Focusing on sustainability at events and shows is no longer optional - it’s an expectation. It’s something that venues will mention in contracts, or that visitors to your stand expect to see.
Sustainability is now something that needs to be considered across all business activities, including events. Requirements for internal reporting, and compliance to industry initiatives like Net Zero Carbon Events and Better Stands means that it’s more important than ever to consider business activities from a social and environmental perspective.
The impact needs to be measured and justified, with sustainability claims evidenced and backed up by data.
Innovation in the event industry means that it’s now easier than ever to comply with environmental regulations, without compromising on the quality or creativity of your exhibition stand.
As events are public-facing, your environmental choices are on show for all to see. From the materials that your stand uses to the way that you dispose of your waste, there’s no hiding. Event organisers are now more open and engaged with on-site auditing, which adds an extra level of scrutiny.
Sustainability shouldn’t be thought of as an extra burden, but as a way to do your bit for the environment, and protect your brand. Making more sustainable choices can reduce your chances of reputational damage, compliance failure, or procurement team issues, but can also present new opportunities - to differentiate your brand, exhibition stand and presence on the show floor.
If improving the sustainability of events feels complicated, it’s usually because people try to tackle everything at once. A better approach is to break it down into the areas that typically create the most impact, and then work through them in a sensible order.
Build and materials - structure, flooring and finishes
One of the biggest carbon generators is the structure of the exhibition stand itself. The materials that it comprises - such as wood, metal and plastic - and extras like carpets and wall finishings can be significant sources of carbon.
Unsurprisingly, custom builds have the highest carbon footprint, as many elements are designed to be used at a single event before they are disposed of.
Standard exhibition hall carpet is typically thrown away after a single use, as are materials like MDF, which is harder to recycle. Exhibition stands that contain mixed-material elements - such as wooden features with metal fixings - are also difficult to recycle, as it can be expensive to separate the materials.
However, despite how much carbon an exhibition stand structure can create, it’s one of the easiest areas to improve on through better material choices.
Graphics and artwork - the hidden sustainability headache
Event graphics and artwork can be surprisingly difficult to recycle. Some substrates can’t be recycled, nor can some printed materials - and those that can may only be recycled by specialists, meaning they are frequently thrown away.
Graphics are also one of the most common sources of “accidental waste” because they’re often created for one show, one message, or one campaign, then discarded as soon as the show ends.
Logistics and on-site services
Transporting the exhibition stand to and from the event can also be a source of emissions, especially for larger stands, as they may require a bigger vehicle. The distance between the supplier and the event will also have an impact, as the more miles travelled, the greater the carbon footprint.
The labour involved in the exhibition stand - both during construction and on site - can also be a significant source of emissions. In fact, studies have shown that staff travel to events is a major contributor to carbon emissions, with accommodation and food and drinks also playing a part.
At the event itself, the energy used in the exhibition stand - including lighting, screens and other technical equipment - contributes to overall emissions. Whilst using electricity in your stand is unavoidable, there are ways to use energy more efficiently.
Here’s the key point: you don’t have to solve everything to make progress. If you focus on the areas that repeat every time you exhibit, you can usually achieve meaningful improvements quickly.
For most exhibitors, that means:
If you want a practical starting point, use this "first 30 days" checklist before your next show: