The IMEX Group has
published its Net Zero Strategy which outlines the tradeshow’s roadmap
to deliver net zero events and operate a net zero business by 2030.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “Our journey to net zero is about incremental steps. Initially we’re focussing on areas that we can fully control, such as the type of energy we use. Then we’ll expand to areas where we can have significant impact, for example waste management and the materials used in our supply chain. Finally, we will be measuring the impact of travel and when we’re able to, we’ll report on this further."
Net zero roadmap –
a partnership approach
IMEX’s net zero
roadmap is part of its commitment to the industry-wide Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative -
and IMEX intends to reach net zero by 2030, ahead of the 2050 target set out by
NZCE in line with the Paris Agreement. The Net Zero Strategy is yet another
expression of IMEX’s new Vision: A thriving global events industry focused on
positive change.
IMEX was an early
signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge and committed to long-term
reduction and mitigation of event emissions. Its strategy focuses on reducing
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions while producing both IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX
America shows each year.
IMEX will work
closely with exhibitors and stand constructors to gradually increase the
percentage of reusable and sustainable materials used in building each show.
The team will also work with suppliers to gather data that provides a
comprehensive emissions footprint - this baseline will then guide future
reduction decisions. Data will include numerous indirect greenhouse gas
impacts, including emissions from food production, as well as attendee,
exhibitor, and staff travel.
IMEX America
recognised again as zero waste event
Partners,
MeetGreen, have worked with IMEX for more than 10 years to measure and report
on the shows’ sustainability achievements. The Sustainable Event Report for IMEX
America 2022 has just been released which makes public the
show’s energy usage, F&B, materials consumption, reuse and its community
impact and more.
Highlights include
a landfill diversion rate of 92 per cent and 191,258 kilowatt hour of renewable
solar energy generated by MGM which powered activities at the venue, Mandalay
Bay Convention Center. This, along with a range of recycling, composting and
donation efforts resulted in IMEX America reaching the industry threshold for a
zero-waste event.
This measurement
will now be expanded as IMEX embarks on the next phase of its emissions
accounting and management journey through a new partnership with events
industry body isla. Using its platform TRACE, IMEX will measure and report on
travel emissions for everyone attending the shows – with results available in a
few months. Building on this investment, the team has recently issued an RFP in
search of a suitable carbon offsetting supplier.
Bauer added, “Our ethos is
always to share what we learn and never more so than now, and we’ll be using
our ongoing reports to disclose progress. Our roadmap isn’t just about IMEX
achieving net zero, but encouraging and leading others to do the same. Our
Vision is to support a thriving global events industry focused on positive change.
This positive change can only happen if organisations look beyond their own
journey to net zero and recognise that we’re all part of a wider ecosystem that
needs to work together. The expression ‘be the change you want to see in the
world’ has never been more relevant."
