This guide was developed by the Ministry for the Environment from New Zealand.

“Designed to help owners and organisers of major events ensure their event is both successful and more environmentally responsible. It outlines ways to develop and implement an environmental strategy and action plan, and offers practical tips, resources and checklists. Event owners and organisers will find it a valuable source of ideas for reducing their event’s environmental impacts in many key areas – from choosing supplies and contractors, to managing waste and resource use, transport, energy, water and greenhouse gas emissions.”

The guide comprises three sections. The first shows how to develop and implement an environmental strategy and action plan, the second shows the greening focus areas and the last brings tools, checklists and templates. It also shows how to overcome challenges in the planning process, such as proving cost effectiveness of proposed actions, generating full commitment of the event owner, event organisers and decision makers and avoiding greenwashing (misleading consumers about a company’s environmental practices or about the environmental benefits of a product or service).

Environmental strategy may be a minimum requirement to enter the bid process to host a major event or can be a point of difference between competing bids. Planning and delivering an environmentally responsible event can save money by reducing the cost of waste disposal, energy and water, meet international expectations and create legacies by raising attendees’ awareness and inspiring behaviour change.