OPINION
All too often I hear stories from those within the supply chain to say that they are viewed as the enemy when it comes to the sustainability of events . Despite significant changes in recent years , face-toface events are here to stay , meaning the importance of a robust yet sustainable supply chain is undeniable . Unfortunately , a common ‘ solution ’ proffered by others to make the supply chain more sustainable is the blanket removal and banning of certain items within our industry .
We can ’ t just start outlawing and banning products without having everyone at the table to make these decisions . Not only does it ostracise the suppliers that help make our fantastic events possible , but it also has a knock-on effect on exhibitors and organisers as well .
That ’ s not to say we don ’ t need to make changes ; we can ’ t hide behind reuse and recycle for example . However , issues arise when the entire supply chain is not brought in as part of the overall conversation . Effective sustainability can only work when there is a triangle of understanding between the supplier , the organiser and the exhibitor .
Measurement If you ’ re serious about sustainability , we each need to measure where we are at currently robustly and consistently using an agreed framework .
Too often , we ’ re comparing apples to pears when it comes to sustainability ,
Andrew Harrison
Is the supply chain the enemy of sustainability ?
We need a mental reset to ensure that the supply chain is seen as part of the solution on sustainability and not the problem , says Andrew Harrison , director of the Event Supplier and Services Association ( ESSA )
meaning we ’ re often not on the same page , which only makes conversations on the topic between suppliers , exhibitors and organisers all the more difficult , rendering it practically impossible to arrive at a mutually agreeable and sustainably beneficial solution .
I always liken our own ESSA Sustainability Accreditation to having your car MOT tested . You ’ ll never know where you ’ re at until you ’ ve had your business
“ Let ’ s be ambitious . Let ’ s not demonise . Let ’ s have all of us at the discussion table and work together .”
measured by people who can take you through that process . You might not always like what you find , but from there you can start to build a plan because you now have that measurement piece in place .
A unified system for the supply chain What ’ s needed is a consistent approach to measuring our impact across the supply chain , so no matter what you supply , we ’ re all moving forward in the same methodical fashion . This also minimises any room for ambiguity in the form of greenwashing .
Our Sustainability Accreditation is one way we are helping suppliers achieve this and it ’ s my hope this will become a necessary - and eventually mandatory - step towards a unified system of measuring our commitment to sustainability . As an industry , we still have a long way to go , but let ’ s be ambitious . Let ’ s strategise not demonise . Let ’ s have all of us at the discussion table and work together to ensure our industry is a sustainable one now and in the future . EN
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