Making sense of sustainability
As the live events industry gets back on track post-pandemic , Andrew Harrison , director of the Event Supplier and Services Association ( ESSA ) argues that now is the time to make sustainability our number one priority , set achievable targets and get measuring
Sustainability can be an overwhelming subject . Scary even . We know that urgent action is needed to curb global warming and prevent the extreme weather incidents that are increasing around the world . We are also aware that the exhibitions industry must play its part in protecting the future of the planet by reducing our footprint .
We ’ ve been talking for years about reducing , reusing and recycling to lessen our carbon footprint and minimise waste . But true sustainability goes much further than that . It requires taking a meticulous approach to all sustainability aspects , from reducing our environmental impact to tackling modern slavery , employee welfare and diversity and inclusion . Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have , but a must-have , and it should be embedded into every aspect of the way we do business .
It might sound a daunting prospect , but there are real business benefits to be had by taking sustainability seriously . Making the sustainable choice is rapidly becoming one of the main deciding factors of all decision makers . This means that companies that are intentional about incorporating sustainability into their business strategy are going to be the more attractive choice for potential clients .
While there is currently no legal requirement for
36 — May