Business events and sustainable development
Aware of the impact they can have on society, many companies today are integrating CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility - into their development strategy. In so doing, they express their desire to respond sustainably to the environmental, social and economic challenges of the 21st century. This approach is applied to all aspects of corporate life, including professional events. So how do you make an event, which is by its very nature ephemeral, part of a responsible and sustainable approach?
This is the aim of ISO 20121 certification, introduced in 2012, by offering responsible management systems to the events industry.
What does a responsible event look like?
"A responsible event is first and foremost one for which we ask ourselves the right questions," explains Estelle Lethuillier, Consulting Director at Green Événements (*). "Well in advance of the event, we need to focus on the 3 pillars of sustainable development: environmental, social and economic, and integrate them into the event's lifecycle.
Looking at the impact of the event means defining concrete, achievable action plans for each position, in line with the company's values.
"It's a global approach that takes all parameters into account, and looks at the big issues as well as the small details. And there are solutions and alternatives for every one of them," adds Estelle.
The levers to be put in place include promoting public or shared transport, choosing a venue committed to an eco-responsible approach, and carefully sourcing partners and service providers who respect current standards...
On another note, consuming less will limit CO2 emissions, by favouring low-energy lighting, renting equipment rather than buying it, digital communication rather than paper...
Consuming better will also mean choosing catering that favors short circuits and seasonal produce, banning plastic or choosing eco-friendly goodies...
Being responsible also, and above all, means focusing on people: paying attention to parity, access for the disabled, training for young people or respect for working hours...
Almost everything has to be reinvented compared to the events organized some twenty years ago.
A strong marker for companies
The benefits for companies of eco-designed events are undeniable.
"Adopting an eco-responsible approach to your event is really a strong message that companies are sending out to their employees," stresses Estelle. "Companies are feeling more and more responsible through the exemplarity they demonstrate and the impetus they generate through their choices. Economically, it's also a long-term investment, which ultimately helps reduce costs.
But beware: organizing the most responsible event possible is a long-term process that requires you to prioritize your actions. "We're never 100% responsible," notes Estelle. "Some major groups have very high standards and have already acquired CSR reflexes in all their actions. But every company, from the largest to the smallest, can act in its own way. Every step is another step towards changing mentalities. All it takes is the will and the expertise of a professional to stay the course if need be.
When it comes to post-event assessment, it's essential to be critical without being harsh with oneself. Any CSR approach is based on continuous improvement and progress, in terms of both awareness and ethics.
Responsible entertainment: follow the trend!
Team-building and incentive events are now also following the eco-responsible trend.
"They are the trend!" insists Estelle. "Here, more than anywhere else, we're working on mentalities and integrating CSR."
With team-buildings like "La Fresque du Climat", we raise awareness of the climate emergency; with solidarity cooking workshops, we adopt food redistribution reflexes; with one-off actions with charities, we encourage volunteer work... while inspiring a sense of pride in our employees.
"When it comes to events, we're also very much into social ties, benevolence, sport, well-being and personal development. It's an expectation confirmed by employees, who no longer want to go to the ends of the earth and add to their carbon footprint with events that are excessive from every point of view. It's time for simplicity and a return to common sense," concludes Estelle.
* A leader in responsible event strategy and consulting, Green Événements is the specialist in ISO20121 certification support.