Barcelona-based sustainable creative destination management company, Factor 3 Events has been awarded the coveted Biosphere certification.
The Biosphere certification is granted by the Institute of Responsible Tourism, an independent organization created in 1995 to promote sustainability in tourism. Supported by UNESCO, its certification programme is based on the 17 Sustainable Development Objectives of the same organization.
Toby KenyonOriginally hailing from Spain, Factor 3 Events now has a global presence and is keen to push its sustainability agenda. This effort was recognised by Barcelona City Council and Barcelona Tourism together with the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce which welcomed Factor 3 Events as a new member to the Barcelona Biosphere community.
"Government and the private sector need to work together to deliver more sustainable events that make for better future prospects for humans, animals and the planet," Factor 3 Events cofounder Toby Kenyon told M&IT. "After the recent global pandemic, it is more than evident that our sector must aim to make the least possible impact.”
“Moreover, our industry should contribute to the regeneration of the natural environment and support local communities. At Factor 3 Events the certification process has generated a new way of thinking about how we deliver products, services and operations.”
By obtaining the Biosphere certificate, Factor 3 Events has shown its commitment to offering a range of sustainable services. These include:
- Approaching every request from the perspective of three core values: respect, creativity and sustainability
- Working with other Biosphere members as suppliers and allies
- Identifying the most sustainable suppliers for each specific element of the programme
- Working with small local suppliers
- Offering local food and favouring vegetarian and free-range produce
- Reducing the use of transport on all our events by offering activities at walking distance
- Offering activities with local charities, CSR and also activities that teach guests about our local culture
Kenyon also believes hybrid events have a significant place in the future of the industry. "This way we can avoid delegates flying all over the world and concentrate on smaller, more regional events that are more sustainable and respectful."
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
