EVT61704 Sustainable Event Management Chapter - Introduction PDF

EVT61704 Sustainable Event Management Chapter 1 Introduction to Sustainable Events Learning Outcomes 1. Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts 2. Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts 2 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts What Is Sustainable Event Management? According to ISO 20121, sus...

EVT61704 Sustainable Event Management Chapter 1 Introduction to Sustainable Events Learning Outcomes 1. Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts 2. Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts 2 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts What Is Sustainable Event Management? According to ISO 20121, sustainable event management: Is the process of integrating environmental and social responsibility issues into event planning. requires incorporation of the needs and values of different stakeholders that are impacted by the event. Should take steps to reduce significant negative impacts, or harm, such as solid waste. Should also seek out opportunities for events to leave positive legacies that benefit communities, including philanthropic and volunteer projects Principles for Sustainable Events According to Sustainable Events Alliance, “Sustainability for events means taking action towards preserving our natural environment promoting a healthy, inclusive society, and supporting a thriving economy”. Source: https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/sustainable-event-management#start%20guide 3 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts What is sustainable development? Sustainable development = a process that results in the goal of sustainability Sustainable = to exist in perpetuity without depleting the resources necessary for the continuation into the future. Development = change over time (not necessarily growth) Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 4 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts Green Meetings versus Sustainable Meetings Green Meetings Events created and executed to curb (limit) harmful effects on the environment (e.g. minimize waste), while taking the current environment into consideration. It is usually not associated with the overall impact on future generations, or the triple bottom line (TBL) Sustainable Meetings (or Green Meetings) Events that are more encompassing that includes implementing and executing a plan to save resources, while also improving the performance of the event. Takes into consideration the event’s total impact on the environment, society and the economy, with emphasis on sourcing of materials that are environmentally and socially responsible. The Green Meeting Guide by United Nation’s Environment Program (UNEP) defines “a green or sustainable meeting or event” to be one that is designed, organised and implemented in ways that minimize environmental impacts and leave a positive legacy for the host community Source: Meetings, Expositions, Events and Conventions (Fenich, 2019) 5 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts What is sustainable development? Definitions Source Process of transformation Liburd & Edwards (2010) Sustainable development = the notion of human progress towards maintaining or improving standards of living, without compromising the natural systems on which all life depends for survival United Nations - World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), (1987) Development that promotes the capabilities of present people, without compromising capabilities of future generations Leβmann & Rauschmayer (2013) A strategy that manages all assets, natural resources and human resources, as well as the financial and physical assets, for increasing long-term wealth and wellbeing Repetto, cited in Pearce et. al (2000) Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 6 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts What is sustainable development? Definitions Source A dynamic process in which communities anticipate and accommodate the needs of current and future generations, in ways that reproduce and balance local social, economic and ecological systems, and link local actions to global concerns Berke & Conroy (2000) Where human development goals are achieved based on society metabolizing natural resources into waste no faster than nature can convert the waste back into resources Moran et al (2008) Where human production and consumption systems, such as agriculture, transport and energy generated, function within ecological boundaries Meadowcroft (2009) Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 7 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts What is sustainability? It is the goal of sustainable development An equilibrium or condition of stability where consumption and renewal of resources are in a balance that maintain conditions for human survival to continue forever Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 8 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts What is sustainability? Traditional notion is based on simultaneous achievement of: Economic Sustainability = viable enterprises and related economic activity is maintained in the long term Social Sustainability = ethical and equitable principles in terms of equal opportunity and human rights, maintaining and strengthening local communities and their social support systems, with the absence of exploitation Environmental Sustainability = where natural resources are conserved and responsibly managed, especially nonrenewables and/or vital for life support, by minimizing pollution, conserving biological diversity and protecting natural heritage Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 9 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts Human Society underpinned by 3 Main Elements 1. Economic 2. Environment 3. Social domains Venn Diagram Nested Ovals Pillars Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 10 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts Prosperity (Economic) (Society) The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) is an accounting framework that provides a comprehensive measure of a company’s performance in 3 interrelated dimensions of people, planet and prosperity. Planet (Environment) Source: https://medium.com/@Anaiska/contribute-to-a-better-world-be-a-successful-company-sustainabilityin-a-shared-economy-startup-50cc72f2e37b 1 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts The Three Pillars of Sustainability The three pillars of sustainability are a powerful tool for defining the complete sustainability problem. This consists of at least the economic, social, and environmental pillars. If any one pillar is weak then the system as a whole is unsustainable. Source: https://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/ThreePillarsOfSustainability.htm 12 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts The Nested Oval - Hierarchy conceptualization of Sustainability Conceptualisation of ‘strong’ sustainability. Social and economic actions are constrained by the biophysical limits to sustaining life on Earth. In other words, the need to maintain a functioning life support system, i.e. the biophysical environment, is paramount for human societies and their economies to thrive. This nested hierarchy conceptualisation of sustainability is in contrast to the notion of ‘triple bottom line sustainability’ which considers the three pillars (environment, economy, and society) as parallel concepts. Environment Society Economics Source: Pathways towards sustainable landscapes (Bohnet. & Beilin, 2015) 13 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts Fundamental Issues 1. Increasing rate of resource consumption 2. Finite resources 3. Limits to productivity Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 1 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts The Earth is exhausted - we're using up its resources faster than it can provide Fundamental Issues Increasing rate of resource consumption Finite resources Limits to productivity 1 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts Fundamental Issues Increasing rate of resource consumption Finite resources Limits to productivity Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 1 