Sustainable Event Checklist Event Location Select a destination with local, regional, and national investment in environmental, social, and economic sustainability Pick a destination where participants can feel immersed in and connected to local beauty and culture during the event Choose a host destination with a nearby airport and other public transportation Select event locations that are accessible by walking, bicycle, and public transportation to minimize travel during the event Recommend or arrange local accommodations that reduce travel Choose venues and accommodations with efficient and accessible infrastructure and sustainable practices; look for LEED-certified buildings Select a less popular destination or travel to a popular destination during the off-season to minimize the burdens of overtourism Choose a destination with nearby parks or protected areas and encourage attendees to visit them Pick a destination that is recovering from a natural disaster to help rejuvenate the local economy
Transportation Encourage event participants to arrive by train or other ground public transportation or by electric car to minimize carbon footprint If arriving by air, encourage attendees to choose airlines with commitments to sustainable aviation and select a flight plan that minimizes layovers Encourage walking, cycling, or using public transport after initial arrival to lower the carbon footprint of travel Arrange for bicycles to be available Encourage attendees to extend their trip before or after the event. Traveling to fewer places and staying longer lowers a traveler’s overall carbon footprint and inspires a deeper cultural experience Offset travel with transportation providers or through carbon offset solutions such as Neutral Together or carbon removal solutions like Tomorrow’s Air.
Food, Beverage, & Purchases Hire local, sustainability-oriented, and socially underrepresented suppliers and producers Select a menu that is mostly plant-based, in-season, locally produced, and eco-certified (organic, free-range, fair trade); minimize beef Avoid ordering too much food through an up-to-date attendee count Select a caterer based on sustainability criteria: Provides plant-based and local menu options that support sustainable, regenerative agriculture as well as good health and well-being Supplies or is willing to use reusable serviceware and utensils to cut down on waste Makes efforts to minimize food waste and calculates it