Environmentally Sustainable Meetings and Events
This category addresses how to be sustainable for meetings and events as well as conferences and trade shows. From the marketing to the food and beverages served at these events, these standards will help to make them as sustainable as possible.
ISO/IEC TS 17021-4:2013
Conformity assessment - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems - Part 4: Competence requirements for auditing and certification of event sustainability management systems
ISO/IEC TS 17021-4:2013 complements the existing requirements of ISO/IEC 17021:2011. It specifies additional competence requirements for personnel involved in the audit and certification process for event sustainability management systems (ESMS).
ISO 20121:2012
Event sustainability management systems - Requirements with guidance for use
ISO 20121:2012 specifies requirements for an event sustainability management system for any type of event or event-related activity, and provides guidance on conforming to those requirements.
ISO 20121:2012 is applicable to any organization that wishes to:
- establish, implement, maintain and improve an event sustainability management system;
- ensure that it is in conformity with its stated sustainable development policy;
- demonstrate voluntary conformity with ISO 20121:2012 by
- first party (self-determination and self-declaration),
- second party (confirmation of conformance by parties having an interest in the organization, such as clients, or by other persons on their behalf), or
- an independent third party (e.g. a certification body).
ISO 20121:2012 has been designed to address the management of improved sustainability throughout the entire event management cycle.
CSA Z2010-10 (R2021)
Requirements and guidance for organizers of sustainable events
Preface This is the first edition of CSA Z2010, Requirements and guidance for organizers of sustainable events. A sustainable event entails incorporating considerations of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of hosting an event into all areas of event planning and management in order to minimize negative impacts, augment positive benefits, and create positive legacies for present and future generations. Scope 1.1 This Standard specifies requirements for organizing and executing sustainable events, and provides guidance on how to engage, inspire, and continually improve the performance of events contributing to sustainable development. While the event will be more sustainable, it will not necessarily be sustainable in absolute terms. Implementation of this Standard may not be used to support a claim of absolute sustainability. This Standard is applicable for use by organizations or individuals responsible for organizing events and applies to the full range of event types and sizes. Event types include cultural, business, and sporting events and festivals. "Event" can refer to a single or a recurring event. This Standard may also prove useful to event funders or sponsors who wish to encourage sustainability goals and objectives internally or externally. This Standard applies to the life cycle of event management, including the planning, execution, and closure phases, but not to the content or theme of the event. 1.2 In CSA standards, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (nonmandatory) to define their application.
ASTM E2772-13e1
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Accommodations for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for evaluation and selection of accommodations for envirommentally sustainable meetings, events, trade shows, or conferences (hereafter, referred to as events). The selection of accommodation is a core activity to plan an event and bring it to fruition.
1.2 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of event planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories’ criteria: staff management and environmental policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body—Scope, Referenced Documents, Terminology, Planner Requirements for Level 1, Supplier Requirements for Level 1, and Keywords; Annexes—Planner Requirements for Levels 2 – 4 and Supplier Requirements for Levels 2 – 4.
1.3 All areas of performance specified under this specification may not be relevant for each event, or for each facility or provider of event services. In some cases, an event planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specifications (for example, Specifications E2741, E2742) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated out and considered solely, or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction). Furthermore, the specification applies separately to each supplier for an event. This means if multiple suppliers are used within the context of a single specification, each supplier must individually meet the supplier requirements. To be considered an environmentally sustainable event at Level 1, all areas applicable to that event shall be achieved.
1.4 If higher levels are achieved in some sections, the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved.
1.5 The use of levels within this specification recognizes the path to environmentally sustainable events is a multi-stage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, while being flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners and establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, the evolution of products and services to support events is expected allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. This specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
ASTM E2745-11
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Audio Visual (AV) and Production for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for the audio visual and production services associated with meetings, events, trade shows, or conferences (hereafter, referred to as events).
1.2 Audio visual (AV) and production services encompass the range of services required to provide staging, d?cor, scenic elements, audio, video, lighting, and technical production.