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts Environmental Stewardship The concept of Environmental Stewardship is: the idea that we are temporary custodians on the land on which our activities take place and we are responsible for the resources consumed and waste created To adopt Environmental Stewardship ensure that waste creation is minimized and there is responsible management of waste, through the following practices: 1. Undertake an environment impact assessment 2. Create an environment protection plan 3. Have plans to ensure the reduction of solid, liquid and gaseous waste emissions 4. Encourage the development and diffusion of sustainable technologies through supply chain management Source: Sustainable Event Management – Jones (2018) 17 a) Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts How some events and companies are applying sustainability concepts https://youtu.be/-YG9gUJMGyw Saltwater Brewery "Edible Six Pack Rings" https://youtu.be/_R9_SM-KR7U Reduce impact on Concerts 18 Learning Outcomes 1. Sustainable Developments & Key Concepts 2. Economic, Social and Environmental Impact 19 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact Traditional Events Depending on type and size of event, usually result in a range of positive and negative impacts at local and wider scale Initial focus of event impact measurement and management was on economics (Foley & Getz, 2010), where success = financial contributions to stakeholders Awareness Event organisers and event goers become more aware of wider impact The need to ensure negative impacts are minimized, while benefits are maximized across social, economic and environmental aspects. “Green Events” An idea that began with focus on environmental issues but has since expanded to include social and economic concerns defined as an event that has a sustainable policy and/or implements sustainable management practices (Laing & Frost, 2010). Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 20 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact Sustainable Events (UN definitions) Events that address the 3 aspects that include environmental, economic and social issues. Economic issues – depending on size and scale, the event is economically viable and contributes to the development of viable enterprises in the region in which it occurs, and also trigger related economic activity that can be maintained in the long term Environmental issues – event planning and operations focus on conservation of natural resources by minimizing pollution and other negative impacts, by actively working to conserve natural and built environment where the event occurs Social issues – event is based on socially ethical and equitable principles (e.g. equal opportunity employment, reasonable working conditions with the absence of exploitation). Additionally contributed to maintaining and strengthening local communities through local employment and promotion of social and cultural pride, conservation of cultural heritage and strengthening community networks. Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 21 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact IMPACT Economic Environmental Social Positive Employment Event Income Increased trade / business Increased tourism spending Funds to support ongoing community development Urban renewal Nature conservation Pro-environmental behaviour increases Enhanced environmental awareness Negative Short term employment Economic leakage Inflation Opportunity costs Externalities (environmental costs) Air pollution Water pollution Litter and waste Overcrowding Trampling Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) Community pride / prestige Community cohesion / networks Skills and capacity building Entertainment opportunities Volunteering opportunities Increased commercial activities Improved destination image Revitalisation of traditions Increased tolerance of diversity Job creation and employment Increased noise and traffic congestion Overcrowding Antisocial behaviour Loss of amenity Social dislocation Negative community image Community alienation Loss of authentic traditions 22 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact TBL and the UN SDG https://www.sembcorp.com/en/sustainability/our-approach/Managing-Sustainability 23 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact An example of Corporate Initiatives in support of UN SDG https://www.sembcorp.com/en/sustainability/our-approach/Managing-Sustainability 24 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact Sustainable Event Stakeholders It is important to communicate the importance and need to all key stakeholders, to gain support and effectively implement sustainable practices (Laing & Frost, 2010) Key Stakeholders in sustainable events include: Sponsors Government agencies Venue owners and managers Land owners and managers Community groups Volunteers Media Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 25 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact Guides and Certifications Offer information and advise on how to plan and implement sustainable events Guides are developed by government, non-profit organisations and event industry leaders Even if event organiser is keen to implement sustainable practices, not all stakeholders share the same goal ISO 20121 A set of international standards published in 2012 Officially used for first time at the 2012 London Olympics Games Based on British Standards Institute (BS8901) for sustainable event management Details requirements for a high quality event sustainability management system for any type of event Includes social, economic and environmental issues Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 26 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact Sustainable Event Guides, Toolkits & Standards Document Publisher Focus Sustainable Events Guide UK Dept.for Environment, Food and A guide to assist government departments to Rural Affairs (DEFRA) plan sustainable events Event Impact Toolkit UK Sport, Visit Britain, Event Scotland, London Developmental Agency, Yorkshire Forward, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau A toolkit for event planners with good practices guidelines and resources for measuring and monitoring economic, environmental and social impacts Encore Festival & Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Event Evaluation Research Centre, Australia Toolkit A toolkit for measuring the economic impact of any type and size event. Also includes environmental and social impact modules Sustainable Events Guidelines Tasmanian Environmental Protection Authority, Events Tasmania Some key points and a check list relating to managing negative environmental and social impacts A Greener Festival A Greener Festival: a not-for-profit company aimed at assisting arts and music festivals becoming more sustainable Awards and good practice guides for sustainable arts and music festivals – focusing on green-field festivals Yourope Clean ‘n’ Green Award Yourope – a European festival association Environmental guidelines for music festivals Source: Events And Sustainability - Holmes, Hughes, Mair & Carlsen (2015) 27 b) Economic, Social & Environmental Impact The Principles for Sustainable Events addresses all 17 of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UN SDG) Source:https://www.scoop.it/topic/sustainable-events-news/p/4105305760/2019/02/09/event-industry-councilprinciples-of-event-sustainability-supports-sea-charter 28 Learning Activities Discussion #1 Think about the last event you attended, how much consideration was given to sustainability issues? 29 Learning Activities Discussion #2 Can any event be sustainable? Conduct an online search to identify events that claim to be sustainable and categorise their infractions (violations). 30 Learning Activities Discussion #3 Even if event organiser is keen to implement sustainable practices, not all stakeholders share the same goal. Discuss the goals of the following stakeholders that may contradict sustainable practices a) Sponsors b) Government agencies c) Venue owners and managers d) Land owners and managers e) Community groups f) Volunteers 31 Learning Activities Discussion #4 Select 1 topic and briefly explain how it is connected to sustainable events management. 32