Venue Sustainability and Waste Managment Planning
Glasshouse in Minneapolis is light-filled, open, and airy with artisan-crafted lighting installations.
Venues play a significant role in helping all vendors make sustainable choices. Here’s how to get started.
Event venues play a pivotal role in shaping the sustainability landscape within the events industry. They also have a significant influence on environmental practices of the vendors that use their space and can create beneficial community engagement offerings that give back. Their commitment to eco-friendly initiatives not only contributes to a healthier planet but also sets a positive example for attendees, vendors, and the wider community. By adopting sustainable practices, venues can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, conserve resources, and minimize waste.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the positive impact extends to fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility, inspiring individuals and businesses alike to embrace sustainable practices in their daily lives. The collective efforts of event venues toward sustainability set the standard for positive change, making it easier for all vendors and clients to make sustainable choices when everything is set in place by the venue.
So how can venues get started on laying the groundwork for the rest of the industry?
Glasshouse is a creative redesign of an old manufacturing site and has been modernized with a rooftop solar power system and LED lighting throughout.
Partnering with local distilleries and craft breweries, The Glasshouse bar program is focused on supporting local, sustainable and BIPOC-owned businesses.
5 Focus Areas for Venues to build in Sustainability
Here are five areas that event venues can focus on to enhance their sustainability efforts:
Energy Efficiency:
Implement energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting and smart HVAC systems, to reduce overall energy consumption.
Explore renewable energy sources like solar panels to generate clean energy on-site.
Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and equipment by vendors and exhibitors.
Waste Management:
Establish comprehensive waste separation and recycling programs to minimize landfill waste.
Provide organic recycling bins for food and floral waste.
Encourage the use of reusable or compostable materials for catering and event materials.
Provide clearly marked recycling, organics, and trash bins and educate event attendees/staff on proper waste disposal practices.
Train staff to sort all waste back of house to avoid contamination.
Water Conservation:
Invest in water-efficient fixtures and technologies to reduce water consumption in restrooms and other facilities.
Implement rainwater harvesting systems for landscaping and other non-potable water needs.
Encourage attendees and vendors to use water responsibly and provide water refill stations.
Transportation and Accessibility:
Promote sustainable transportation options such as public transit, biking, and walking.
Offer incentives for carpooling and ridesharing, and provide designated parking for electric vehicles.
Ensure the venue is accessible to people with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and reducing the need for additional transportation.
Community Engagement and Education:
Collaborate with local communities to source materials and services sustainably.
Educate event stakeholders, including staff, vendors, and attendees about the venue's sustainability initiatives. Ask for their support!
Showcase sustainability efforts through signage, communication channels, and online platforms to inspire others.
The Luminare partners with local farmers and sustainably-focused businesses, in addition to supporting zero-waste efforts in their space.
The bar at The Luminare offers reusable glassware, eliminates single-use plastic like straws and cups, and only utilizes non compostable/recyclable garnishes.
How Venues Can Update their Waste Management Practices.
Composting and waste management practices are crucial for reducing the environmental impact of event venues. Here are some tips to implement effective composting and waste management:
Establish a Comprehensive Waste Management Plan:
Develop a detailed waste management plan that includes recycling, composting, and landfill waste streams.
Clearly communicate the plan to all event stakeholders, including vendors, staff, and attendees.
Provide Adequate Recycling and Composting Bins:
Place easily identifiable (color-coded) recycling and composting bins throughout the venue, especially in high-traffic areas.
Clearly label bins with instructions on what can and cannot be disposed of in each stream.
Educate Attendees and Staff:
Share information with attendees before and during events to educate attendees and staff about the importance of waste separation. Have signs
Provide information on compostable materials and how to properly dispose of them.
Collaborate with Sustainable Vendors:
Encourage vendors to use compostable or recyclable packaging materials.
Work with caterers and food vendors to minimize single-use plastics and prioritize compostable utensils and containers.
Implement a Composting Program:
Set up composting facilities on-site or partner with local composting services.
Compost food waste, biodegradable utensils, and other compostable materials generated during events.
Track and Measure Waste Reduction:
Monitor and track waste generation and diversion rates to assess the success of your waste management efforts.
Use data to identify areas for improvement and celebrate achievements in waste reduction.
Promote Reusables:
Encourage the use of reusable items such as water bottles, cups, and plates to minimize single-use waste.
Provide water refill stations to discourage the use of disposable water bottles.
Post-Event Cleanup:
Have a thorough post-event cleanup plan to ensure that all waste is properly sorted and disposed of or recycled.
Consider organizing volunteer cleanup events to engage the community in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment.
By implementing these practices, event venues can contribute to a more sustainable approach and set the standard for the industry!
PAIKKA’s sustainability program offers a discount for couples and coordinators who honor sustainable practices. Photographer @sarascanio + Florist @apricotfloral + @plantyqueens.
PAIKKA is also committed to reducing waste inside and out by providing composting and recycling on-site for all events and reducing water and energy consumption. Photography @zoeprindsflashweddings + Florist @marthasgardens.
If you are a venue owner and would like to chat more about how to integrate these practices into your space please reach out! Many counties will offer grants and benefits to businesses that are moving us toward a circular and sustainable future. If you’re looking for a sustainably minded venue or vendor, check out our directory for our list of vetted partners!
