We care as much as you do, that’s why we strive for having the smallest footprint
Our job is to leave a lasting impression on your clients, not our planet. We stand wholeheartedly behind this statement – which is why we’ve worked tirelessly to research, and invest in, sustainable alternatives to our print processes and materials. The result is our Eco-Range; a collection of materials that are completely recyclable and replaces harmful products without compromising on quality.
Our continued research into evolving the way we work means that you can trust us to deliver top quality products, whilst you save money and look out for the planet we all share.
Sustainable Exhibitions & Events
Human Built design and install exhibitions and facilitate live events across the UK and beyond. Sustainability is something that no organisation can afford to ignore, which is why it is at the forefront of everything that we do.
The above only scratches the surface of what is a very complex operation, and one which we are proud to be a part of as responsive event designers.
As well as our partnership with isla, we are always keen to discuss how to minimise the environmental impact of our work with our clients. If you are looking to put on an exhibition or live event and you’d like to discuss sustainability with us, we’re always on board so please do reach out to us.
The concept of environment is also something we are continually looking to refine as we expand our reach. For any new developments in this area, keep an eye on our website and social media channels.
Research & Planning
No two venues or client requirements are the same. But what must remain consistent is the need to have the initial conversations about what is going to be possible from a sustainability standpoint.
After all, it is in the best interests of all parties involved to make sure they reduce their carbon footprint. Doing so will also help manage costs as a business, and ensure longevity in the industry due to a reduction in natural resource consumption.
The research is going to factor in the constraints of the venue, supply chain options and the exhibition organisers themselves. While we all have very different roles within putting on an event, we’re all working from the same page where sustainability is concerned.
That’s why we’ve partnered with isla, who are an independent body that provides practical guidance and support on a wide range of environmental issues directly related to the events industry. The work of isla spans agencies, brands, exhibition organisers, in-house teams, suppliers and venues alike. Working alongside a consortium of founding members, our and isla’s objectives are to achieve zero waste and to reduce carbon emissions as much as possible. These objectives are being explored through knowledge sharing, educational training, workshops and reports.
While each client will be subject to a unique approach, here are some of the key areas of any event that we and isla would look to consider, for both sustainable event management and sustainable conferences.
Logistics
A lot of components need transporting when putting on any live event, which can result in hundreds if not thousands of miles covered. One development that is gaining interest across the transport industry is the rise of electric vehicles, with diesel vehicles set to be phased out completely by 2030. At Human Built, we aim for all our fleet and staff to be using electric vehicles by 2025.
In the meantime, switching to greener vehicles is something that all companies can do. Rideshare and cycle to work schemes can also reduce emissions internally as a company. In addition, choosing headquarter locations that are well connected to public transport can reduce the number of cars on our roads.
If exhibitors are flying in to represent their company, then taking an economy flight will produce 40% fewer emissions versus a business class flight. However, travelling by sea is undoubtedly the most eco-friendly method of transport, producing just 8g of CO2 per ton/kilometre versus 665g for the same journey taken by a plane.
Catering
Catering forms an integral part of any live event, especially in arenas that may be in remote locations therefore provisions are not within easy reach. Seen as most people will expect food to be either provided or be available to purchase, one element of this that can be controlled is where the food is sourced from.
Using local suppliers will reduce food miles, lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the process. In addition, it is well documented that beef produces 10x the emissions of pork, chicken, fish or dairy options. Choosing other meats or better still going plant based is a step all events can easily take.
Leftover food is also a top consideration. Careful planning will ensure an adequate amount of food is provided for guests. Any leftover can be sold on a number of food waste prevention apps or given to local food banks. The food can also be transported by carbon neutral vehicles or bicycles.
Energy Use
The energy supplier of the building should ideally be a green supplier such as Bulb, which only uses renewable energy sources. Even with clear advice, it is not always going to be possible to influence the supplier of a venue. Though, the way exhibitions are designed including the use of all electrical equipment can be tailored to be as energy efficient as possible.
Aspects such as motion sensor activated technology and checking that all electrics are switched off at the end of the day can also reduce electricity demand. We can also advise which equipment would use the least amount of electricity to run.
Reusable Pieces
The design and construction of event spaces and their wider features is certainly part of our domain here at Human Built. Our services span graphic design, logistics, furniture hire, floor coverings, electrics, project management and much more.
What that means for our clients, is that we have a wide range of specialisms that can work together on each aspect of your exhibition or event to reduce the environmental impact as much as possible.
Specifically, we would consider how easy it would be for the pieces to be reused or recycled at the end of the event. As an example, signage required by a venue can be made to be generic, so that it can be reused many times over. Likewise, for individual stands, we would look to avoid single use items in favour of pieces that can be repurposed or recycled.
Considering Location
The fundamental principle of events, especially if they are on a large scale, is that thousands of people will be attending. As a result, organisers must consider the environmental impact this will create especially if the location is not well connected to public transport, or if no transport is not being organised for company attendees.
Event organisers can incentivise the hiring of carbon neutral coaches, which can transport exhibitors and attendees alike. There is also the possibility of creating a park and ride scheme using similar vehicles, which will also help avoid traffic congestion around the event location.
If there are concerns about local connectivity in the area, then organisers and venues may also wish to reach out to representatives in the area including councillors or MPs. Many local authorities have been granted funds to boost both public transport connectivity, and reduce environmental emissions within their area.
Offsetting Emissions
Even with the very best measures put in place, it’s impossible to avoid creating any emissions with exhibitions and live events, which attract thousands of visitors even before you consider the effort needed to design, install, transport and then dismantle them.
It’s not enough simply to be satisfied with the savings made when our planet is at stake. That’s why planning and procedures to offset emissions also need to be undertaken. The range of measures this may involve will vary.
One example includes stakeholders ring fencing money to put back into environmental causes. Across different industries, we’ve seen levy’s charged on the likes of plastic bags in supermarkets, and voluntary contributions that go towards the cost of planting a tree when booking a flight.
The same approach is needed within the events industry, to ensure unavoidable emissions are not only recorded with actions set to eliminate them for future events, but that measures are taken to compensate for emissions that couldn’t be prevented.
Transparent Reporting
Clear and detailed reporting is needed to ascertain the environmental impact of an event. The information can then be shared to not only offset the emissions with environmental initiatives but to improve on these figures for the future.
The report can then be revisited in subsequent years to investigate whether these objectives have been met so that every involved party continues to not take responsibility but reduce their impact.
It’s also important that the reporting is distributed among others within the industry so that we can all work together to do our bit. For example, as exhibition builders ourselves, we would find it useful to share with our peers the best materials that are effective but also recyclable. Or, the best electric vehicles for our logistics.
The vast majority of attendees will also have a keen interest in the environment and will appreciate such measures being taken as well as openly discussed. It is therefore worth appointing a member of each team who will take responsibility for aspects relating to sustainability.
