Greening the Stage: The Eco-Revolution in Event Spaces

Venues play a significant role in the events and entertainment industry. Whether it's a concert, festival, or conference, they provide the space and infrastructure for people to come together and enjoy shared experiences. However, as the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to address climate change, it's becoming clear that venues must also play their part in creating a sustainable future. In this post, we'll explore why sustainability matters for venues and why it's essential for them to take action.

Sustainability and Ethics

First and foremost, it's essential to acknowledge the ethical importance of sustainability. Climate change is a global crisis that affects everyone on the planet, but it's also a crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable communities and future generations. As such, it's our responsibility to take action and do what we can to reduce our impact on the planet. Venues have a particular responsibility in this regard, as they consume significant amounts of energy and produce large amounts of waste. By making sustainable choices, venues can reduce their carbon footprint and help preserve the environment for future generations.

Marketing to Younger Generations

In addition to the ethical imperative of sustainability, there are also practical reasons for venues to care about sustainability. One of these is marketing. Millennials and members of Generation Z are increasingly concerned about sustainability and are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products and experiences. According to a study by Nielsen, 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, with Millennials and Gen Z leading the way. By promoting their sustainable practices, venues can appeal to this demographic and create a competitive advantage. This can be particularly important for festivals and other events that cater to a younger audience.

Practical Steps for Venues

So, what can venues do to become more sustainable? There are many practical steps that venues can take, ranging from small changes to more significant investments. Some examples include:

1. Reduce Energy Consumption

   • Venues can reduce their energy consumption by using LED lighting, investing in energy-efficient HVAC systems, and encouraging guests to use public transportation or carpooling. For example, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington has the goal of being the first net-zero carbon arena in the United States. The arena has implemented the use of electric zambonis and heavily promotes public transportation to and from events. They even use rainwater on the ice skating rink!

2. Manage Waste

   • Partnering with your local recycling and compost facilities is a great way to get started! Venues can reduce waste by using reusable or compostable materials for cups, plates, and utensils, providing recycling and composting stations, and donating leftover food to local charities. Your local waste diversion facilities will be able to inform your efforts and may have specific guidance on educating staff and attendees. Some organizations will even take large amounts of food that would go to waste and put them to good use, like Denver-based We Don’t Waste.

3. Source Locally

   • Venues can reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing food and other supplies locally, reducing the distance that goods have to travel. Local sourcing doesn’t just reduce your venue’s carbon footprint, it is also an opportunity to support local, small farmers and businesses. You can learn more about sourcing food locally at the Food Revolution Network.

4. Invest in Renewable Energy

   • Venues can invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to generate their own energy and reduce their reliance on non-renewable sources. Positioning these renewable energy sources on your rooftop or parking structure is a great way to communicate to the local community that your venue cares about the environment, improving your electric bill AND your reputation.

5. Educate Guests

   • Venues can educate their guests about sustainability and encourage them to take sustainable actions, such as using reusable water bottles or carpooling to the event. Engaging attendees regarding sustainability can cover a multitude of topics from waste diversion to transportation to water conservation initiatives! Include information about your sustainability efforts in pre-event emails, social media posts, and signage at the event to reach as many attendees as possible.

Sustainability is an essential consideration for venues in the events and entertainment industry. Not only is it ethically important, but it also presents a competitive advantage in terms of marketing to younger generations. By taking practical steps to reduce their carbon footprint, manage waste, source locally, invest in renewable energy, and educate their guests, venues can become more sustainable and create a positive impact on the environment. Ultimately, it's up to all of us to take action and create a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.