A Greener Tomorrow: The Power of Technology to Transform Sustainable Events

The events industry is in the midst of a transformation. As the realities of climate change become ever more pressing, event organisers, suppliers and clients are seeking ways to reduce their environmental impact. Yet, with so many headline-grabbing statistics and green claims, it’s crucial to cut through the noise and focus on what really matters: measurable change, credible context and honest communication.

The Real Impact: Understanding Event Carbon Footprints

It’s easy to be alarmed by the figures often quoted in sustainability circles. For example, research from the MeetGreen® Event Carbon Calculator suggests that a large, international three-day event for 1,000 people can generate up to 530 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. This includes everything from long-haul flights and hotel stays to venue energy use, catering, and single-use materials. Julie’s Bicycle, a respected UK non-profit, estimates the entire UK events sector produces over 1.2 billion kilograms of CO₂ annually.

However, these figures represent the upper end of the scale. They’re most relevant to global summits, major music festivals or sporting events with thousands of attendees and significant infrastructure. For most UK-based, locally focused events – particularly those that prioritise sustainability – the real carbon footprint is much lower.

For example: 
A typical local corporate event of 100–200 people, with minimal travel and sustainable practices, might produce between 0.5 and 2 tonnes of CO₂ (Julie’s Bicycle Creative Green Tools, Event Decision TRACE, 2024). The biggest contributors are usually travel, followed by venue energy use and materials.

Sources:
– MeetGreen® Event Carbon Calculator (2024)
– Julie’s Bicycle, “The Carbon Footprint of the UK Events Industry” (2024)
– Event Decision, TRACE carbon calculator (2024)

ORB Certification: Branded Bio’s Commitment to Responsible Practice

At Branded Bio, we believe that sustainability is not a marketing slogan, but a commitment woven into every decision. Our ORB (Organisation for Responsible Businesses) certification is an independent recognition of our ongoing efforts to operate responsibly. This covers everything from ethical sourcing and waste reduction to staff wellbeing and community engagement.

It’s important to note that not every event supplier or project is ORB-certified—nor does every event have the same level of scrutiny. For us, ORB is a signpost of our values:
– Prioritising real, planted greenery over artificial alternatives
– Sourcing materials locally wherever possible
– Designing for reuse, not waste
– Being transparent about our sustainability journey and always striving for better

How Branded Bio Makes a Measurable Difference

While we don’t use digital carbon tracking tools in-house, our approach is practical and high-impact:

1. Sustainable Materials and Circularity

We use locally grown, responsibly sourced plants and upcycled materials for our living walls, event installations, and branded displays. Our structures are designed for disassembly and reuse—ensuring that nothing goes to landfill unnecessarily.

2. Reducing Single-Use Waste

By hiring out living walls and modular displays, we provide clients with a sustainable alternative to disposable décor. After each event, plants are returned to our nursery, donated, or reused for future projects, closing the loop and reducing waste.

3. Energy and Resource Awareness

We work with venues and partners to minimise unnecessary lighting, heating, and transport. Simple measures—like using LED lighting and consolidating deliveries—can reduce energy use by up to 30% compared to traditional methods (WRAP UK, 2023).

4. Honest Communication

We’re upfront about what we can and can’t control. Not every supplier or venue is as committed as we are, but we always advocate for better practices and inform our clients of the real impact of their choices.

Placing the Figures in Proper Context

While some of the world’s largest events can generate hundreds of tonnes of carbon emissions—mainly due to international travel and large-scale infrastructure—most UK-based, sustainably managed events have a much lighter footprint. For example, a typical local corporate event might produce less than 2 tonnes of CO₂, especially when prioritising local suppliers, reusable installations, and waste reduction. At Branded Bio, our ORB certification and practical approach mean we’re always looking for ways to minimise impact, even if we don’t use complex digital tracking tools ourselves. Every step—however small—makes a real difference when scaled across the industry.

If every event in the UK reduced its carbon emissions by just 10%, the sector could save over 120 million kilograms of CO₂ each year—the equivalent of taking more than 26,000 cars off the road (Julie’s Bicycle, 2024). Every living wall, reused planter, and responsibly sourced installation makes a difference.

Looking Forward: Collaboration and Accountability

We don’t claim to have all the answers and we know the journey to true sustainability is ongoing. What sets Branded Bio apart is our willingness to be held to account—by our clients, our ORB certification and our own values. We encourage clients and partners to ask questions, seek transparency and join us in making events not just memorable, but meaningful.

Ready to create an event that leaves a positive legacy?

Let’s work together to build a greener tomorrow, one event at a time.