“ This means carbon dioxide emissions per passenger will automatically decrease ,” she explains . Meanwhile , Jackson advises delegates to “ book direct flights and fly economy class wherever possible ”.
The role of hotels You ’ ve arrived at your destination , so is your hotel as green as it could be ?
“ Sustainability is more challenging for hotels . While many properties are taking action to reduce their impact , think TV timers and key cards to turn on lights , it ’ s more complex for the industry as a whole to include the carbon impact of a stay at the point of sale ,” says Losanes .
“ But , if you think about how a hotel chain differs from an airline , you can reduce the complexity . To do this consistently across a chain would require it to drive consistency and accuracy in reporting metrics across all of its hotel brands and have clear protocols on how and what to measure within each brand .
“ This becomes even more complex when you consider the number of management companies , individual owners and operators that own and manage the properties . Beyond the individual chain , there ’ s the consideration of aligning it across brands and to the boutique / independent properties ,” Losanes adds .
Despite this complexity , Losanes tells me it ’ s important not to reduce sustainability to just carbon emissions for hotels . “ On a business trip , 80-90 % of emissions come from air travel , and maybe only 5-10 % come from hotels ,” reveals Losanes . While hotels clearly play a small role in
CO2 emissions , it ’ s important to recognise they can still make significant differences in other areas such as food waste reduction and water conversation .
Small steps But it ’ s not just what airlines and hotels can do ; it ’ s also the wider role eventprofs and delegates can play .
“ There ’ s a potential for a narrative where events are recognised as part of the solution , rather than the problem . Integrity in the data we share and the claims we make will build that narrative ,” says Pelham .
One way to be part of the solution is to make a Net Zero commitment , according to Pelham . “ By using credible resources , such as those from the UNFCCC Race to Net Zero , eventprofs can understand exactly what percentage of travel makes up their carbon footprint ,” she explains .
“ Travelling sustainably is also about doing your full research on the destination before you and your group travels . You can easily incorporate small changes , with very little cost implication ,” adds Joshi .
Whitehead echoes this view : “ Although we are not yet at a point where all organisations are comfortable with an event that ’ s greener , but more expensive , there is no such thing as a small step .
“ Seemingly ‘ little ’ actions add up . Together , these actions by eventprofs around the globe can result in progress towards a more sustainable events industry and world .”
Top tips
The panel of eventprofs suggest the following actions :
• Car share where you can , walk , cycle or use public transport .
• Pack light – the heavier the luggage , the more fuel is needed to fly the plane .
• Use real mugs , glasses and plates instead of disposable / plastic ones .
• Combine several appointments on one business trip .
• Try smaller destinations or rethink the time of year you travel – ‘ overtourism ’ can deplete a region ’ s resources .
• Eat and shop as locally as possible .
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