Sustainability: a moral responsibility and it starts with us

ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath (pictured below) says we must accept we are attracting audiences as we keep commerce alive, but we are mitigating the effect as much as we can As the world becomes all too aware of the impact humans have on the environment, we must all ask ourselves some difficult questions about the contributory way we live both our personal – and our work – lives. As a CEO of a global association, I am only too aware of how my comments and input on sustainability might be interpreted. But (and this is an important but), I believe a global brand like ICCA must play a leadership role in ensuring sustainability measures are at the heart of everything we do. It is why we constantly talk about sustainability with our members. It is why we constantly promote best practice and innovation regarding sustainability. And it is why we are founding members of the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative. At the forefront of the push for sustainable events is the events industry itself. Many of us recognise the need for change and therefore make a genuine effort to minimise the environmental impact of our events. ICCA has just published its GDS Report on our 61st Congress in Kraków, results we will be implementing in Bangkok (more of which later). From reducing waste and energy consumption to using sustainable materials and sourcing local products, event organisers are increasingly more proactive in championing sustainability by saying ‘we accept we are attracting audiences, but we are being responsible and mitigating the effect as much as we can.’ But we can all always do more. At ICCA, we are trying to keep commerce alive, we are trying to educate and inform, and we have taken a conscious decision that what we do works best when done in person. Committing to this approach comes with great responsibility and a moral obligation to promote change through action and accountability. By sharing knowledge and education, resources, and innovative solutions… the countries who are further along the sustainability road (Denmark and Sweden for example) can show others what is possible. ICCA is a global platform of information. We want to escalate knowledge of best practice across our global network, so we move more quickly, and ultimately, in unison as a community. Our recent association survey revealed a genuine appetite from members to be at the top of their game regarding sustainability, and an acknowledgement that some countries and territories need more support. Again, education and exposure to new possibilities, helps. As does innovation. Technology has played a key part in promoting sustainability in recent years, with advancements in renewable energy, waste reduction, and carbon capture. Event organisers can utilise this thinking through solar-powered stages, composting facilities, reusable cups and utensils, digital displays, and collateral. Which takes me to the 62nd ICCA annual Congress in Bangkok this coming November. You have my pledge that we will have sustainability at the very top of our agenda. The theme we have chosen is ‘It Starts With Us.’ And so it does, as an industry leader, it starts with ICCA. And, as a hugely important international business sector, responsible for a substantial carbon footprint, it starts with us as a collective. We should lead the way bringing education, technology, knowledge sharing and innovation to the fore, so we act and think as sustainably as possible.