AEO chair, Matthew Butler shares the trade body’s progress to cut emissions and promote environmental responsibility across its membership base
Sustainability has long been on the event industry’s agenda, so when I took on the role of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) chair, I set out with one clear goal – accelerate that change – less talking and more action.
That was almost two years ago, and I am proud to share how much progress to minimise our environmental impact we have made since.
AEO recognises that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a fundamental ethos that must permeate every aspect of our operations. To this end, we have implemented a series of initiatives aimed at reducing our carbon footprint and promoting environmental responsibility across the membership base.
One of our key endeavours has been our work with a leading carbon management company.
Through this collaboration, we have gained invaluable insights into the association’s environmental impact, enabling us to establish ambitious carbon reduction targets of 5% annually.
Additionally, this partnership has yielded the creation of seven comprehensive guides aimed at empowering industry professionals to adopt more sustainable practices. These guides*, serve as invaluable resources for AEO members navigating the complexities of carbon management and reducing their carbon footprint.
In tandem with our carbon management efforts, we have developed a set of sustainability commitments designed to provide our members with a clear framework for achieving a consistent baseline of sustainability performance. These commitments serve as guiding principles, enabling our members to monitor and compare their progress towards sustainable practices.
Moreover, we recognise the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. That is why we have established both a cross-association sustainability group and a dedicated AEO sustainability group.
These platforms provide venues, organisers, and suppliers with opportunities to come together, share best practices, and collectively address the challenges we face in minimising our environmental impact.
Central to our sustainability ethos is the promotion of sustainable events. From prioritising partnerships with suppliers who demonstrate strong commitments to sustainability, to implementing eco-conscious event practices, sustainability is woven into the fabric of AEO events.
Whether it is encouraging the use of public transport, tracking attendees’ travel routes, or advising attendees to bring reusable water bottles, every action we take is conscious and geared towards minimising our footprint.
Like many of its members, AEO has also committed to achieving net zero carbon events by 2050 and we will work tirelessly to achieve it.
At a time when global consciousness on environmental issues is at an all-time high, it is our duty to lead the charge towards a more sustainable future for the events industry.
While our journey towards sustainability is ongoing, we are resolute in our commitment to progress over perfection. Are you with us?
*AEO sustainability guides are exclusive to members and available via the member zone at aeo.org.uk
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