Sustainability Brief Event: Sustainability Innovation Conference 2024 Prepared by: Gurvir Kaur sekhon Date: 11/30/24 Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. Event Details 3. Event Sustainability Issues 4. Event Sustainability Objectives 5. Event Sustainability Actions 6. Conclusion 7. References 1. Executive Summary The Sustainability Innovation Conference 2024, taking place on [March 15-16, 2024] at the [Vancouver Convention Centre], aims to showcase the latest advancements in sustainability, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to collaborate on global challenges. This Sustainability Brief provides a detailed framework to ensure that the event itself exemplifies the principles it promotes. The plan identifies stakeholders, material sustainability issues, objectives, and actionable steps to achieve a low-impact, high-engagement event while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). 2. Event Details Event Description • Who: Sustainability leaders, policymakers, academics, corporate executives, startups, and innovators in the sustainability sector. • What: A two-day conference featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking sessions. • • operations. When: March 15-16, 2024. Where: Vancouver Convention Centre, a venue renowned for its eco-friendly Event Purpose The Sustainability Innovation Conference 2024 aims to: • Highlight innovative solutions to global sustainability challenges. • Foster collaboration among industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers. • Educate attendees on practical steps to implement sustainable practices in their respective sectors. • Serve as a real-world example of sustainable event management. Logistics Scope This Sustainability Brief covers the following logistical areas: • Venue selection and management. • Procurement of materials and supplies. • Catering and food services. • Waste management and recycling. • Transportation and attendee travel. • Energy and water usage. 3. Event sustainability issues Stakeholders and Interests • Event Attendees: Seek an eco-friendly, waste-free experience. • Sponsors: Require alignment with sustainability values for branding purposes. • Vendors: Need guidance to comply with sustainable procurement standards. • Local Community: Focused on minimizing noise, waste, and pollution impacts. • Organizers: Aim to reduce the event’s environmental footprint and enhance its legacy. Material Sustainability Issues 1. Climate Change: Carbon emissions from travel, energy use, and logistics. 2. Waste Management: High potential for waste generation from single-use materials, food, and packaging. 3. Water Conservation: Excess water use in catering and cleaning. 4. Pollution: Noise, air pollution from transportation, and improper waste disposal. 5. Social Responsibility: Ensuring inclusivity, diversity, and fair labor practices. 4) Event Sustainability Objectives SMART Objectives 1. Reduce Waste: Achieve a 75% waste diversion rate from landfills by implementing recycling and composting measures. 2. Carbon Neutrality: Offset 100% of carbon emissions from attendee travel and event operations. 3. Water Efficiency: Reduce water usage by 25% through efficient cleaning and catering practices. 4. Energy Efficiency: Source 100% of electricity from renewable energy providers. 5. Community Engagement: Involve local businesses and non-profits in 50% of event contracts. Targets • Divert 90% of recyclable waste. • Source 80% of food locally and sustainably. • Replace 100% of single-use plastics with biodegradable alternatives. Indicators to Track • Volume of waste recycled and composted. • Energy usage data and renewable energy percentage. • Number of local vendors and suppliers used. • Attendee feedback on sustainability efforts. UNSDGs Linked • Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. • Goal 13: Climate Action. • Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. 5. Event Sustainability Actions Purchasing 1. Source materials from certified local suppliers. 2. Use biodegradable or reusable packaging for promotional materials. Materials 3. Eliminate single-use plastics by providing reusable alternatives. 4. Distribute digital programs and agendas via QR codes to minimize paper use. Site Selection and Management 5. Utilize the Vancouver Convention Centre’s sustainable features, such as green roofs and energy-efficient systems. 6. Optimize lighting and HVAC systems for energy efficiency. Transportation 7. Encourage carpooling, public transit, and bike-sharing through incentives. 8. Provide carbon offset options for attendees’ travel. Food and Beverage 9. Partner with local farms to provide seasonal and plant-based menu options. 10. Donate surplus food to local shelters or food banks. Waste Management 11. Install clearly labeled recycling and composting bins at all event locations. 12. reporting. Partner with a local waste management company for proper disposal and Energy Use 13. Power the event with 100% renewable energy sources. 14. Use LED lighting and energy-efficient AV equipment. Legacy and Community 15. Host a post-event tree-planting activity to offset the event’s carbon footprint. 6. Conclusion The Sustainability Innovation Conference 2024 represents an opportunity to lead by example in sustainable event planning. By addressing material sustainability issues, setting SMART objectives, and implementing actionable steps, this event will showcase best practices and inspire attendees to adopt similar approaches. Through collaboration and innovation, the conference aims to leave a lasting positive impact on both the local community and the global sustainability agenda. 7. References • United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs): https://sdgs.un.org/ • Vancouver Convention Centre Sustainability Practices: [Insert reference] • Carbon Offset Calculator Tools: [Insert reference]