Climate change is not just another headline in the news. We are witnessing the cascading impact it has across society, with more devastating natural disasters and extreme weather patterns causing costly disruptions to our daily lives. Individuals, corporates, industries and governments across the world are rallying to tackle climate change. And it’s about time.

In a special report conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) about global warming, the earth’s temperature is expected to increase by 1.5 degrees Celsius within the next 20 years, or even earlier if countries fail to act now[1]. While there haven’t been any studies to show how events are contributing to the situation, the industry is known to overprepare. Think of the excess of brochures, food and packaging produced to accommodate the influx of delegates at every event.

Event organisers spend about US$48 billion on food and beverage in the United States annually. About 40 per cent of that is left unconsumed [2]. Compounded by thousands of events happening globally, coupled with the energy used to power these venues, an uninhabitable earth might come sooner than we think.

[1] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 8 October 2018, Special Report, “Global Warming of 1.5 Degrees Celsius”

[2] PCMA, 18 June 2019, “Figuring Out Food Waste at Events”

It is high time that the industry acknowledges the scale at which it operates, rises to the occasion and plays a bigger role in reducing carbon emissions. Today, venue partners such as Marina Bay Sands see sustainability and events as an inseparable duo. The integrated resort continues to lead the industry with its sustainability efforts through adopting a multi-faceted sustainability strategy – intelligent management systems, sustainable food sourcing, comprehensive waste management initiatives to its recycling and upcycling efforts. It not only helps the integrated resort minimise its overall environmental impact but its sustainability efforts are extended to event organisers. Already a LEED® Platinum and ISO 20121-certified venue, Sands Expo and Convention Centre became Singapore’s first carbon neutral MICE venue – a step towards Singapore’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Organisers cautious about the waste produced from physical events can also leverage the Hybrid Broadcast Studio to engage audiences virtually, reducing an events’ overall carbon footprint on travel, lodging, food and more.

The resilience of the business events industry saw it weather the challenges resulting from the pandemic. Tackling climate change for the betterment of future generations needs to be a collective effort and will be the next crucial step forward for the industry.

Organisers keen to prioritise sustainability at their events can join the upcoming event, “Events with Impact; Emerging Trends in Sustainable F&B and Events” on 18 November 2021. Interested readers can register for the hybrid event using the button below.