they're going to be achieved. Empower attendees to make more sustainable choices throughout the event (i.e. water fountains to refill water bottles). Having attendees play an active role in event sustainability is an additional feel-good factor for clients choosing your venue, so make sure it's included in your sales pitch for clients who prioritise a green venue.
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