FAQs
We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about sustainability within the events industry. We’re always adding to them so if your question isn’t answered below then you can ask us here.
Why is sustainability important in the events industry?
What is the GRI Event Organizers Sector Supplement?
What certification options are available to me for BS 8901?
Does Positive Impact provide certification for BS 8901?
Do you run workshops on the Green Tourism Business Scheme?
What actions do you take to make Positive Impact more sustainable?
What is sustainability?
The British Standards Institute definition of sustainability is: “An enduring, balanced approach to economic activity, environmental responsibility and social progress”. Essentially, this means living and acting in a way that respects and protects the planet, its people, and its natural resources.
There are so many terms out there like CSR, green, eco, sustainability; I want to do the right thing but how do I know what to focus on?
CSR deals with the social responsibility of an organisation, whereas green and eco have a strong emphasis on the environment. Sustainability encompasses both social and environmental concerns, as well as tackling economic issues and so is a more well-rounded area to focus on. By addressing sustainability you are automatically covering the other terms, although be careful of ‘greenwash’.
What is ‘greenwash’?
Some companies have seen how the environment and sustainability are becoming more and more important to their clients and are providing false or misleading statements about the ‘green’ credentials of their businesses. Consumers and organisations are growing increasingly aware of this process and so it is important that you can actually back up any claims that you make.
Why is sustainability important in the events industry?
There is sometimes a perception that being sustainable is about being told what you cannot do, and having to make sacrifices. However by implementing an efficient and sustainable management system you can make significant cost savings. The development of the international standard ISO 20121 in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic Games is going to put sustainability at the heart of the events industry. Those who have already begun their sustainability journey will be demonstrating that they are progressive and showing leadership.
What is BS 8901?
BS 8901 is a specification for a sustainable event management system. It is not a checklist approach and allows you to address the issues that are relevant to you.
What is ISO 20121?
ISO 20121 is an international standard for sustainability in the events industry currently being developed. It is based on BS 8901 and is expected to launch in time for the London 2012 Olympics. Fiona Pelham, Chair of the ISO 20121 Development Committee, has provided some background to the standard. Read more about understanding ISO 20121.
What is GRI?
GRI stands for Global Reporting Initiative and it provides a framework for writing a sustainability report. Organisations can choose to report at different levels, based on the numbers of indicators they report on.
What is the GRI Event Organizers Sector Supplement?
GRI is currently developing sustainability reporting guidelines for the event organizers sector. The GRI Event Organizers Sector Supplement includes views from the event organizers industry and global stakeholders on the key issues for sustainability reporting. It is due to be published later this year.
What certification options are available to me for BS 8901?
With BS 8901 you can choose to self-certify, have second party certification (for example carried out by a stakeholder) or third party certification. For more information please get in touch or see the British Standards website for information on third party certification.
Does Positive Impact provide certification for BS 8901?
Positive Impact provides education about sustainability including BS 8901 and how you can begin to implement it. Our sister company Sustainable Events Ltd can take you through the process of implementing BS 8901 but does not offer certification. For information on third party certification please see details on the British Standards website.
Do you run workshops on the Green Tourism Business Scheme?
All aspects of certification and reporting for sustainability in the events industry are covered by our workshops. However, we focus in more detail on the BS 8901 (future ISO 20121) standard and GRI reporting. This is because we feel that using a framework approach helps to integrate sustainability into your operations and allows you to focus on the issues relevant to your organisation.
What actions do you take to make Positive Impact more sustainable?
We believe in what we say and sustainability is at the heart of our company. Here are some of the steps that we take to make own operations more sustainable:
- We operate to the BS 8901 standard for a sustainable event management system and have been externally certified
- We share our sustainability policy with stakeholders through the website and through email communications
- We use public transport, walking or cycling for our UK travel
- We don’t have a printer in our office, therefore reducing paper usage as well as consumables like toner
- We get our business cards printed on 100% recycled uncoated paper
- We have a flexible working policy and encourage new ways of working
- We provide support to local causes by donating staff time, collecting items for donation, or making financial contributions
- We report on our sustainability using the Global Reporting Initiative framework