How to make public events more sustainable
Public events - whether concerts, festivals, conferences, or community gatherings - are an essential part of modern culture. They bring people together, foster connections, and create memories. However, the environmental impact of these events can be significant, with waste, energy consumption, and transportation contributing to a substantial carbon footprint.
Waste is one of the most significant environmental issues regarding events. There is an increasing concern and commitment on the part of regional and local administrations to make the large events organised in their territories more sustainable.
Several European regions are joining forces in an Interreg Europe project MINEV, which aims to develop waste minimisation in large events through their policies for circular economy, waste management and climate neutrality.
Choosing the right venue plays a key role in minimising the environmental impact of meetings and events. Priority should be given to venues with strong environmental credentials, such as:
- Energy-efficient systems
- Water-saving features
- Robust recycling and composting programs
Sustainability certifications, such as Green Globe, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), can help guarantee the venue meets certain environmental standards. Additionally, it can also be helpful to select a location that is centrally located and easily accessible by train and public transportation.
Surveys show that people prefer attending an event which enables them to maintain the same environmental performance they would have at home or work – such as partaking in separate waste collection, reusing certain items such as cups or plates, avoid littering, getting to and from the event by public transport or any active transport modes such as walking or cycling and similar.
Minimising waste at events: ideas and good practices
Across Europe, event organisers are rethinking how to manage waste better, aiming to make large gatherings more sustainable without compromising the attendee experience.
- In Greece for instance, the Anatolia College developed a comprehensive waste management strategy to minimise waste generation and promote recycling and reuse during events. This includes collaboration with various organisations for waste collection, redistribution of surplus food and the recycling of paper and plastic. Setting specific targets, such as diverting 90% or more of the event’s waste from landfills by providing separate bins for recycling, compost, and the rest waste has been key to ensuring sustainable event management.
- Food waste is another major concern, but some organisers are finding creative solutions. By working closely with caterers to plan food portions accurately, events can avoid over-ordering. If excess food remains, partnerships with local organisations or food banks ensure it is not wasted.
- Some venues have opted for reusable tableware, cups, and utensils, or switched to compostable alternatives made from materials like bamboo, palm leaves, or corn starch. An inspiration can be drawn from a stadium in Ireland, which implemented a scheme for reusable cups. During just one rugby game, the use of reusable cups prevented up to 418 kg of plastic waste and saved 2 tonnes of CO2eq.
- Additionally, in an effort to reduce paper waste (paper programs, flyers, and pamphlets), organisers are also moving towards digital solutions such as apps or websites where guests can access schedules, event maps, and other important information. FYCMA in Málaga decided to limit paper consumption at their events through electronic communication and the use of QR codes for accreditation and documents.
Sustainable event management system
The reduction of the environmental impact of event organisation may be most effectively administered by introducing a sustainable event management system (for example, ISO 20121). The public administration body can implement the management system itself, or can choose suppliers, hotels and venues with an environmental management system (such as EMAS or ISO 14001), or other recognised international schemes such as the EU Ecolabel, Green Tourism Business Scheme or The Green Key.
For a more holistic approach, organisers can calculate the event’s carbon footprint. The process starts with:
- Creating an inventory of activities and resources (venue, energy consumption, waste, etc.)
- Engaging suppliers
- Estimating potential emissions pre-event
- Calculating actual emissions
For instance, the Spanish region of Andalusia has developed their own Protocol of Carbon Footprint calculation for sustainable events. However, there are difficulties when it comes to carbon footprint calculations. Kovács mentions that it is difficult to choose a default calculation method as events have different frameworks and system boundaries. “It wouldn’t be easy to compare an event which takes place in a stadium or arena and an event which takes place in the great outdoors; a rugby match which lasts 3 hours could have a bigger impact than a music festival which lasts for 5 days”.
Events provide a unique platform to educate and influence attendees on sustainability. If people see sustainability in action, they are more likely to adopt similar habits in their own lives. “However, for this to happen, one needs to assess and understand certain patterns, habits, and behaviour of the attendees, as these are important prerequisites for social acceptance and participation. My experience shows that different target groups have different habits, and events taking place at different times result in different consumption patterns”, explains Kovács.
All in all, sustainability at public events is not just about reducing waste; it is a comprehensive approach that benefits the environment, the community, and the event organisers themselves. As people increasingly demand greener, more responsible event practices, embracing sustainability becomes not only a moral and environmental obligation but a smart strategy.