Events and Event Planning

Events and Event Planning | Credit: chuttersnap on Unsplash

Includes conference planning; cultural events; festivals, indoor and out; weddings and religious events; events and event planning.

Company

Required:

  • Business core purpose includes a “green” business function.
  • Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on website.

Preferred:

  • Banking with a community development, minority, or socially & environmentally responsible bank or credit union.
  • Protocols in place (e.g., trainings, HR policies, support group(s), statement of commitment, accountability mechanisms, etc.)  that advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) within the company.

Events and Event Planning Services

Required:

  • Use environmentally friendly (reusable, compostable, recyclable, etc) products, addressing: versions of at least two out of the four following products: Paper, including napkins; Cleaning products; Cups, cutlery, plates; Linens. Serviceware (e.g., cups, plates, containers, cutlery, napkins, straws, condiments, etc), Cleaning products, Linens, Tickets/tokens.
  • Equipment used at event is energy-efficient (e.g., EnergyStar rated).
  • Require non-essential lighting and equipment to be turned off when not in use.
  • Lighting for event used is CFL/LED.
  • Select food vendors that are local or committed to sustainability.
  • Maximum amount of food is locally sourced/seasonal foods.
  • Minimize printing and encourage electronic communication; when printing, use of 100% post-consumer recycled, chlorine-free paper.
  • Provide recycling services at event; waste bins have proper signage at event.
  • Offer clients carbon offsets or purchase of Renewable Energy Credits or offset entire company’s footprint annually.
  • Encourage clients to co-locate events with public transportation.
  • Only serve certified fair trade (preferred) or USDA certified organic coffee, tea and sugar.
  • Provide signage and education to all stakeholders explaining green efforts before (e.g., on websites, during ticket purchase, etc) and during event; prioritize reusable signage.

Preferred: (must apply at least half of the following)

  • Focus on vegetarian food with limited meat options; meat is sustainably sourced; provide food options for dietary restrictions
  • Restriction on single-use plastic bottles at event
  • Provide reusable serviceware at event
  • Provide recycling and composting services at event; waste bins have proper signage at event
  • Use of linens where paper products are typical
  • Use green certified venues (e.g., LEED certified)
  • Track waste streams and waste diversion rates
  • Donations of leftover food to food banks or hospitals and other community centers for flowers
  • Offer incentives (e.g., discounts) for attendees who use public transportation
  • Vendor giveaways are sustainable
  • Adopt anti-idling policy and inform all stakeholders of this policy

Company Employment

Required:

  • Employees have access to family friendly benefits including high-quality health insurance, sick days, paid parental leave and childcare help.
  • Offer a flexible workplace culture that encourages work/life balance and makes reasonable accommodations for telecommuting and flex schedules.
  • Pays a wage that ensures employees well-being.
  • Has an established non-discrimination policy and procedure, and ensures an inclusive workplace culture.
  • Governs fairly and in a transparent manner. Is open to employee input. Has a whistle blower protection policy in place.

Preferred:

  • Living wage is paid.
  • Has an established program that invests in employee growth and development.

Education

Required:

  • Use transparent and truthful marketing.
  • Advocate for green business practices in the events and event planning industries.
  • Established program for receiving input from both internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred:

  • Actively seeks feedback from industry peers and participates in industry associations and mentor programs.

Green Office/Facility

Required:

  • HVAC system well-maintained, building well-insulated, and smart and efficient climate control employed.
  • System in place for reducing electricity consumption from lighting and electronics.
  • Use of Energy Star rated appliances and CFL/LED light bulbs in office.
  • Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials.
  • Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double sided printing as the default, and more.
  • Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products.
  • Maximum amount of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges.
  • Action on clean energy such as purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or use of on-site clean energy.
  • Compost all food waste (including from events).
  • Landscaping done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.
  • Only fair trade and USDA certified organic coffee and tea served in the office.
  • Use of green or local caterers for events.
  • Use of a certified E-Steward for electronics recycling.
  • Proper disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, motor oil, etc).
  • Knowledge of recycling/composting guidelines at your local recycling/composting facility.