Organisations=Organisms
Within any organisation, individual department-based process are interrelated and interdependent.
Random example: The person working reception at a hotel, if they are to be productive and enthusiastic, relies on the successful observation of effective processes in the restaurant. Poor systems will result in poor service and, eventually, problems for anybody involved in guest service.
What about sustainability.. and sustainble events?
Many organisations disallow themselves the benefits from aligning sustainability with traditionally recognized core business practices.
Random example #2: Marketing includes 2 pages on sustainability in the annual report yet procurement has no policy or practice related to sustainable practices. The sustainable event planner in this organisation won’t deliver an event which reflects the promises sustainability outlined in the annual report because purchasing-often given influence over event-related expenses—have processes which are not aligned to the organisational sustainability initiative.
Strength through unity
Sustainable events are an expression of an organisations’ successful integration of sustainable business practices. As part of a strategic approach to building a better business and responding to the widest possible stakeholder group, sustainable events are an extension of the core business initiatives which build the most resilient, innovative and successful companies.
Where to begin?
- Understand sustainability. Check out The Natural Step for business-friendly guidance on identifying the ‘system conditions’ which define sustainability. See this for a brief intro.
- Establish 2-way communication with stakeholders. Is your event deemed effective and valuable by participants? By the event host community? How do you know? Traditional 1-way communication will not help your organization improve and stay relevant. Social media platforms, surveys and face to face sessions can provide pathways to needed feedback.
- Commit to 2 or 3 specific process improvementsin support of sustainability for your next event. This might mean choosing sustainable suppliers, or measuring waste or creating a safeguards to ensure that the meeting site is accessible to people with disabilities. Regard the tracking and sharing of results as essential to improving the process.
- Random example #3: In 2008 EWEA set a goal to measure their event waste. In 2011, they recycled and composted their way to an 89% diversion rate (which included 100% of their exhibition carpet)
- Participate in the GMIC: The Green Meeting Industry Council is focused on this stuff exclusively. (full disclosure: we’re members and active participants!) Ask questions, share best practices, absorb webinars, expand your network and help develop needed solutions.
Thoughts and additions welcome, as always.
Filed under: Exhibition and Congress Centers, General Sustainability, Meetings and Events Tagged: | GMIC, Green Meetings, Natural Step, Practical Tips, Sustainable Procurement
