If you want to cut the emissions of your events but are not sure where to start, you’re in good company. Many organisers face the same challenges, from catering and attendee travel to temporary power and venue heating, it can feel impossible to know where and how to change.  

Here’s the good news: it becomes far simpler when you measure what matters, manage what you control, and reduce where you can. This guide shows you how. 

Why Sustainable Events Matter 

The events sector uses an estimated 380 million litres of diesel each year, costing around £230 million and generating around 1.2 billion kilograms of CO₂e a year. That’s similar to Malta’s total annual footprint.  

At the same time, sustainability reporting rules are tightening. New UK reporting standards are expected to align with EU frameworks, and the Green Claims Code can issue fines of up to 10 % of turnover for misleading claims. Acting now to reduce emissions is therefore both a financial and compliance priority. 

Key insights about event emissions: 

• Around 60% come from attendee travel. 
• Exhibitions are the highest emitting event type. 
• Combined indoor / outdoor events average 3.6 tCO₂e in energy use alone. 
• Switching to plant‑based catering can reduce food‑related emissions by 95% . 

Every sustainable event rests on three connected pillars: 

Economic sustainability – Support local suppliers and communities while maintaining profitability. 
Environmental sustainability – Reduce waste, optimise energy, and choose low‑carbon options. 
Social sustainability – Make accessible, inclusive, safe, and welcoming for all participants. 

Step 1: Measure Your Impact 

Measuring your event’s carbon footprint is the foundation of improvement. 

Why measure? 

• Compliance: New regulations and supply‑chain reporting requirements (such as CSRD) require clear Scope 3 data, including travel and supplier emissions. 
• Better decisions: Strong data enables smarter decisions and stronger sustainability credentials. 
• Targeted action: You can only manage what you measure, data highlights where emissions actually occur.  

How to measure: 

1. Define your scope: Identify what sits within your control or influence, from catering and staging to travel and accommodation. 
2. Set boundaries: Be clear about inclusions, exclusions, and reasons. 
3. Gather data: Collect details on transport, energy, materials, food, waste, and digital engagement. 
4. Follow the timeline:
   • Pre‑event – estimate impacts, set expectations and brief your team. 
   • During – collect live data from teams and suppliers. 
   • Post‑event – report findings, compare with targets, and record lessons. 
5. Engage stakeholders: Share your goals early and involve suppliers and staff in data collection. 

Step 2: Manage and Engage

Understanding your data is only the starting point. What you do it is where the impact happens.  

Be open and clear 
Be open about your methods and data quality. Honest reporting builds credibility and supports continuous improvement. 

Tailor your communication: 

• Internal teams – share detailed results and celebrate milestones. 
• Suppliers and partners – give feedback and set joint reduction goals. 
• Attendees and the public – use visuals and plain language. 

Event checklist: 

• Meet with your team to clarify objectives and data needs. 
• Map out what to collect and when – before, during, and after the event. 
• Encourage sustainable attendee behaviour such as using public transport. 
• Identify your biggest emission sources. 
• Capture quick wins and refine after each event. 

Step 3: Reduce Through Innovation 

Most event emissions come from five high‑impact areas. Focus here for maximum impact.  

High-value initiatives that consistently deliver results  

• The 50‑Mile Menu: Source ingredients locally to support community farmers and reduce transport emissions, cutting up to 60 per cent of food‑related carbon. 
• AI‑powered food waste forecasting: Smarter planning can reduce waste by up to 50 per cent. 
• Mobile battery systems: Replace diesel generators; some units cut energy‑related emissions by 90 per cent and integrate with renewables. 

The Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge 

Developed at COP26, this global commitment brings the industry together to reach net‑zero emissions by 2050. Signatories pledge to: 

• Reducing emissions across operations, energy, waste, and supply chains. 
• Offsetting remaining emissions responsibly, shifting toward carbon removal. 
• Measuring and reporting progress every two years while sharing best practice. 

This is a powerful way to share your commitment publicly and join the growing global movement, leading the way for sustainable events. 

Start Your Sustainable Event Journey 

Sustainable events don’t happen overnight, but every action counts. Start by measuring your impact, set clear, achievable goals, and bring your team and suppliers along with you.  

Every step you take strengthens your reputation, builds resilience and reduces emission in ways that genuinely move the industry forward. 

Let’s make your next event your greenest yet. 

Need help making your next event more sustainable? Contact us and start reducing emissions with confidence.