There is a perception that adopting sustainable practices is an expensive business. ESSA member David Humphreys, Director at Green Circle Solutions, offers his advice on why this doesn’t have to be the case.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach and many misunderstandings surrounding the topic of sustainability. But whilst being more sustainable isn’t always easy, there are many economically viable steps businesses can take.

Time

Start by investing time in analysing your business operations. To ensure a sustainable way of working becomes embedded in your business culture, a top-down approach is key. Asking questions often highlights aspects that can be done differently to save costs and drive better revenue.

Communication

Challenge your suppliers to support you on your sustainability journey. They may already have more sustainable products and services that you are not aware of, and effective planning can determine which can be implemented quickly without impacting the bottom line.

Design out Waste

As an industry it’s also vital we address waste management, especially from the show floor, which requires a greater level of collaboration between all stakeholders, with venues and organisers stepping up to take a greater share of this responsibility. Waste is not the problem, waste is a result of the problem, and must be designed out from the start. Recycling does not make you are sustainable. Recycling is simply one strand of waste management. It’s still a waste!

Action

ESSA is leading and supporting with its comprehensive Sustainability Accreditation and Sustainability Awareness training which focuses on all key areas of sustainability and is designed to enable members to build their sustainability roadmap with ease.

The bottom line? Identify what changes can be made, communicate them business wide and you’ll see some remarkable results that don’t cost the earth.

Published in the November issue of Hospitality & Events North