Events and Event Planning

Events and Event Planning | Credit: chuttersnap on Unsplash

Includes conference planning; cultural events; festivals, indoor and out; weddings and religious events.

Company

Required:

  • Business core purpose includes a “green” business function.
  • Social and environmental mission and vision statement for your business on website.

Preferred:

  • Banking with a community development, minority, or socially & environmentally responsible bank or credit union.
  • Protocols in place (e.g., trainings, HR policies, support group(s), statement of commitment, accountability mechanisms, etc.)  that advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) within the company.

Services

Required:

  • Use environmentally friendly (reusable, compostable, recyclable, etc) products, addressing: versions of at least two out of the four following products: Paper, including napkins; Cleaning products; Cups, cutlery, plates; Linens. Serviceware (e.g., cups, plates, containers, cutlery, napkins, straws, condiments, etc), Cleaning products, Linens, Tickets/tokens.
  • Equipment used at event is energy-efficient (e.g., EnergyStar rated).
  • Require non-essential lighting and equipment to be turned off when not in use.
  • Lighting for event used is CFL/LED.
  • Select food vendors that are local or committed to sustainability.
  • Maximum amount of food is locally sourced/seasonal foods.
  • Minimize printing and encourage electronic communication; when printing, use of 100% post-consumer recycled, chlorine-free paper.
  • Provide recycling services at event; waste bins have proper signage at event.
  • Offer clients carbon offsets or purchase of Renewable Energy Credits or offset entire company’s footprint annually.
  • Encourage clients to co-locate events with public transportation.
  • Only serve certified fair trade (preferred) or USDA certified organic coffee, tea and sugar.
  • Provide signage and education to all stakeholders explaining green efforts before (e.g., on websites, during ticket purchase, etc) and during event; prioritize reusable signage.

Preferred: (must apply at least half of the following)

  • Focus on vegetarian food with limited meat options; meat is sustainably sourced; provide food options for dietary restrictions
  • Restriction on single-use plastic bottles at event
  • Provide reusable serviceware at event
  • Provide recycling and composting services at event; waste bins have proper signage at event
  • Use of linens where paper products are typical
  • Use green certified venues (e.g., LEED certified)
  • Track waste streams and waste diversion rates
  • Donations of leftover food to food banks or hospitals and other community centers for flowers
  • Offer incentives (e.g., discounts) for attendees who use public transportation
  • Vendor giveaways are sustainable
  • Adopt anti-idling policy and inform all stakeholders of this policy

Company Employment:

Required:

  • Employees have access to family friendly benefits including high-quality health insurance, sick days, paid parental leave and childcare help.
  • Offer a flexible workplace culture that encourages work/life balance and makes reasonable accommodations for telecommuting and flex schedules.
  • Pays a wage that ensures employees well-being.
  • Has an established non-discrimination policy and procedure, and ensures an inclusive workplace culture.
  • Governs fairly and in a transparent manner. Is open to employee input. Has a whistle blower protection policy in place.

Preferred:

  • Living wage is paid.
  • Has an established program that invests in employee growth and development.

Education:

Required:

  • Use transparent and truthful marketing.
  • Advocate for green business practices in your industry.
  • Established program for receiving input from both internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred:

  • Actively seeks feedback from industry peers and participates in industry associations and mentor programs.

Green Office/Facility

Required:

  • HVAC system well-maintained, building well-insulated, and smart and efficient climate control employed.
  • System in place for reducing electricity consumption from lighting and electronics.
  • Use of Energy Star rated appliances and CFL/LED light bulbs in office.
  • Use of 100% post-consumer recycled, Chlorine Free paper in the office and in all envelopes, marketing, and print materials.
  • Systems in place for reducing paper use such as electronic processes, printers set with double sided printing as the default, and more.
  • Use of only non-toxic cleaning and pest control products.
  • Maximum amount of waste is reused or recycled including paper, plastic, metals, glass, electronics, and printer ink cartridges.
  • Action on clean energy such as purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) or use of on-site clean energy.
  • Compost all food waste (including from events).
  • Landscaping done with sustainability in mind, especially considering runoff and stormwater management.
  • Only fair trade and USDA certified organic coffee and tea served in the office.
  • Use of green or local caterers for events.
  • Use of a certified E-Steward for electronics recycling.
  • Proper disposal of hazardous materials (e.g., batteries, paint, motor oil, etc).
  • Knowledge of recycling/composting guidelines at your local recycling/composting facility.