More than
30 major meetings and events industry organisations from across the world are
now financial contributors to Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE), the industry’s
global initiative to address climate change that was launched at Cop26 in
Glasgow in 2021.
Organisations
ranging from convention bureaux, venues and event service suppliers to event organisers and associations are contributing at one of four tiers: Platinum,
Gold, Silver and Green.
The European
Major Exhibition Centres Association (EMECA)
recently became the 30th organisation to become a funding partner of the Net Zero Carbon Event
initiative.
After
confirming Gold Level funding, Barbara Weizsäcker, secretary seneral of EMECA said: “This is a very important issue for our members and our
industry in Europe and globally. EMECA is committed to reaching the 2050 net
zero carbon emissions goal and many of our members are supporters, signatories
and actively contributing to the NZCE work-streams.
“We believe that
as the association of the largest venues in Europe we have a special
responsibility in this field. The NZCE initiative is highly valuable to us not
only for the excellent resources such as the Roadmap and guidance on measuring
and reporting but also for compiling and helping to share advice and best
practice to all players in our industry implementing programmes to
achieve net zero. This is why we have chosen to become Gold Level funding
partners.”
The Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers
(IEEE)
The Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) is also now a Gold-level contributor. IEEE
is committed to helping combat and mitigate the effects of climate change
through pragmatic and accessible technical solutions.
Marie Hunter, head of global meetings, conferences and events said: "IEEE sponsors over 2000
conferences per year and we recognize, with this large global footprint, we can
play an important role in influencing the move towards a sustainable future. We believe Net Zero Carbon Events can be an impactful initiative to support our
common goals for the events sector."
QSNCC
More leading venues continue to join the contributors. The
Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Thailand (QSNCC) recently became a
Green level contributor.
When asked why QSNCC has joined as a funding partner
Sutichai Bunditvorapoom, executive vice president of N.C.C. Management and
Development Co., Ltd., manager of the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
(QSNCC) said“As a key player in the event industry in Thailand, QSNCC
has already set the plan for Net Zero and has taken several actions on sustainable
development. However, we understand that further collaboration on the
international level is also much needed as part of the global community. By
joining this project, we can align our plan with global community and partake
in actions to respond to the climate change.”
The organisations now contributing financially to the
campaign are:
Platinum Level - Freeman;
Informa; Javits Center; Questex: RX and ufi;
Gold Level - EMECA: Hong
Kong Convention and Exhibition Center; ICCA; Messe Munchen; Scottish Event
Campus, IEEE and SISO;
Silver Level - ADNEC;
Clarion Events; Diversified Communications: Emerald; IMEX Group: Tarsus and
VIPARIS;
Green Level - AIPC;
Boardroom; Earth Productions; Easyfairs; FIRST; Glasgow Convention Bureau;
IAPCO; ICC Sydney; IFES; MontECOlino; NBAA; Olympia London; OMEGA Group; QSNCC
and Stockholmsmassan.
James Rees, president of the
Joint Meetings Industry Council, which is driving the initiative for the
industry, said: “It is superb testimony to our industry and the importance of
this campaign that we have the financial support of so many leading
organisations and more continuing to join us. Their support is making a vital
contribution. We thank them all wholeheartedly.”
After the launch of the Net Zero Carbon Events
Pledge at Cop26, the Net Zero Carbon Event Roadmap was published at Cop27 in November 2022 as a
helpful resource. It is available as a Full Report
with comprehensive information on how to implement action to achieve Net Zero,
and as an Executive Summary.
Eight workstreams
have been identified to deliver on the priorities identified by the Roadmap
(Measurement, Reporting, Carbon offsetting, Venue energy, Smart Production and
Waste Management, Food and Food Waste, Logistics, Travel and Accommodation.
Groups are currently working to produce reports with recommendations covering
each workstream ahead of Cop28 in December 2023.
Net Zero Carbon Events is open
to all organisations involved in events. Registration is free of charge, but
financial contributions are crucial to developing the campaign.
Please visitwww.netzerocarbonevents.org/funding-opportunities
for further information.
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
