Events such as music festivals, corporate conferences, or community gatherings, bring people together for memorable experiences. However, they also generate significant waste, carbon emissions, and environmental impact. As awareness of environmental issues grows, event organisers must take responsibility for the waste generated during production, on event day, and post-event. Sustainability is no longer optional; it is a necessity for the future of the events industry.

Recent instances, such as the Coldplay concerts in Navi Mumbai and the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, highlight the challenges and importance of sustainable practices in event management.

The environmental impact of events

The events industry has long been associated with excessive waste and energy consumption. A single-day music festival or wedding can generate tonnes of waste such as paper cups, food and branding/ decoration materials. The aftermath of major events often leaves behind litter, polluted venues, and landfill contributions that persist for many years. Without sustainable planning, these issues continue to escalate, harming local ecosystems and communities.

The role of event organisers

Event organisers hold the key to sustainability in the industry. Their decisions determine the environmental footprint of an event, from supplier choices to waste management strategies. By adopting sustainable practices, organisers can minimise environmental damage, enhance attendee experiences, and align with local & global sustainability goals.

Events can go sustainable in a three phased approach:

Phase 1: Sustainable practices before the event

1. Sustainable Planning and Supplier Selection
   The foundation of a sustainable event begins in the planning phase. Event organisers should prioritise vendors and suppliers who use eco-friendly materials, reduce emissions, and support ethical sourcing. Partnering with sustainable caterers, green energy providers, and responsible waste disposal companies can significantly reduce an event’s carbon footprint.
2. Reducing Single-Use Materials
   Single-use plastics like paper disposable materials contribute immensely to event waste. While using resuable items could be a challenge adopting biodegradable alternatives could be a better choice. 
3. Energy Efficiency and Carbon Offsetting
   Event venues often consume vast amounts of electricity, contributing to carbon emissions. Choosing energy-efficient venues, using LED lighting, and incorporating solar-powered equipment are practical ways to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, carbon offsetting programs can help neutralise emissions generated by the event.

Phase 2: Sustainable Practices During the Event

1. Waste Management
   On event day, waste management should be a top priority. Clearly marked waste stations/bins encourage attendees to dispose of waste responsibly. Event staff should be trained to educate guests at the venue on the importance of  waste segregation to benefit the recycling of waste.
2. Reusable and Biodegradable Materials
   Providing reusable water bottles, refill stations and compostable food containers can significantly minimize environmental impact. Some events implement deposit-return schemes for cups and plates, incentivising attendees to return items for cleaning and reuse rather than discarding them.
3. Sustainable Transportation Options
   Transportation contributes significantly to an event’s carbon footprint. Encouraging carpooling, providing shuttle services, and promoting public transport options can reduce emissions. 

Phase 3: Sustainable Practices After the Event

1. Waste Audit and Proper Disposal
   Once the event concludes, organisers should conduct a waste audit to measure the volume and types of waste generated. This information helps improve future sustainability efforts. Partnering with service providers who ensure waste is processed responsibly rather than sent to landfills.
2. Donating Excess Food
   Instead of discarding excess edible food, event organisers can collaborate with local NGOs to donate surplus meals.
3. Measuring and Reporting Sustainability Efforts
   Transparency is key in sustainability. Organisers should track and report sustainability efforts, highlighting achievements such as waste reduction percentages and carbon savings. Sharing this information with stakeholders, sponsors, and attendees encourages continuous improvement and accountability. 

The Benefits of Sustainable Events

Implementing sustainability in events offers numerous advantages beyond environmental preservation:

• Cost Savings – Reducing waste, energy consumption, and unnecessary materials leads to significant cost savings in the long run.
• Brand Reputation – Companies and event organisers who prioritise sustainability enhance their reputation and appeal to environmentally conscious attendees and sponsors.
• Attendee Engagement – Sustainability initiatives foster a sense of responsibility and inspire attendees to adopt eco-friendly habits in their daily lives.

Sustainability in events is no longer an afterthought—it is a responsibility that event organisers must embrace. From planning and execution to post-event strategies, every stage presents opportunities to minimise waste, reduce carbon footprints, and promote eco-conscious behaviors. By taking ownership of the environmental impact of their events, organisers contribute to a greener, more sustainable future while delivering positive experiences for attendees. The shift towards sustainable event planning is not just beneficial—it is essential for the longevity of the industry and the planet.

About the author: Marwan Abubaker A M is the Co- Founder & Director of Hasiru Dala Innovations. Hasiru Dala Innovations promotes sustainability at events and works very closely with event organisers to leave a better social and environmental impact at their events. From housekeeping to waste management, assessing carbon emissions, waste audit to overall event sustainability it offers end to end sustainable services and consultancy to event organisers and corporates.