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Championing Sustainable Events

Championing Sustainable Events

Find out how we’re making events more sustainable with ISO 20121.

We’re all aware of the importance of living and working sustainably. In fact, a 2020 study by the IBM Institute for Business Value found that our appetite for sustainable products and services is higher than ever, with nearly 8 out of 10 people stating that sustainability is important to them.

At Conferences & events, we recognise that people want to work with businesses that align closely with their values and beliefs. That’s why we’ve always done our bit to make events at the University of Birmingham as sustainable as possible.

Now, we’re taking our commitment to sustainability even further by working towards ISO 20121 accreditation. This is a voluntary international standard for sustainable event management, which we hope to have achieved by the end of the year.

Created by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the accreditation will formally recognise us as sustainability champions, reassuring our customers that we put people and the planet first in all that we do.

 

Why is ISO 20121 accreditation important?

Putting on any event, no matter how big or small, takes valuable time, money and resources. By working towards ISO 20121 accreditation, we’re becoming experts in managing the associated social, economic and environmental impacts of events to secure a better future for us all.

Having such knowledge under our belts means that we can help you deliver an event with maximum engagement, at a minimal cost to the planet.

Hand holding a lightbulb with tree in the middle on a green background. Image to support sustainable event ideas.

Putting sustainability into practice

Happily, sustainability is championed not just by us, but by some of our biggest clients and partners too. We’re proud to be working closely with Birmingham 2022’s Organising Committee to help deliver the greenest Commonwealth Games ever.

To ensure a joined-up approach to event planning and delivery, they too are working towards ISO 20121 accreditation. You can find out more about how we’re playing our part to bring you the most sustainable Games ever here.

Woman using sustainable digital map with pink cherry blossom trees in the background.

Making your next event sustainable

From carbon-neutral transport for your delegates to digital alternatives for paper signs and maps, we can advise on all areas of sustainable event management, no matter the size of your event, meeting or conference. Our services can be tailored from start to finish to fit your specific requirements.

Here are just a few ways we can help you stand out in the world of sustainable events:

  • If you choose our catering, you’re choosing high animal welfare standards and high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients
  • Electric vehicle charging points and bike and e-scooter hiring facilities are available across campus to support sustainable travel
  • Plastic isn’t fantastic, which is why you can switch single-use disposables for crockery and glassware.

Student riding bike on sunny University of Birmingham campus, championing sustainability.

Eager to find out more about sustainable events? Contact a member of the team today to discover how we’re incorporating eco-friendly practices into event management.

Ryan Adams-McGlasson

Ryan Adams-McGlasson

View all posts by Ryan Adams-McGlasson

Ryan is our Account Manager - the main point of contact for any external organisations, who might be looking for a conference, event or meeting space at the University of Birmingham.

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