Stand Construction
New sustainability guidelines for stand construction
Industry associations unveil comprehensive sustainability guidelines for stand construction . Glenn Hansen reports
Right : New guidance can help you construct that sustainable stand n a significant
I move towards ecoconscious practices in the global business events and trade show industry , the Experiential Design and Producers Association ( EDPA ) and the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association ( ESCA ), have jointly released the ‘ Guidance for Sustainable Exhibition Stand Construction ’, a collaborative effort aiming to transform the industry by providing clear , actionable strategies to reduce environmental impact , and aligning with the broader goals of sustainability and social responsibility .
Joint commitment The launch of these guidelines marks a milestone in the collaborative efforts of EDPA and ESCA to champion sustainability within the industry . Dasher Lowe , executive director of EDPA , explains : “ The partnership signifies a crucial step in prioritising sustainability at every stage of event planning and execution . The guidelines cover various aspects of sustainable practices , including waste reduction , energy conservation , responsible sourcing , and community engagement .”
Julie Kagy , director of operations at ESCA , emphasises the collective responsibility to ensure that impactful event experiences do not come at the cost of the planet and says the new guidelines
“ envision a future where events can thrive harmoniously with the environment , providing nuanced and informed solutions for sustainable exhibition stand construction ”.
Tailored guidance The ‘ Guidance for Sustainable Exhibition Stand Construction ’ addresses the unique needs and challenges of various industry verticals . The guidelines have been crafted to ensure they are practical and actionable . This initiative not only aims to reduce the environmental footprint of exhibitions but also fosters a culture of awareness and responsibility among event professionals .
Highlights of the guidance The guidance document provides a detailed approach to various elements crucial for creating sustainable exhibition stands : The Six Rs of Responsible Consumption : The guidelines emphasise the principles of Rethink , Reduce , Reuse , Repair , Recycle , and Refuse , to encourage minimal material use and promote sustainable alternatives . Commitment to Continuous Improvement : It advocates for ongoing assessment and enhancement of practices . Exhibit Structures : Recommendations on using modular and reusable structures to minimise waste .
Flooring and Furnishings : Guidance on selecting eco-friendly materials and reducing the carbon footprint . Electronic Displays and Signage : Strategies for efficient energy use and minimising electronic waste . Packaging and Waste Management : Best practices for reducing packaging waste and promoting recycling . Supply Chain and Logistics : Encouraging responsible sourcing and efficient logistics to lower environmental impact . Energy Use : Tips for conserving energy and utilising renewable energy sources .
The guidelines also provide a customisable checklist for exhibitors to plan and track their practices .
Collaboration and industry impact The collaborative effort with Reduce 2 , the technical writer for the initiative , underscores the commitment to leveraging expert insights for high standards in sustainability .
EDPA and ESCA invite feedback from stakeholders to ensure improvement . The guidelines will be integrated into the EIC Sustainable Event Standards , offering a framework for third-party audited certification . EW
To download the document , visit the EIC site . Glenn Hansen is CEO and founder of http :// www . reduce2 . com /
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 4 2024 37