The call for change is backed by numbers. The global events industry contributes an estimated 10% of global emissions, with business travel and temporary infrastructure at the forefront of that footprint. Recent industry surveys reveal that 87% of corporate clients now include sustainability criteria in their RFPs, while 78% of corporate event attendees actively consider sustainability when choosing to attend - a jump of 34% from five years ago.
At Frank Wild, we've never seen sustainability as a "nice to have." It's why we started. We've built our own tools, tested them on the ground, and now share them with the industry. What began as isolated requests for "greener options" has evolved into comprehensive sustainability strategies embedded in every aspect of event planning. The question is no longer whether sustainability matters, but how effectively it can be implemented without compromising experience quality.
This article explores innovations reshaping sustainable events in 2025, from zero-waste implementations to digital-first designs and advanced measurement tools. We'll examine practical strategies that forward-thinking planners are deploying today while casting an eye toward emerging trends that will define tomorrow's events landscape. Because creating unforgettable events should leave a mark on people, not the planet.
The 2025 Sustainable Event Landscape: Beyond Green Washing
In 2025, greenwashing isn't just frowned upon - it's flagged. Today's attendees are sustainability-savvy and data-literate. They can spot a recycled brochure and a compostable bin posing as a "green initiative" from a mile away. Social media accountability has created an environment where disingenuous claims are quickly exposed and organisations held publicly responsible.
This heightened scrutiny has driven the development of rigorous verification systems. Climate Active, ISO 20121, and B Corp are no longer fringe; they're expected. The Events Industry Council's Sustainable Event Standards 4.0 now require third-party verification across eight impact areas, while ISO 20121:2025 has expanded its criteria to include social justice considerations alongside environmental impacts. These frameworks have moved beyond voluntary guidelines to become essential credentials in competitive bidding processes.
What constitutes a "sustainable event" in 2025 encompasses far more than basic recycling programs. Today's definition includes:
- Comprehensive carbon footprint measurement and reduction strategies
- Circular economy approaches to resource utilization
- Supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing verification
- Community impact assessments and positive legacy planning
- Digital waste reduction protocols
Frank Wild's approach? We go beyond optics. Every project we produce is assessed using our in-house carbon calculator, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and guided by a set of non-negotiable sustainability deliverables. This isn't optional - it's operational.
Event planners now track metrics previously considered beyond scope, including Scope 3 emissions from attendee travel, lifecycle assessments of materials used, water consumption footprints, and post-event waste stream analysis. Leading organisations publish sustainability reports with the same rigour as financial disclosures, recognising that environmental performance directly impacts brand perception and client acquisition.
