How to calculate an event's carbon footprint? Deciphering and improving for a more responsible event

Understanding the carbon footprint of an event

The carbon impact of an event can vary considerably depending on its type, size and the activities taking place. Some events will have a relatively small carbon footprint, while others may have a much greater environmental impact. Here are a few examples to illustrate this variation:

🖥️ Small online meeting or conference: small virtual events, where participants meet online, have a relatively low carbon impact. Emissions come mainly from the energy consumption of the electronic devices used.

🎉 Music festival or open-air concert: large music festivals and open-air concerts have a high carbon footprint when they involve large numbers of participants, stages, sound systems and temporary infrastructure. The travel of participants, energy use for lighting and equipment, and waste management generated by the event all contribute to this.

🌏 International conference: international conferences bringing together participants from all over the world generally entail a significant carbon impact due to long-distance air travel. The logistical and energy requirements of accommodating large numbers of participants and providing additional equipment and services also play a role.

🏓 Sporting event: the carbon impact of sporting events, such as marathons, competitions or tournaments, can vary depending on their size and duration. Travel by participants and spectators, energy consumption for lighting and temporary sports infrastructure, and waste management all add to the carbon footprint.

💼 Trade show: trade shows can entail a considerable carbon impact when they are large-scale with many exhibitors and visitors. This can due to attendee travel, energy consumption for stands and lighting, as well as the materials used for promotional materials.

Each type of event has characteristics that directly influence its carbon footprint. It is therefore essential to analyze these specific factors to identify the best environmental improvement strategies for each type of event, and thus reduce its impact on the climate.

📝 Defining an event's carbon footprint

The carbon footprint of an event refers to the total quantity of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide - CO2) emitted directly or indirectly throughout the event. This carbon impact is the result of various activities linked to the event, such as energy consumption, travel by participants and speakers, waste management, and other factors associated with the resources used.

🌿 The various factors contributing to the carbon footprint

The carbon impact of an event is influenced by several factors that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Here are the main factors that play a role in the quantity of GHGs emitted during the development and running of an event:

💡Energy consumption: the use of electricity, heating, air conditioning and other energy sources to power the event generates CO2 emissions, particularly if the electricity comes from non-renewable sources.

🚘Transportation: travel by participants, speakers, organizers and suppliers contributes significantly to the event's carbon impact. This includes travel by plane, car, train or any other means of transport.

🚚 Suppliers and logistics: the environmental impact of suppliers who deliver goods and services for the event is also taken into account. This includes emissions linked to the transportation of equipment, materials, and food.

♻️ Waste management: the waste produced during the event and its treatment contribute to CO2 emissions, particularly if the waste is incinerated or buried.

🍔Food: the type of food offered to participants also has an impact on the carbon footprint, less so if the food is sourced locally, organically and sustainably.

🏘️ Accommodation: the accommodation of participants and speakers during the event generates additional emissions depending on the accommodation options chosen.

🚧 Temporary facilities and structures: the construction and deconstruction of temporary installations, such as stages, stands, and sanitary facilities, also have an impact.

🖨️Le paper and printing: the use of paper and other materials for communication and promotional materials contributes to carbon emissions, particularly if they are not from sustainable sources.

It is therefore essential to take all these factors into account when calculating an event's carbon footprint, so that strategies can be put in place to reduce its overall environmental impact. By identifying the main sources of emissions, mitigation measures can be implemented to make the event more environmentally friendly.

How do you calculate an event's carbon footprint?

Accounting for an event's GHG Footprint can be a complex task due to the many factors to consider to ensure its reliability. We have deciphered for you the key steps to be taken to obtain a representative carbon footprint below 👇

1. Data collection 📂 :

Allows you to gather all relevant information relating to the event, such as energy consumption, travel by participants and speakers, suppliers involved, waste management, etc.

Data accuracy is of the utmost importance to guarantee a reliable calculation.

2. Data analysis 🔎 :

Allows you to examine in detail the data collected to assess the environmental impact of every aspect of the event. This includes quantifying the CO2 emissions associated with each activity.

3. Identifying the main sources of CO2 emissions and their impact 🎯 :

Allows you to identify the sources of emissions that contribute most to your carbon footprint. This could be energy consumption during the event, CO2 emissions from transport, or waste generated.

4. Calculating the total carbon footprint 📊 :

Allows you to aggregate CO2 emissions from all identified sources to obtain the total carbon footprint of the event.

5. Interpreting the results 📝 :

You'll be able to analyze the results obtained and understand the specific environmental impacts of your event. This will enable you to implement targeted actions to decarbonize sustainably and efficiently.

🌐 Decarbo’Solution® simplifie le calcul de votre Bilan Carbone

La collecte des données d’activité constitue l’étape la plus chronophage lors de la comptabilisation de l’impact carbone d’un événement. Cependant, grâce au questionnaire spécifique aux événements de Decarbo’Solution®, une fois que vous avez renseigné les données d’activité, l’outil effectue automatiquement le calcul complet et détaillé :

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions = activity data x corresponding emission factor

Le masque/questionnaire événements Decarbo’Solution®, une fois importé sur votre espace utilisateur, vous permet de déclarer l’empreinte carbone de votre événement en suivant simplement les indications fournies. Pour faciliter et préciser la saisie des données, vous pouvez envoyer à vos partenaires et fournisseurs des parties du masque sous forme de fichiers Excel pour chaque catégorie d’émission du questionnaire.

Ces fichiers peuvent être directement dupliqués pour chacun de vos partenaires et fournisseurs, puis réimportés pour une consolidation globale sur votre espace utilisateur. Les émissions de GES associées sont alors automatiquement calculées par l’outil Decarbo’Solution®. Cela permet un processus de calcul plus efficient et vous aide à obtenir rapidement et précisément le Bilan Carbone de votre événement.

Decarbo’Solution® est une plateforme digitale tout-en-un, soigneusement conçue pour rendre le bilan carbone accessible au plus grand nombre, ce qui en fait l’outil idéal pour vous accompagner vers le développement d’événements plus éco-responsables. Grâce à Decarbo’Solution®, vous pourrez facilement évaluer l’impact environnemental de vos événements et mettre en place des plans d’actions et stratégies pour les rendre plus respectueux de l’environnement.

Avenues of improvement for a more responsible event

Once you've completed your GHG inventory®, you'll be in a position to implement improvement measures aimed at effectively and sustainably reducing your carbon footprint. Here are a few points to consider in order to achieve your reduction objectives:

✅ Opting for green energy

👉 Explore renewable energy options for electricity and heating.

👉 Encourage sustainable travel.

👉 Promote carpooling, public transport and electric vehicles.

✅ Opting for responsible waste management

👉 Set up an efficient selective sorting system.

👉 Promote compostable and reusable products.

✅ Opting for responsible eating 

👉 Offer meals with local, organic and seasonal ingredients.

👉 Incorporate vegetarian and vegan options into the event menu.

👉 Avoid food waste by adapting quantities.

✅ Choosing eco-responsible partners 

👉 Working with suppliers and service providers committed to sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices.

✅ Raising awareness and engaging participants

👉Inform participants about the carbon impact of the event and the importance of individual commitment.

👉 Encourage eco-responsible behavior during the event.