Thursday, December 5, 2013

6 Criteria to Be Followed When Selecting a Venue for Green Events


The impact of green wave has encouraged a growing number of event organizers to opt for ways that help them to reduce the carbon footprints and help the planet. Recently, it has been found that every 80 million people across the globe attend meetings, trade shows and exhibitions; therefore event organizers play a great role in contributing towards environmental sustainability. Informed decision making and implementation will not only help them to do their bit but will also leave a positive impact on the natural environment and the local community. However, the most challenging task in hosting a green event remains in effective venue selection. Read this article to know some of the criteria that you should look into while selecting a venue:

Checking For Environmental Certifications

You must first check whether the venue has an Environmental Management System along with an ISO 14000 certification or accreditation. Nowadays, there are many venues that come with a LEED certification. Such an official recognition is allotted when a particular venue has plumbing fixture efficiency, alternative transportation access, better recycling and ventilation rates, etc. These venues are the perfect choice for hosting your green events without even a second thought.

Looking For an Eco Procurement Policy

This kind of a policy for a venue gives preference to sourcing and purchasing of environmentally friendly products and services. When you are hosting a green event, it is important to take care of the menu that is to be served at your event. Organic foods should mostly be preferred when you are planning to go green. Also, ensure that the venue uses local produce as opposed to importing food products and ingredients internationally.

Keeping a Check on Energy Efficiency

You must also keep a check on the energy efficiency quotient. Your venue should have natural lighting facilities and ventilation. In case it doesn't, then it should be compensated by high energy efficient lights like CFL or LED. Usage of solar power is also an energy criterion to be kept in mind.

Impact on Emission Reduction

While selecting a venue it is necessary to consider its contribution towards carbon reduction. Ask the venue manager whether the venue has any renewable source of energy to offset carbon emissions. Along with that also check out the location so that delegates required to travel can lead to reduced carbon emissions in terms of the modes of transportation used.

Facilities for Waste Minimization

Look out for venues that support a recycling program. This helps in reprocessing various waste products like glass, paper, plastics, etc. Also check whether the venue has facilities for composting the food waste. This will help in reducing environmental burdens to a larger extent.

Impact on Social and Community Development

You organize a green event to put across a message to the mass. While selecting the venue you must also confirm whether it lives up to your goal. Make sure whether the venue supports any corporate social investment program or any developmental project to promote local development. This will help you to understand how your event can contribute to such a program.

These are some of the basic criteria which you can follow if you are planning to go green for your next event.

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