7 sustainability moves more agencies should be making

SHARE
DBpixelhouse

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a business necessity.

The expectation for greener events is growing louder and event agencies are in a unique position to drive real change. But while many have made strides, there’s still more to be done.

Here are seven sustainability moves forward-thinking agencies should be embracing right now:

1. Audit and cut your carbon footprint

Carbon calculators are just the start. Agencies need to conduct thorough environmental audits, not just for client events, but for their own operations too. This includes travel, energy usage, office waste and supplier emissions. Offsetting should come after reduction, not instead of it.

To do this, consider using tools like TRACE by isla to measure and improve event footprints.

2. Rethink venue and supplier selection

If you want your agency to be more sustainable, consider choosing venues and partners with strong sustainability credentials. Choosing venues and partners with strong sustainability credentials should be standard practice.

Agencies should look beyond the marketing and dig into their energy sourcing, waste management, and accreditations and build a green supplier database and rank partners based on transparency and performance.

3. Design with reuse in mind

From stage sets to signage, many event elements still end up in landfill after one use.

Agencies should consider this during the design process and adopt modular, reusable design practices and push their clients to hire, instead of buy.

4. Prioritise digital over print

Do you give out freebies at events? The days of branded tote bags stuffed with leaflets are fading fast.

Consider steering your clients towards digital content, such as apps and interactive screens instead. These not only reduce waste but can be tracked and updated in real time.

5. Push for smarter travel policies

Travel—especially air travel—is still one of the biggest sustainability challenges for conferences. Agencies can lead the charge by helping clients structure programs that reduce the need for flights, incentivise train travel, or cluster events regionally.

6. Make sustainability part of the briefing process

Too often, sustainability is a last minute thought. Agencies should make it a standard item in every discovery session and proposal—alongside budget, objectives, and branding. When it’s embedded from the start, it shapes everything from agenda planning to catering choices and will lead to a more sustainable event.

7. Be transparent and tell the story

Sustainability isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s also a powerful narrative. Agencies should be transparent about their progress and imperfections, share learnings, and help clients communicate impact authentically to delegates.

The agencies that lead on sustainability won’t just meet client expectations – they’ll shape them. By embedding greener thinking into every layer of event design and delivery, agencies can position themselves as both trusted advisors and changemakers.

Add to favorites Remove from favorites
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Email
Print
DBpixelhouse
DBpixelhouse
Drapers Hall
Drapers Hall