What Is a “Green” Event – and Why Do Your Participants Care?

Invajo

April 28, 2025

The concept of “green events” is no longer just a trend – it is a requirement. From legislators and procurement managers to conscious customers, the expectations for sustainability in the events industry are rising rapidly. But what does a green event actually involve? And why is it more important than ever to have a clear sustainability strategy?

What does a green event mean?‍

A sustainable event aims to minimize negative environmental impact at every stage – from planning to execution and follow-up.

This means making conscious choices regarding:

Selecting venues with sustainability certifications (e.g., ISO 14001, EMAS)
Enabling sustainable transport for participants and materials
Using digital solutions instead of printed materials
Offering food with a low environmental footprint
Managing waste with a focus on recycling and waste reduction
Transparent follow-up on environmental impact and improvements

A truly green event also actively collaborates with certified suppliers and follows standards such as ISO 20121.

Why participants care – for real

Today’s participants are informed, engaged, and aware of their own environmental impact. For them, sustainable events are not only about the environment – but about values and trust.

Demonstrating that you take responsibility:

Builds a stronger brand
Creates a deeper connection with your participants
Makes your event more attractive in procurements and sponsorship agreements

Especially within the public sector and international organizations, there is now an expectation to meet requirements for traceability, energy efficiency, and sustainable procurement – expectations that will only grow with new EU regulations and digital product passports.

How to get started – 3 simple actions

You don’t need to do everything at once.

Here are three practical steps to start making a real difference:

1. Identify where the largest environmental impact occurs

Analyze transportation: how do your participants travel? Can you offer digital attendance options or prioritize local venues?
Review waste: how much disposable material is being used? Can you switch to reusable alternatives?

2. Choose at least one sustainability action per project

Printed materials: decide that all printed materials should be produced using FSC-certified paper, and that banners are designed for reuse.
Food and beverage: serve only locally sourced and seasonal food at all meals.

3. Document and communicate your efforts

Sustainability report: publish a short summary after the event showing the actions taken (for example, “80% of the event’s materials were reused”).
Clear communication on site: use signage and programs to highlight your sustainable choices and inspire participants.

Small steps. Big impact.

Planning sustainable events is not about achieving perfection – it’s about making steady progress. With the right focus and structure, you can create events that benefit people, brands, and the planet alike.