available they will become in a bid to make the sustainable choice , the only choice .

In the meantime , remember to track the savings you are making by removing the unnecessary event items from your budget . You can then spend those savings on the big ticket ‘ wow ’ items . On paper they may look more expensive but , if you are buying less , you can buy better and invest in items that are long lasting , enhance your event experience and connect your audience with your sustainability story and brand message .

Re-use and re-purpose There is no excuse for single use items in the event industry today ; refuse it . Without dating any branding , items can be stored and saved to use for future events . With each event , your reusable inventory can then grow as an investment to your long-term event and brand strategy . Also , try to embed a circular economy way of thinking into your event design . We need to start thinking creatively of how to rethink ‘ waste ’ products from events with a ‘ use it , don ’ t lose it ’ approach .

Be remarkable Despite the common perception that sustainability comes at a cost , there are several economic benefits for working sustainably : access to green funding schemes , tax deductions , not to mention mitigating the risk of financial penalties imposed on those

companies who do not work ethically .

Research also suggests that sustainability cannot only save money but make money . Nielsen reported 66 % of global consumers and as many as 77 % of global millennials are happy to pay extra for one thing : sustainability . Plus , a recent poll conducted by Isla found that 72 % of the audience felt sustainability should be billable , suggesting sustainability can drive real tangible benefits to your revenue streams and profit margins .

Think of sustainability as less of a cost centre and more of a value driver to deliver events with a purpose . This creates a far greater emotional connection to the event for your delegates , which makes for a far more memorable and rewarding experience . Plus , a fantastic positive reflection on you as a brand , giving you a competitive edge .

Look at the B . Corp Community . People want to work with , and for , those companies as they are ensuring the social responsibility of business is not only about profits , but also contributing solutions to the world ’ s most pressing problems .

There ’ s no doubt that decent , long-lasting materials can cost

“ Think less about if you can afford to make your next event sustainable , and more can you afford not to ...”

– Danielle Ward

more . B Corp accreditation , recognising your responsible business operations , is an investment . Paying staff fairly and having ethical supply chains doesn ’ t come cheap . Does that mean sustainability is more expensive ? Or is it more that we have become accustomed to the cheapness and readiness of the unsustainable alternatives ?

By leveraging the efficiencies that are at the heart of sustainable practices , you can reduce costs , drive sales , reduce your environmental impact , and drive positive change .

Remember the triple bottom line of sustainability : people , planet , and profit . The costs are not just those itemised in a budget sheet . Low prices often come at the expense of people and the planet and quick wins often come at the expense of sustainability altogether . So , when thinking about your next event , think less about if you can afford to make your next event sustainable , and more can you afford not to .