GET’s Event Sustainability Checklist evaluates events based on 10 sustainability dimensions which include organizational management, communication and marketing, supply chain, event management, social aspects, climate action, indoor environmental quality, energy, water and waste. The Event Sustainability Checklist leads the event organizers towards best practices on sustainability parameters and climate change mitigation. Based on the event’s performance against the checklist, organizers can claim green event certification with Green, Bronze, Silver or Gold ratings.
Event Best Practices
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Organizational Management
As per ISO 20121-2012, Event Sustainability Management System, sustainability of an event inherits from the sustainability practices of the organization which organizes it.
Therefore, in this Tool the assessment of the event sustainability starts from its roots: the organization’s management. -
Marketing and Communication
Sustainability management is about implementation with impact.
It is important to communicate efforts made towards improving event sustainability to increase the impact, and to do it in a sustainable way. -
Proposed Event Management
Each event will have specific management challenges, which are covered in this section.
Within an event management cycle, a series of checking points following a P(plan)-D(Do)-C(Check)-A(Act) principle can be identified. Users are encouraged to provide best practice examples which will help the GET to continuously improve guidance in this area, to benefit other users. -
Supply Chain Management
A successful event is usually supported by lots of suppliers.
Some key suppliers may include but not limited to hotels, catering service, branding agencies, venue, transportation services, online/hybrid meeting services etc. Supply Chain is identified as key interested parties as per ISO 20121-2012. Supply chain management is key as it has huge mitigation potential for scope 3 emissions and other environmental impacts. -
Climate Actions
Guidance on concrete indicators and mitigation actions in climate impact, in particular, GHG emissions (carbon footprint).
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Energy Management
Guidance on concrete indicators and reduction actions in energy consumption.
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Water Management
Guidance on concrete indicators and reduction actions in water management.
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Waste Management
Guidance on concrete indicators and reduction/avoidance actions in waste generation and waste disposal.
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Indoor Environment Management
Participants spend most of their time in buildings during the event period, whether it is in the venue for an indoor event or the exhibition site, or at their accommodation.
Though it is not explicitly required in ISO 20121-2012, indoor environment is an important indicator in all Green Building Programs. The GET introduces the indoor environment management to protect the health of event participants. -
Social and Community Impact
ISO 20121-2012 has considered the issue identification and evaluation of three aspects for an event: environmental, social and economic.
Social and community impacts of an event are generally linked with labour standards, health and safety, civil liberties, social justice, local community, indigenous rights, cultural issues, accessibility, equity, heritage and religious sensitivities, which are covered in this section.