1.3 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of event planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories’ criteria: staff management policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body
1.4 All areas of performance under this specification may not be relevant for each event or for each facility or provider of event services. In some cases, an event planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specifications (for example, Specifications E2774, E2743) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated and considered solely or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction).
1.5 If higher levels are achieved in some sections, the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved.
1.6 The use of levels within this specification recognizes the path to environmentally sustainable events is a multi-stage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, to be flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners and to establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, the evolution of products and services to support events is expected, allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. This specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM E2746-11
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Communication and Marketing Materials for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for communications and marketing for a meeting, event, trade show, or conference (hereafter, referred to as events).
1.2 Communications materials for events related to the marketing and communications associated with an event include, but are not limited to: paper, printed materials, giveaways and promotional items, signage, educational materials, written pre- and post-event instructions to each exhibitor, registration area apparatus, forms, organizers, and packaging, surveys, exhibitor advertising leaflets, event guides and maps, badges, holders, stickers, ribbons, writing pads, pens, pencils, bags, totes, and lanyards.
1.3 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of event planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories’ criteria: staff management policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body
1.4 All areas of performance specified under this specification may not be relevant for each event, or for each facility or provider of event services. In some cases, an event planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specifications (for example, Specifications E2774, E2742) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated out and considered solely, or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction). Furthermore, the specification applies separately to each supplier for an event. This means if multiple suppliers are used within the context of a single specification, each supplier must individually meet the supplier requirements. To be considered an environmentally sustainable event at Level 1, all areas applicable to that event shall be achieved.
1.5 If higher levels are achieved in some sections the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved.
1.6 The use of levels within this specification recognizes the path to sustainable events is a multi-stage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, while being flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners and to establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, evolution of products and services to support events is expected allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. The specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM E2741-11
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Destinations for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for destination selection for meetings, events, trade shows, or conferences (hereafter, referred to as events). Destination selection is the practice of researching, evaluating, and choosing the location for an event. Destination selection is a core activity to plan an event and bring it to fruition.
1.2 This specification has three categories: planner, supplier, and host destination.
1.2.1 In the planner category, criteria are identified related to environmental sustainability that are considered in destination selection.
1.2.2 In the supplier category, criteria are listed for suppliers, which, in the case of this sector, are called “destination professionals.” Destination professionals may include destination marketing organizations (DMOs or convention and visitor bureaus [CVBs]), third-party site-selection companies, destination management companies, chambers of commerce, economic development departments, or regional authorities.
1.2.3 In the host destination category, a destination may be defined as a city, area, or country that can be marketed to groups or individuals as a place to visit or hold an event. Although destination selection may consider country, regional, and city attributes, planners most often consider the capacity of a city and its metropolitan area to host their event rather than country or regional capacity. The process of destination selection will, therefore, focus mainly on destination city attributes as opposed to regional or country characteristics.
1.3 Destination selection will include aspects of destination selection as it relates to host cities. This includes the process of evaluating destinations on the basis of how close they are to attendees, as well as the availability of public transit.
1.4 Whereas this specification has three categories described in 1.2 (planner, supplier, and host destination), both the planner and host destination categories will be considered mandatory for an event under this specification. The supplier category will only apply if a professional destination agency (CVB or DMO), as defined in 1.2.2 is used. If a supplier is not used, the requirements in this destination supplier category may be waived.
1.5 In this specification, specific environmental sustainability attributes of the venue (for example, conference or convention center), accommodations, or destination selection contractors will not be considered. Destination selection considers the availability of these in a general sense.
1.6 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of event planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories’ criteria: staff management policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body
1.7 All areas of performance under this specification may not be relevant for each event or for each facility or provider of meting services. In some cases, a planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specifications (for example, Specifications E2774, E2742) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated and considered solely or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction). Furthermore, this specification applies separately to each supplier for an event. This means if multiple suppliers are used within the context of a single specification, each supplier shall individually meet the supplier requirements. To be considered an environmentally sustainable event at Level 1, all areas applicable to that event shall be achieved.
