How to Reduce the Carbon Footprint of an Event
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In this guide, we will learn how to measure your event's carbon emissions and explore effective strategies for reducing them by using our free carbon calculator to estimate the carbon footprint of your event and take meaningful steps toward sustainability.
What is the carbon footprint of an event?
An event’s carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions it generates. This includes:
- Delegate travel (often the biggest factor)
- Venue energy usage
- Catering choices and food waste
- Printed materials and signage
- Digital infrastructure (servers, streaming, storage)
In short, anything that uses energy or materials and creates emissions contributes to your event’s footprint. The higher the number of attendees and the more complex the logistics, the greater the impact.
Why sustainability matters for your business
Reducing your event’s environmental impact isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. It can:
- Strengthen your brand reputation
- Show accountability to customers, employees, and investors
- Create meaningful carbon savings
- Support your journey to net zero
- Help to support the UN sustainable development goals
It’s also a powerful statement of your values. In a world where sustainability increasingly influences decisions, businesses that act responsibly stand out.
What makes an event sustainable?
A sustainable event is one where all carbon emissions are measured, reduced where possible, and any remaining emissions are offset through verified carbon removal or reduction projects.
At Warwick Conferences, we define sustainability not just as a goal, but as a process. That’s why we’ve developed a dedicated sustainability roadmap. A strategic plan that outlines how we support clients in delivering low-impact events. From reducing emissions to improving energy efficiency and minimising waste, our roadmap guides every step toward creating truly sustainable experiences.
How to reduce the carbon footprint of your event
Here are some of the most effective (and manageable) ways to reduce emissions and greenhouse gases at your next event:
1. Choose a central, well-connected venue
Travel is often the biggest contributor to event emissions. Select a venue that is:
- Centrally located (like Warwick, near the UK’s centre)
- Easily accessible by train or public transport
- Connected to cycle and pedestrian routes
Depending on where you are located, this can dramatically cut down on long-haul car or plane journeys.
2. Rethink your catering
Food plays a major role in sustainability. Warwick Conferences offers low-carbon catering options, including:
- Seasonal, local ingredients
- Plant-based meals
- Efficient portion planning to reduce waste
- Clear food development parameters
Want to visualise the impact? Use our carbon calculator to compare the footprint of a standard menu with a vegan alternative.
3. Go paperless where possible
Digital doesn’t mean impact-free, but going paperless is often a better choice. Minimise printed materials and use QR codes or apps for schedules.
Reduce your digital carbon footprint by:
- Avoiding large email attachments
- Compress images and PDFs
- Minimise unnecessary cloud storage
4. Rethink energy and waste
Choose a venue that is committed to:
- Renewable energy
- Energy-efficient lighting and heating
- Recycling stations and composting
- Avoiding single use plastics
Warwick Conferences, for example, is committed to operating sustainably, with strong environmental policies, green energy initiatives, and sustainable waste management.
You can also work with sustainable suppliers and reuse signage and materials from past events to cut down on new production.
5. Track progress and offset what you can’t reduce
Even with the best planning, some emissions will remain. That’s where carbon offsetting comes in. Our carbon calculator helps you to:
- Measure your emissions
- Identify areas for improvement
- Consider carbon offsetting (choosing vegan alternatives, skipping a room clean)
You might also consider hosting hybrid sessions when appropriate, which can reduce travel-related emissions while still engaging remote audiences.
What is the biggest impact you can make?
Delegate travel and food choices typically have the largest impact on an event’s carbon footprint and energy consumption. By addressing these early, you’ll make the most significant reductions.
Ready to take the next step?
Want to run a sustainable event that supports your brand and the planet?
Explore our carbon calculator and discover how Warwick Conferences can help you with calculating emissions and planning a sustainable event.
Charlie Nova
Charlie is a Digital Marketing Officer at Warwick Conferences, specialising in content that brings conferences and events to life.