How to run a sustainable event or venue
Running an event or managing a venue is a lot of work, especially if you add sustainability in the mix. Whether you’re aiming to achieve sustainability targets and fulfill environmental responsibilities or appeal to attendees and guests, here are several tips to help make your event or venue more sustainable.
Learn what you generate
The most important step is to understand the types and quantities of waste your event or venue generates. Conducting a waste audit to identify sources of wastes helps you plan for next steps. Common waste streams we typically identify with the events and venues are: general waste, food waste, comingled recycling, eligible containers for the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS), and paper or coffee cups.
Avoid sending to landfill
Now that we understand the different waste streams, we can put systems in place to prevent them from going into landfill and turn them into resources. For example, with paper and coffee cups collected, we recycle them with Simply Cups. Food waste collected are sent to local organic waste composting facilities and with CDS eligible containers, we return them and donate the funds to a charity of the event’s choice.
Reduce overall environmental impact
Reducing your event or venue’s environmental impact involves several strategies. Start by minimising single-use items such as plastic cutlery and paper napkins. Opt for reusable alternatives where possible. Additionally, consider the energy consumption of your event or venue by using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and encouraging attendees to use sustainable transportation options.
Educate and promote
Using your platform to raise awareness among attendees, staff, and partners can support your sustainability efforts. This could involve providing information on recycling stations and reminders to bring their own reusable options. You can engage attendees through signage, announcements, and social media.
Choosing the right suppliers and vendors
Look at the suppliers and vendors at your event or venue. Are they providing or utilising more sustainable options? For example, do they use non-recyclable single-use food packaging or home compostable and recyclable options? Communicating your commitment to sustainability with your vendors and suppliers will also help create the right shift in demand in the market.
Work with a sustainable waste management partner
Partnering with a sustainable waste management company can streamline your waste reduction and recycling efforts. A sustainable waste management partner is experienced in handling event waste, familiar with recycling and disposal facilities, and adheres to environmentally responsible disposal practices. They should be able to work with you from start to end to develop a waste management plan tailored to your event or venue’s specific needs, aiming to maximise recycling rates and minimise landfill waste.
Ready to host a sustainable event or venue?
At Closed Loop, we partner with events and venues across Australia and New Zealand to achieve ambitious waste management targets. With our expertise and high levels of customisation, we have successfully achieved diversion rates—waste saved from landfill—of over 90%.
Partnering with us means gaining access to tailored solutions and education for staff and vendors. Whether you’re organising a large-scale event or managing a permanent venue, our team can help you with your waste management and improve your waste diversion strategies.
