Lights. Cameras. The red carpet. We all look forward to flashing lights and celebrities that grace the red carpet, like the Oscars, the Met Gala, the Grammys, the Academy Awards, and the Golden Globes. But have you ever considered the environmental impact of producing these events? How much energy, water, and waste are generated in the process?
For the Academy, sustainability is at the forefront. Steps have been taken to achieve this, such as renting and reusing technical equipment, sourcing 70 percent plant-based food, and recycling materials.
The fashion industry is a huge contributor to greenhouse gases (GHGs) at about 10 percent. Fashion accounts for roughly one-fifth of the 400 million tons of plastic produced annually. Other things can influence trends also, including fast fashion.
To make a ceremonious event more sustainable, consider taking steps such as eliminating the use of plastic water bottles, practicing clothing reusability, and opting for environmentally friendly lighting.
The opposite of risk is reward. Promoting brand perception is vital, as it leads to trust. An organization's commitment to social impact can greatly influence an event. Sustainability extends beyond energy; it involves waste management, venue energy consumption, water reduction, travel, food waste, and more. Plus, sustainable events offer numerous benefits.
Benefits of sustainable events
• Fosters a holistic approach to sustainability, considering economic, environmental, and social impacts.
• Strengthens organizational reputation and brand value.
• Achieves best practice levels of efficiency and performance.
• Defines roles and responsibilities for staff, contractors, and suppliers.
• Cuts costs through better energy and waste management.
The entertainment industry has embraced sustainability, leading to greener, more sustainable red-carpet events. From selecting environmentally friendly fabrics and jewelry to minimizing transportation emissions and managing waste responsibly, event organizers are aligning to make sure events don’t come at the cost of our planet.
By integrating sustainability into these glamorous events, the red carpet is a powerful platform for promoting responsible practices, setting an example for industries worldwide. There is a framework to support your journey toward sustainability.
It’s imperative to have the proper standard for sustainability in the events management industry, including celebrity events. Event Sustainability Management System (ISO 20121) can aid in your journey toward a brighter future for both people and the planet. This standard has been developed for the events industry to help put sustainability first when managing and delivering events. It takes into account the governance, environmental, and social demographic of your event.
If you have yet to join the sustainable community, there's no better time than now. Businesses, no matter the size, can deliver world-class events regardless of potential budget or time restrictions.
Follow along for the next blog in the series, "The future is now: Creating our sustainable planet together".
