In an era where environmental responsibility has become a critical consideration in every sector, the global business events industry is no exception. With a large-scale impact on resources, energy consumption, waste, and carbon emissions, the events industry bears a significant responsibility in ensuring its operations align with sustainability principles.
Recognizing this, the Events Industry Council has taken substantial steps to lead the charge in promoting sustainability across the business events landscape. Through its Sustainable Event Standards for organisations and the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) programme for individuals, EIC is fostering a future where business events lead the way in protecting the planet, people, and prosperity.
EIC’s mission revolves around supporting the global events industry’s growth, providing advocacy, research, professional standards, and knowledge resources. In recent years, there has been a heightened focus on sustainability as it works toward embedding sustainable practices across the industry and encouraging organisations and professionals to commit to these values.
“Given our industry’s scope and scale there is no doubt that our collective commitment to turn our vision to actions and the journey towards more sustainable, regenerative, and equitable events will leave a lasting impact on our participants, our host communities, and the planet itself,” said EIC President and CEO Amy Calvert.
Sustainable Event Standards: A Blueprint for Sustainable Events
The EIC Sustainable Event Standards offer an extensive framework for organisations to follow in creating sustainable business events. These standards are a voluntary, globally recognized guideline for event organisers, venues, and suppliers who seek to incorporate sustainability into their operational practices. The standards focus on key aspects such as resource management, emissions reduction, community engagement, and social equity.
The Sustainable Event Standards are divided into several categories to cater to different segments of the events industry, including venues, organizers, and suppliers. Each category outlines criteria that organisations must meet to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, including environmental responsibility, human rights considerations, diversity and inclusion, and community impact. These comprehensive standards help event professionals make informed decisions and set goals toward improving their sustainability performance.
A key objective of the Sustainable Event Standards is to help organisations systematically minimize their environmental footprint. This includes managing energy consumption, reducing waste, and improving the sourcing of materials and products. The standards also encourage collaboration between event professionals and stakeholders, fostering a collective responsibility to ensure that sustainability becomes an industry-wide commitment rather than an isolated effort.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
In addition to the environmental component, EIC’s Sustainable Event Standards promote social sustainability. The standards encourage organizations to create inclusive and equitable events by considering diversity, accessibility, and fair labour practices. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is not merely about reducing negative environmental impacts but also about making a positive social contribution. By adhering to these standards, organisations can ensure their events promote fairness, inclusivity, and social well-being.
The Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC)
While standards and guidelines offer a framework for sustainable practices, EIC recognizes the importance of empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to implement these practices effectively. The Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) programme was created to provide event professionals with the tools, insights, and best practices needed to champion sustainability within their organisations.
The SEPC is an in-depth educational program designed to enhance the capabilities of event professionals by equipping them with essential knowledge on sustainability principles, event strategy, and planning. The comprehensive curriculum covers topics such as environmental stewardship, sustainable supply chain management, social equity, and responsible resource usage.
The program focuses on real-world application, helping participants understand how to design and implement sustainable events from inception to completion. The SEPC covers all critical aspects of sustainability, from reducing energy consumption to creating zero-waste events, while also considering the social dimensions, including accessibility and diversity. By the end of the programme, event professionals gain the skills necessary to make impactful decisions that balance financial, social, and environmental considerations.
The SEPC serves as a credential that signals to employers, clients, and peers that the certified individual has the expertise to lead and contribute to sustainability initiatives. This professional certification not only enhances the individual’s knowledge base but also strengthens the entire organisation’s ability to adopt sustainable practices that meet evolving global standards.
Driving Global Change Through Leadership
EIC’s Sustainable Event Standards and SEPC programme are part of a broader strategy to drive systemic change across the global business events industry. By encouraging the widespread adoption of sustainable practices, EIC is playing a pivotal role in reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. But beyond minimizing harm, EIC seeks to maximise the positive impact of events by promoting practices that benefit society and local communities.
“The business events industry has the power to influence industries beyond its own,” said EIC Sustainability and Social Impact Chair Gayle Murphey. “As one of the most interconnected and collaborative sectors, business events serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and innovation. By fostering sustainability leadership, EIC is helping create ripple effects that extend far beyond the confines of individual events.”
A Call to Action
Sustainability is no longer optional. As the business events industry continues to recover and grow post-pandemic, the opportunity to embrace sustainable practices is more critical than ever. EIC’s commitment to sustainability through the Sustainable Event Standards and the SEPC programme is a testament to the organization’s forward-thinking approach and its desire to create a long-lasting positive impact.
For event professionals and organisations alike, now is the time to take action. By adopting EIC’s standards, obtaining the SEPC, and striving for continuous improvement, the events industry can contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
Through these initiatives, the Events Industry Council is not just setting the standard for sustainability in the business events industry—it is driving a movement that aims to protect our planet, enrich societies, and create a more resilient, sustainable future for generations to come.
Learn more about the EIC Sustainable Event Standards.
Learn more about EIC’s Sustainable Event Professional Certificate.