1.8 If higher levels are achieved in some sections, the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved.
1.9 The use of levels within this specification recognizes the path to environmentally sustainable events is a multi-stage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, while being flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners and establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, evolution of products and services to support events is expected allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. This specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.10 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM E2742-11
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Exhibits for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for exhibits and expositions for meetings, events, trade shows, or conferences (hereafter, referred to as events). This includes the set up and dismantling of trade shows and the exhibits that are built within the event floor.
1.2 This specification identifies environmental sustainability criteria to be included in exhibits and expositions by planners, general service contractors, exhibitors, exhibit builders, and exhibitor-appointed contractors.
1.3 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of event planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories’ criteria: staff management policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body
1.4 All areas of performance under this specification may not be relevant for each event or for each facility or provider of meting services. In some cases, an event planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specifications (for example, Specifications E2774, E2743) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated and considered solely or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction). Furthermore, this specification applies separately to each supplier for an event. This means that if multiple suppliers are used within the context of a single specification, each supplier shall individually meet the supplier requirements. In cases, where it is incumbent upon planners to consider the activities and responsibilities of all suppliers for an event, not only the primary suppliers addressed in this specification, the term event supplier shall be used. The requirements for suppliers do not apply to event suppliers. To be considered an environmentally sustainable event at Level 1, all areas applicable to that event shall be achieved.
1.5 If higher levels are achieved in some sections, the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved.
1.6 The use of levels within this specification recognizes that the path to environmentally sustainable events is a multi-stage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, to be flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners and to establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, the evolution of products and services to support events is expected allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. This specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM E2773-11
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Food and Beverage for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for the evaluation and selection of food and beverage for meetings, events, trade shows, and conferences (hereafter, referred to as events). Food and beverage evaluation and selection is the practice of specifying, selecting, and procuring, food, beverage, and non-consumable food- or beverage-related items. This specification includes all aspects of waste management, energy and water related practices, and associated training related to provision of food and beverage. Equipment required in the preparation and service of food and beverage is included in this specification.
1.2 This specification includes all food and beverage services provided onsite by catering, restaurants and concessions, as well as offsite food and beverage services which may be specified by a planner. This specification does not extensively address the attributes of the larger building in which the food and beverage supplier may be located. It does not include sanitizing cleaning practices specific to food preparation areas as requirements vary locally.
1.3 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of event planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories’ criteria: staff management policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body
1.4 All areas of performance under this specification may not be relevant for each event or for each facility or provider of event services. In some cases, an event planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specifications (for example, Specifications E2774, E2743) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated and considered solely or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction). Furthermore, this specification applies separately to each supplier for an event. This means that if multiple suppliers are used within the context of a single specification, each supplier shall individually meet the supplier requirements. To be considered an environmentally sustainable event at Level 1, all areas applicable to that event shall be achieved.
1.5 If higher levels are achieved in some sections, the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved. The use of levels within this specification recognizes that the path to environmentally sustainable events is a multistage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, to be flexible enough to adapt to the needs of planners with more comprehensive environmental goals and to establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, the evolution of products and services to support events is expected allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. This specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM E2747-11
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Onsite Offices for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for establishing onsite offices in conjunction with meetings, events, trade shows, or conferences (hereafter, referred to as events) by planners and suppliers.
1.2 Establishing an onsite office is the practice of procuring and equipping planner event or working spaces used for operational purposes, within or nearby the venues.
1.3 This specification pertains to onsite offices established by the event organizers for use by the event’s planner, staff, volunteers, sponsors, or vendors requiring temporary offices.
1.4 An environmentally sustainable office includes aspects of accommodations, communication and marketing materials, exhibits, food and beverage, venues, and transportation specifications. The specifications of these standards shall be visited and understood by planners and suppliers in order to effectively carry out the specifications of the onsite office standard.
1.5 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of meeting planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories of criteria: staff management policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body
1.6 All areas of performance under this specification may not be relevant for each event or for each facility or provider of event services. In some cases, an event planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specifications (for example, Specifications E2774, E2743) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated and considered solely or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction). Furthermore, this specification applies separately to each supplier for an event. This means if multiple suppliers are used within the context of a single specification, each supplier shall individually meet the supplier requirements. To be considered an environmentally sustainable event at Level 1, all areas applicable to that event shall be achieved.
