What sustainability accreditations could mean to your business and is it worthwhile to get certified?
Sustainability accreditations have soared in the past five years with businesses accumulating more and more badges after their name deeming them sustainable, but what are they and is it worth the hassle to get certified? Accreditations show an event agency or venue has met a standard of ethical practice in its business and that it will continue to maintain its high standard of sustainability practice.
This credibility provides an instantly recognisable emblem to attract new clients, immediately alerting them to the ethical values and practices of your company. Your business may even already be meeting the requirements, so take a look at these top certifications specifically catered to the events industry and find out more.
Green Tourism | Green Meetings
A new accreditation by Green Tourism, the Green Meetings accreditation is specifically for meetings and events and can be achieved at a gold, silver, or bronze. Northern public and corporate sector venues which are already onboard include: Manchester International of Leeds Conference Centre, Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Manchester United, and Leeds University.
Green-tourism.com
B Lab United Kingdom | B Corp
Run by B Lab United Kingdom the B Corp certification is a popular option, suited to both agencies and venues to show they are sustainable in practice and meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certifying takes seven easy steps, eligibility, pricing, the B impact Assessment, B Corp legal requirements overview, the review process, reporting your impact, and joining the community. With over 7,800 B Corps around the world across 161 industries, B Corps have been shown to out-perform their peers in several areas such as increased customer loyalty, higher level of innovation and market leadership.
Bcorporation.uk
IACC | Green Star Certification
Best suited to venues, the IACC Green Star Certification ensures they have sustainable practices in the following areas: education, awareness and public declaration, waste management, recycling, reuse, water conservation, purchasing, energy management air quality, and food and beverage. Depending on how much of the code is adhered to will determine the standard members can achieve, 100% is a platinum tier, 85% is gold tier, and 75% qualifies for the silver tier. Members are required to update their status of adherence annually to maintain their standard.
Iacconline.org
BSI| ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management
Aimed at event agencies, the ISO 20121 has a project management focus to event sustainability. Its attainment demonstrates you can plan, manage, and deliver events in a sustainable way. BSI gives you a formal assessment, with an optional pre-assessment service to cut down on time and cost, before providing you with an IISO 20121 certificate which is valid for three years. Throughout the three years your assigned client manager will make regular visits to ensure your standard of sustainability is not only maintained, but continually improved.
Bsigroup.com
Greengage | ECOsmart
Greengage describe ECOsmart as the gateway to a more sustainable future in the world of event agencies and travel management companies. This service uses an online survey to understand where you are now and how you can start to make real change, following which will be handed a tailored roadmap with practical and clear steps to guide you towards your accreditation. More than just a certificate, with an ECOsmart accreditation you receive a comprehensive report, certification and marketing collateral to help you promote your commitment to sustainability.
Greengage.solutions