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In the run-up to the festive season and with the new year rapidly approaching, the 15Hatfields team reflects on the most effective ways to improve the sustainability of your event and reduce its carbon footprint in 2022.

There are numerous measures you can take to limit the impact of your event on the environment, the community and your pocket - yes, sustainability can save you money!

1. Choose a sustainable venue

"I may sound biased, but successfully hosting a sustainable event has got to start with choosing a sustainable venue to host. Venues have thousands of visitors each year, all inevitably contributing to waste. When not managed correctly, this can harm the planet. It goes without saying that at 15Hatfields, whether it is plastic waste (we're a plastic-free venue), paper waste or food waste, we have the appropriate measures in place to eliminate these waste streams. We often hear event planners with the very best sustainable intentions, but they don’t know where to start, so the expertise of a venue that comes with these methods built-in makes the planner's life easier, and helps their event to instantly become more sustainable".
- Warren Campbell, General Manager

2. Reduce the meat-based menu options

"As the Event Supervisor at 15Hatfields, I often witness the number of people opting for vegan and vegetarian options for their events. Since meat is a contributor to global greenhouse gases, and more and more people are making changes to their diet - why not opt for a completely vegan or vegetarian catering option? Serving a plant-based menu at an event with 500 attendees can avoid greenhouse emissions equivalent to those created by driving a car 22,000 miles and conserve 100,000 gallons of water. If you make your attendees aware of the contribution, they might even continue to reduce their consumption of meat after your event".
- Anca Tudoriu, Event Supervisor

3. Minimise the need to travel

"For me, the most obvious way to make your event more sustainable is to minimise the transportation for both people and catering. Hybrid events have been a saving grace during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and we should continue to use this model to maximise delegate attendance while minimising greenhouse gasses. By encouraging those who must travel far to join virtually, and those who are local to use public transport, you can facilitate a more sustainable event for the community and the planet. The same applies to the supply chain, ensuring that food and drink are sourced as locally as possible so the delivery process is shortened".
- Mark Perrett, Venue Assistant

4. Go digital with your programmes

"When working on reception at 15Hatfields, I witness some event organisers still using paper programmes and plastic name tags. This, to me, feels archaic, especially when there are so many great, sustainable alternatives. In a digital age, sharing programmes online before events is easy. You could even use an event app! Similarly, there are lots of recyclable alternatives to name tags. With screens all over the venue, we encourage event bookers to leave their old banners at home and opt for digital branding instead".
- Sam Carter, Receptionist

Individually, all these tips are minor changes, but when used in conjunction and over time, they have an enormous impact on the carbon footprint of your events. Which tips are you following in 2022?

Contact us today to discuss how we can help make your event as sustainable as possible.