Sustainable events guidance

At the University of Liverpool, we have pledged to build sustainability into everything we do. This includes a commitment through our University Strategy, Sustainability Strategy and Environmental Policy to integrate sustainability across all our operations, including the numerous business, educational and social events we hold each year.

This Sustainable Events Guide offers advice on how to incorporate sustainability into the planning, management, and evaluation of events, enabling organisers to contribute to the University’s targets to:

  • Achieve Net Zero by 2035
  • Reduce waste (sent to landfill or incineration) by 50% by 2025

About this guide

Why create a sustainable events guide? Events are a great way to showcase work, connect with stakeholders and share new ideas and learning, however, events can have a big impact on the environment. Embedding sustainable principles into all aspects of the event provides the perfect opportunity for change and raises awareness of the organisation’s sustainability ambitions.

Who is it for? This guide is for any University of Liverpool staff responsible for organising an event on any of our campuses or off-site, though it may also be useful to students and societies.

How to use this Guide? Consider how much time you have.

  • Lots of time! Integrate sustainability from the start of the planning process by downloading the Sustainable Events Guide.
  • I’m quite busy! Use the sustainable events checklist and resources for a quick way to check whether your event is sustainable.

In addition, the University's Conferences and Events team can support you with the planning of events, from organising the venue, to ordering catering, and coordinating stakeholder engagement. 

Planning an event sustainably

Planning an event sustainably

Things to consider when planning an event sustainably.

The venue

Venue

The venue can have a significant impact on the event’s sustainability performance, so considering your options can make a big difference.

Travel

Travel

One of the best ways to reduce the carbon emissions from your event is to pick a venue which is easily accessible via public or active travel.

Business travel overseas

Business travel overseas

If virtual events are not an option, picking the best mode of transport for your time away is important.

Catering and refreshments

Catering and refreshments

Mitigate the environmental impacts of the food and drink you serve at events.

Promotion

Promotion

The way an event is marketed, and the products offered, can have significant environmental impacts in terms of production and waste.

Merchandise

Merchandise

It is important to consider how much value merchandise adds to your event, and whether there are more suitable alternatives available.

Partners and community

Partners and community

Collaboration can help you achieve greater outcomes and allow your events to reach a larger audience.

Sustainable events checklist

Sustainable events checklist

Use our sustainable events checklist to see how sustainable your event is.

Sustainable events resources

Sustainable events resources

Resources to help make your event sustainable.

Conferences and Events

Contact Conferences and Events for support planning your events, from organising the venue, to ordering catering, and coordinating stakeholder engagement.