Sustainability has been the buzzword of the day for years , but how can large-scale events be delivered while staying green ? Martin Fullard finds out more from the Identity team state and representatives from 197 parties , hosting the world ’ s media and other key VIPS , we also mobilised more than 5,000 staff .
S ustainability is a word that is thrown around a lot in the events industry , to many businesses it ’ s been a ‘ nice to have ’ in years past , but it ’ s fast becoming a necessity for shows of any size . Although it ’ s the word on everyone ’ s lips , greenwashing is rife , so what does a truly sustainable event look like ?
Walking the walk
Talking the talk is one thing , but walking the walk is a different matter entirely . Identity ’ s two flagship shows , COP26 and G7 2021 , showcased how a sustainability plan can be enacted on a large scale .
COP26 had perhaps more pressure , with an aim to accelerate the goals of the
Martin Fullard Editorial Director Conference News
Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change . It could not afford to be run unsustainably . With the event drawing 40,000 attendees across 200,000sqm of build area , it ’ s as big a stage as any for Identity to show its green chops .
Michael Gietzen , managing director , Identity , said : “ The monumental detail involved in producing an event of this magnitude and profile is astounding . As well as forming a meeting place for heads of
“ We hope that Identity ’ s planning and execution of this phenomenal project have flown the flag for sustainability and social value within the British events industry .”
Much of the event ’ s green credentials were on display post-show , with many of the materials used being given new life . More than 15,000sqm of carpets , used across the multi-site conference , are being donated to Spruce Carpets , Scotland ’ s only carpet re-use and recycling social enterprise , that aims to benefit low-income families in the region .
Paul Fitzpatrick , operations director , Identity , said : “ COP26 was one of the largest and most important international events delivered by the UK Government . With the talks
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