ICCA
Sustainability : a moral responsibility and it starts with us
ICCA CEO SENTHIL GOPINATH SAYS WE MUST ACCEPT WE ARE ATTRACTING AUDIENCES AS WE KEEP COMMERCE ALIVE , BUT WE ARE MITIGATING THE EFFECT AS MUCH AS WE CAN
A s the world becomes all too aware of the impact humans have on the environment , we must all ask ourselves some difficult questions about the contributory way we live both our personal – and our work – lives . As a CEO of a global association , I am only too aware of how my comments and input on sustainability might be interpreted . But ( and this is an important but ), I believe a global brand like ICCA must play a leadership role in ensuring sustainability measures are at the heart of everything we do . It is why we constantly talk about sustainability with our members . It is why we constantly promote best practice and innovation regarding sustainability . And it is why we are founding members of the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative .
At the forefront of the push for sustainable events is the events industry itself . Many of us recognise the need for change and therefore make a genuine effort to minimise the environmental impact of our events .
ICCA has just published its GDS Report on our 61st Congress in Kraków , results we will be implementing in Bangkok ( more of which later ). From reducing waste and energy consumption to using sustainable materials and sourcing local products , event organisers are increasingly more proactive in championing sustainability by saying ‘ we accept we are attracting audiences , but we are being responsible and mitigating the effect as much as we can .’ But we can all always do more . At
‘ We should lead the way bringing education , technology , knowledge sharing and innovation to the fore ’
Above : Senthil Gopinath
ICCA , we are trying to keep commerce alive , we are trying to educate and inform , and we have taken a conscious decision that what we do works best when done in person . Committing to this approach comes with great responsibility and a moral obligation to promote change through action and accountability .
By sharing knowledge and education , resources , and innovative solutions … the countries who are further along the sustainability road ( Denmark and Sweden for example ) can show others what is possible .
ICCA is a global platform of information . We want to escalate knowledge of best practice across our global network , so we move more quickly , and ultimately , in unison as a community . Our recent association survey revealed a genuine appetite from members to be at the top of their game regarding sustainability , and an acknowledgement that some countries and territories need more support . Again , education and exposure to new possibilities , helps . As does innovation .
Technology has played a key part in promoting sustainability in recent years , with advancements in renewable energy , waste reduction , and carbon capture . Event organisers can utilise this thinking through solar-powered stages , composting facilities , reusable cups and utensils , digital displays , and collateral .
Which takes me to the 62nd ICCA annual Congress in Bangkok this coming November . You have my pledge that we will have sustainability at the very top of our agenda . The theme we have chosen is ‘ It Starts With Us .’ And so it does , as an industry leader , it starts with ICCA . And , as a hugely important international business sector , responsible for a substantial carbon footprint , it starts with us as a collective . We should lead the way bringing education , technology , knowledge sharing and innovation to the fore , so we act and think as sustainably as possible .
ISSUE 124 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 9