SUSTAINABILITY

While the events industry plays a critical role in creating meeting spaces to work on solutions to end the worldwide climate crisis, it also contributes to the problem. The Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative was created to bring together organizations across the industry (from venues to organizers to exhibitors and more) to drive the events sector towards net zero. This concrete goal of this collaborative, hosted by The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC,) is aimed to be accomplished by 2050.


As written on the Net Zero Carbon Events’ website, the group brings together stakeholders to:

  • Jointly communicate our industry’s commitment to tackling climate change and driving towards net zero by 2050

  • Develop common methodologies for measuring the industry’s direct, indirect and supply-chain greenhouse gas emissions

  • Construct an industry-wide roadmap towards net zero by 2050 and emissions reductions by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement, with support and guidance on key issues

  • Foster collaboration with suppliers and customers to ensure alignment and common approaches

  • Establish common mechanisms for reporting progress and sharing best practice

EDPA is an Official Supporter of Net Zero Carbon Events. We are proud of our events industry and wish it to provide opportunities for many generations to come. 

To learn more about this initiative and to get involved, become a Supporter or take the Pledge. Also, get involved with the EDPA Sustainability Chapter, which shares similar goals with this Initiative.

EDPA, ESCA, and EIC Sustainability
Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction

The EDPA, ESCA, and EIC collaboratively developed groundbreaking sustainability guidance that has been explicitly tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by the various industry verticals served by the organizations’ members. The Guidance for Sustainable Exhibition Stand Construction (GSESC) ensures that EDPA, ESCA, and EIC member organizations have clear and actionable guidance to reduce environmental impact and promote responsible practices. 

"Amidst the evolution of event experiences, we must prioritize sustainability at every stage of planning and execution," explained Dasher Lowe, Executive Director of EDPA. "Our partnership with ESCA and EIC represents a crucial step in driving this transformation, setting new benchmarks, and inspiring our industry peers to embrace sustainability wholeheartedly. The Guidance for Sustainable Exhibition Stand Construction encompasses various facets of event planning and execution, including, but not limited to, waste reduction, energy conservation, responsible sourcing, and community engagement, and aligns with the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. The guidance aims to minimize environmental footprints and foster a culture of awareness and responsibility among event professionals.”

This comprehensive document, created in collaboration with technical writer Reduce 2, provides exhibitors with a robust framework to minimize their environmental footprint while maximizing their impact at trade shows. Here, we explore the numerous benefits that this sustainability guidance offers to exhibitors.

  • Enhanced Brand Image and Reputation

  • Cost Savings Through Efficient Resource Use

  • Improved Operational Efficiency

  • Competitive Advantage

  • Enhanced Customer Engagement

  • Positive Environmental Impact

  • Compliance and Certification

  • Long-Term Viability and Resilience

You can access the document here: EDPA, ESCA, and EIC Sustainability Guidance for Exhibition Stand Construction 

The EDPA and ESCA's "Guidance for Sustainable Exhibition Stand Construction" offers exhibitors a comprehensive roadmap to integrate sustainability into their practices. From enhancing brand reputation and achieving cost savings to gaining a competitive edge and making a positive environmental impact, the benefits of adopting these guidelines are manifold. By embracing this guidance, exhibitors not only contribute to a more sustainable industry but also position themselves as leaders in the global movement towards environmental responsibility.