We need a ‘mental reset’ to ensure that the supply chain is seen as part of the solution on sustainability and not the problem says Andrew Harrison, Director of ESSA
All too often I hear stories from those within the supply chain to say that they are viewed as the enemy when it comes to the sustainability of events.
Despite significant changes to events in recent years, face to face events are here to stay, meaning the importance of a robust yet sustainable supply chain is undeniable.
Unfortunately, a common ‘solution’ proffered by others far too regularly to make the supply chain more sustainable is the blanket removal and banning of certain items within our industry.
We can’t just start outlawing and banning products within our industry without having everyone at the table to make these decisions. Not only does it ostracise the suppliers that help make our fantastic events possible, but it also has a knock-on effect on event exhibitors and organisers as well.
That’s not to say we don’t need to make changes; we can’t hide behind reuse and recycle for example. However, issues arise when the entire supply chain is not brought in as part of the overall conversation. Effective sustainability can only work when there is triangle of understanding between the supplier, the organiser and the exhibitor.
Measurement
If you’re serious about sustainability, we each need to measure where we are at currently in a robust and consistent way using an agreed framework.
Too often in our industry we’re comparing apples to pears when it comes to sustainability, meaning we’re often not on the same page, which only makes conversations on the topic between suppliers, exhibitors and organisers all the more difficult, rendering it practically impossible to arrive at a mutually agreeable and sustainably beneficial solution.
I always liken our own ESSA Sustainability Accreditation to having your car MOT tested. You’ll never know where you’re at until you’ve had your business measured by people who can take you through that process. You might not always like what you find, but from there you can start to build a plan because you now have that measurement piece in place.
A unified system for the supply chain
What’s needed is a consistent approach to measuring our impact across the supply chain, so no matter what you supply, we’re all moving forward in the same methodical fashion. This also minimises any room for ambiguity in the form of greenwashing.
Our Sustainability Accreditation is one way we are helping suppliers achieve this and it’s my hope this will become a necessary - and eventually mandatory - step towards a unified system of measuring our commitment to sustainability.
As an industry we still have a long way to go, but let’s be ambitious. Let’s strategise not demonise. Let’s have all of us at the discussion table and work together to ensure our industry is a sustainable one now and in the future.
Published in the Winter 2023 edition of Exhibition News
