GRI EOSS Launch
This week saw a new addition to the sustainability reporting framework from the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The Event Organizers Sector Supplement (EOSS) was launched this week and provides new opportunities for the industry to report on the sustainability of events.
Charlie Banks answers some questions about the new supplement.
What is GRI EOSS?
The Global Reporting Initiative is a non governmental body based in Amsterdam which produces an international framework for companies to be able to report on their sustainability. Then in addition to this general framework, there are sector supplements which further support the report writer to be able to report on issues that are specific to their sector, there is now an Event Organizers Sector Supplement (EOSS).
Why is it important to the events industry?
This sector supplement is important to the industry as it was produced by experts from the industry and from those organisations that would want to read the reports. The Event Organizers Supplement’s additional commentaries and Performance Indicators, developed especially for the sector, capture the issues that matter most for event organizers:
- Site selection
- Transport of attendees
- Recruiting and training of the event workforce, participants and volunteers
- Sourcing of materials, supplies and services
- Managing impacts on communities, natural environments, and local and global economies
- Planning and managing potential legacies
- Accessibility of an event
What is involved?
You can see the supplement on the GRI website. We’ve also gathered all the links and useful documents below.
You will need to report on your organisation and then a set list of Performance Indicators. You can choose which level of report you do, so you can start with an easy C Level report and build up to an A level report. Reports can be produced annually or biannually or even 6 monthly, it’s up to you as an organisation which suits you. The main thing is to start using the framework and by doing this the industry can share best practice and make the event industry a more sustainable industry.
How can I start reporting?
There are a number of ways that you can start reporting, you could choose to start with just a couple of performance indicators and include them in a case study, the online tool EventSustainability.com has just relaunched with interactive-plain speaking questions to help guide you through the indicators. When you have created your report don’t forget to share with the rest of the industry and contact us to get your case study featured on the Positive Impact website.
- Charlie Banks works for Sustainable Events Ltd who provide support to the event industry around sustainability.
More information on the GRI EOSS
You can also find more detail from the Global Reporting Initiative below, as well as links to further information.
Event organizers can now report on sustainability issues like impacts on communities, natural environments, and local and global economies, thanks to new guidance published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The events sector is diverse: its activities range from business meetings, conferences, and exhibitions to sports and cultural festivals – all of which have impacts on the economy, environment and society. These impacts need to be considered, measured and shared in order to improve the sustainability performance of the events industry.
The new Event Organizers Sector Supplement (EOSS) will enable event organizers to report their sustainability performance in a comparable way. The sustainability reporting guidance, tailored for the events sector, aims to make reporting more relevant for event organizers by defining how to provide qualitative and quantitative information on sustainability issues. In addition to more widely applicable issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and waste, the guidance helps event organizers report on more specific issues including attendee travel, legacy of the event, and initiatives taken at the event to promote sustainability and transparency.
Events are a significant business investment so it is vital that we start measuring and reporting sustainability impacts if we are to move to a sustainable global economy
- Maaike Fleur, GRI
Maaike Fleur, Senior Manager Reporting Framework at the Global Reporting Initiative, said: “Over the last ten years there has been a growing interest in the ‘greening’ of events, with more and more organizations considering the sustainability performance of their activities. Public sustainability reporting is still quite a new concept for event organizers, but we anticipate that this new guidance will help them be more transparent about the impacts of their activities.
“Reporting is also about sharing best practices and can enhance learning for event organizers not yet so familiar with sustainability strategy and reporting. Attendees are interested to know the sustainability strategies behind events. Events are a significant business investment so it is vital that we start measuring and reporting sustainability impacts if we are to move to a sustainable global economy,” added Fleur.
Reporting is also about sharing best practices and can enhance learning for event organizers
- Maaike Fleur, GRI
The Event Organizers Sector Supplement provides reporting guidance that is suitable for all types and sizes of events. The guidance covers the complete project life cycle of an event, from bid to planning, execution and, finally, post-event – including the issue of event legacy. The Supplement can be used to report before or after an event has taken place.