Sustainability: Where are we now and where do we need to be?

There is no doubt that the events and meetings industry has a significant impact on the environment - from the resources used to produce events to the waste generated during and after. Moreover, delegates and organisers travelling to attend the events worldwide contributes to CO2 emissions.

The industry, as it stands, is not a very sustainable one. There is so much that we can do for our planet and the next generation who will inherit it. Sustainability must be an increasingly important issue. Our industry has been talking about this burning issue for a long time. The pressing need affected by the impact of climate change means we need to see more practical actions sooner. It is time to “walk the talk”.

I should add that sustainability is not only about climate change. United Nations has identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals which include quality education, gender equality, inclusiveness, diversity, and affordable clean energy to name a few.

The events industry through its scope, reach and impact has the responsibility to raise awareness about sustainability goals by incorporating educational elements into their events. This can include showcasing sustainable products and services, hosting workshops and presentations on sustainability, and recognizing and rewarding attendees who take steps to reduce their environmental impact. If we all work together –all industry stakeholders - we can gain better results.

This edition of The PCO focuses on sustainability with insightful contributions from our members in the form of case studies and ideas on the topic. I hope you will be inspired by reading it and join us in our efforts to create a better, sustainable world.

As the microscope continues to be focussed on issues of environmental sustainability and what the meetings and events industry can do to address, not only net zero events but also regenerative meetings, we have seen great strides being taken by many with the likes of the JMIC Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, which IAPCO supports and endorses.

Such initiatives and commitments will continue to drive innovation and creative thinking when PCOs and the meetings industry supply chain collaborate to deliver events for their clients. Acknowledging the purpose of why people gather at business and professional events must be clearly understood and communicated as we continue to discuss both the sustainability and value of our industry.

There are, without doubt, contributions and innovative models and practices that PCOs can directly influence positively, however, other industries like transportation providers must continue to push innovation and technology to create more environmentally sustainable options.

I was very intrigued to read earlier this month about the innovation coming from the airline industry and manufacturers. Aerospace giant, Rolls Royce, recently announced the successful ground test of a jet engine that uses hydrogen produced from tidal and wind power. With hydrogen engines producing near-zero trace amounts of CO2, this could be a game-changer for global travel and our meetings and events industry, if and when such a technology can be implemented on a grand scale.

At IAPCO, we encourage our entire industry to continue discussions and testing innovative solutions that provide purposeful outcomes and support net zero targets and I hope you will enjoy reading about some of the great initiatives from our community in this edition of The PCO.