Louisa Daley finds out how our industry can travel more sustainably
ith international events back in full swing , the events industry must meet the demand for more sustainable travel . The pandemic has given the events industry time to reflect on and recognise its environmental impact .
After all , international travel did grind to a halt and help us re-evaluate how we do events , and if travelling to in-person events is even necessary to bring fellow eventprofs together .
To understand why delegate travel is a primary area of concern , and learn how to travel more sustainably , Louisa Daley spoke to Jo Joshi , founder of DMCFinder . com ; Shauna Whitehead , VP sales , BCD Meetings and Events ; Amélie Losanes , senior consultant , sustainable collaboration , Advito ; Kathy Jackson , VP and executive chair of sustainability , BCD Travel ; and Fiona Pelham , founder of Positive Impact Events .
A lay of the land “ Travel and tourism is , and always has been , an immense part of our global culture , allowing us all to explore the world and meet
Kathy Jackson
Amélie Losanes
“ 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 .” – Shauna Whitehead
Jo Joshi
Fiona Pelham
Shauna Whitehead and experience people from different walks of life . Since it has many advantages to both travellers and communities , it can generally be seen as a force for good ,” says Joshi .
While travel and tourism is at the heart of our global culture , and our industry , it can simultaneously create a negative environmental impact .
According to BCD Meetings and Events ’ ‘ A Sustainability Guide : For Meetings and Events ’, travel accounts for 8-11 % of global emissions ( World Travel Tourism Council ). Therefore , events with a high proportion of delegate travel , especially via air , has become a primary area of concern since live events have returned .
Losanes explores this further and tells me about the changes airlines have been implementing . “ It ’ s no surprise that many airlines are purchasing and investing in sustainable aviation fuel . However , the current technology doesn ’ t allow airlines to scale sustainable aviation fuel usage enough to truly reduce their overall emissions . Older generation aircraft are not nearly as efficient , and this results in a big emission increase .”
So , what can be done ? One of the most effective things airlines can do is “ accelerate fleet renewal ” adds Losanes .
From a delegate point of view , if www . conference-news . co . uk