Discover the essential steps and guidelines to make your events environmentally sustainable and impactful
Organizing eco-friendly events has become increasingly important in the current context of the climate crisis. Public administrations and private organizations are increasingly encouraged to reduce the environmental impact of their events through Green Public Procurement (GPP) and the adoption of Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM). Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan events that respect the environment and promote sustainability.
Understand Green Public Procurement (GPP)
GPP is an approach that integrates environmental criteria at all stages of the procurement process, promoting environmental technologies and low-impact products. It’s crucial to know and apply the minimum environmental, economic, and social requirements defined by GPP for any event involving public funds or participation in tenders.
Adopt Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM)
Since 2022, CAM has been mandatory for the organization and realization of events. These criteria cover various aspects, including waste management, logistics, sustainable mobility, energy, and more. Here are some key practices:
- Waste Management: Implement separate waste collection with appropriate containers and communicate to the public how to properly separate waste.
- Logistics and Mobility: Promote the use of sustainable transport such as bike sharing, shuttles, and carpooling. Provide information on public transport and cycling routes.
- Food & Beverage: Use compostable or eco-friendly items, avoid single-use plastics, and prefer seasonal, local, organic, and fair trade foods. Offer vegetarian options for at least 50% of the menu.
- Energy: Choose locations that use renewable energy and reduce energy consumption. Avoid the use of diesel or gasoline generators and fireworks that pollute.
- Communication and Materials: Use printed materials on certified paper, recyclable promotional tools, and reusable or recycled structures. Communicate sustainability initiatives to participants and use Green Cloud Consortium-compliant data centres for web services.
Address the Climate Crisis with Awareness
It’s essential to recognize the urgency of the climate crisis and the role of events in mitigating environmental impact. Educating the public and participants on sustainable practices through the event can raise awareness and promote environmentally responsible behaviours.
Engage and Motivate Participants
Actively involving participants in the event’s sustainability can make a significant difference. Offer incentives for using sustainable transportation, organize educational workshops on sustainability, and encourage eco-friendly behaviours during the event.
Conclusion
Organizing eco-friendly events not only helps protect the environment but also enhances the public image of the organization and can reduce costs in the long term. By adopting sustainable practices and following GPP and CAM guidelines, we can do our part to address the climate crisis and promote a greener future.