1.7 If higher levels are achieved in some sections, the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved.
1.8 The use of levels within this specification recognizes the path to environmentally sustainable meetings is a multi-stage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, to be flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners, and to establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, evolution of products and services to support events is expected, allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. This specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM E2743-11
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Transportation for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for evaluating and selecting transportation for use in meetings, events, trade shows, and conferences (hereafter referred to as events).
1.2 Transportation for events includes, but is not limited to, the following activities: transporting participants to/from conference related events, transporting participants between conference facilities and hotels, and transportation of materials. This specification focuses primarily on the reduction of carbon emissions from transport-related activity arising from events.
1.3 This specification identifies environmental sustainability criteria to be included in the selection of transportation by planners or destination management companies. This specification also identifies criteria for transportation companies.
1.4 Transportation companies include bus, charter, limousine, airlines, freight forwarders, taxi, ferry boat, van pool, rail and ground operators, and rental car agencies.
1.5 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of event planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories criteria: staff management policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information is presented as follows: Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body
1.6 All areas of performance under this specification may not be relevant for each event, or for each facility or provider of event services. In some cases, an event planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specification (for example, Specifications E2774, E2742) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated out and considered solely, or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction). Furthermore, this specification applies separately to each supplier for an event. This means if multiple suppliers are used within the context of a single specification, each supplier must individually meet the supplier requirements. To be considered an environmentally sustainable event at Level 1, all areas applicable to that event shall be achieved.
1.7 If higher levels are achieved in some sections, the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved.
1.8 The use of levels within this specification recognizes the path to environmentally sustainable events is a multi-stage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, to be flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners and to establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, the evolution of products and services to support events is expected, allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. This specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.9 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ASTM E2774-11
Standard Specification for Evaluation and Selection of Venues for Environmentally Sustainable Meetings, Events, Trade Shows, and Conferences
1.1 This specification delineates procedural requirements for venue selection for meetings, events, tradeshows, or conferences (hereafter, referred to as events). Venue selection is the practice of researching, evaluating and choosing the facility for an event. Site selection is a core activity to plan an event and bring it to fruition.
1.2 This specification has two categories: planner and supplier:
1.2.1 In the planner category, criteria are identified related to sustainability that are considered in venue selection by planners.
1.2.2 In the supplier category, criteria are listed for venue professionals.
1.3 There are nine specifications covering the following areas of event planning: destination selection, accommodations, food and beverage, audio visual, onsite offices, communication and marketing materials, transportation, exhibits, and venues. Within each specification are eight categories’ criteria: staff management policy, communications, waste management, energy, air quality, water, procurement, and community partners. Each category is further split into four progressive levels of achievement. Information within each specification is divided as follows: Main Body
1.4 All areas of performance specified under this specification may not be relevant for each event, or for each facility or provider of event services. In some cases, an event planner would use this specification in conjunction with other specifications (for example, Specifications E2741, E2742) or this specification may be used individually. In other words, elements of an event may be separated out and considered solely, or added together and considered as a unit (for example, venues used individually versus transportation, accommodations, and destination selection used in conjunction). Furthermore, the specification applies separately to each supplier for an event. This means if multiple suppliers are used within the context of a single specification, each supplier must individually meet the supplier requirements. To be considered an environmentally sustainable event at Level 1, all areas applicable to that event shall be achieved.
1.5 If higher levels are achieved in some sections, the event can only be considered environmentally sustainable at the lowest level achieved.
1.6 The use of levels within this specification recognizes the path to environmentally sustainable events is a multi-stage effort. The idea behind the levels is to provide a coherent baseline for measuring environmental performance, while being flexible enough to adapt to the needs of more advanced planners and establish a performance path that encourages further environmental performance improvement. In addition, the evolution of products and services to support events is expected allowing additional advancements and underscoring the dynamic nature of environmental sustainability. This specification primarily focuses on environmental sustainability, while some aspects of economic and social sustainability are included recognizing the complete path toward overall sustainability.
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
