The net zero event reality check

Is running a net zero event even possible? Nick shares his experience running a large yearly Expo. What would it take to achieve a completely net zero event? Is that even possible amidst the flights, builds and waste streams inherent to large conferences and expos? I brought those questions to Nick Westerman of NHS Confederation.…
Lee Matthew Jackson

Lee Matthew Jackson

February 29, 2024

Is running a net zero event even possible? Nick shares his experience running a large yearly Expo.

What would it take to achieve a completely net zero event? Is that even possible amidst the flights, builds and waste streams inherent to large conferences and expos? I brought those questions to Nick Westerman of NHS Confederation.

Nick oversees sustainability initiatives for NHS Confed’s massive annual expo in the UK. With thousands gathering each year, he’s constantly searching for ways to lower the event’s environmental impact. He was candid about the obstacles they face and the reality of reaching carbon goals.

Nick and the team behind NHS Confed take a holistic approach. From public transport incentives to recycled venue materials, Nick shares the incremental changes making their large event noticeably greener.

If you feel overwhelmed on event sustainability, don’t miss Nick’s pragmatic vision.

Video

We recorded this podcast live at Event Tech Live London, so if you’d prefer to watch you can do so on YouTube.

Key takeaways

Nick busted many preconceived ideas I had on sustainability. Here’s some of my key takeaways:

  • Achieving a completely net zero event footprint is likely impossible due to factors like travel emissions and temporary venue builds. However, meaningful progress can be made.
  • Avoid “greenwashing” where organisers claim sustainability through buying offsets that don’t really cancel out emissions adequately or quickly enough.
  • Focus first on cutting the biggest polluters – delegate travel, single-use flooring and materials, waste streams, etc. Even modest cuts here make an impact.
  • Educate attendees and exhibitors on sustainability best practices around transportation, hotels, booth materials, swag, etc. Get buy-in.
  • Make sustainability a guiding principle, not just an add-on. Enlist experts to measure and advise on planning greener events.
  • Iterative changes like incentives for public transport, recycledbuilds, food waste diversion, paperless campaigns, etc. compound over years.

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Event Engine Podcast Artwork

Speakers

An image of our guest Nick Westerman

Nick Westerman

NHS Confederation
Lee Matthew Jackson

Lee Matthew Jackson

Event Engine