Sustainable events in Nigeria; 5 best tips on how to implement

As a committed signee to the  United Nations Sustainable Development Goals sustainable events in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Events management is one of life’s disciplines that critically impacts the social, environmental, and economic spheres of human endeavours and interactions. This is why it is a discipline that cannot be severed from environmental sustainability campaigns, which also revolve around economic viability, social equity, and environmental protection.

32 million metric tonnes of waste is reportedly generated annually by Nigeria and 2.5 million tonnes are plastic waste. This was reported by Dataphyte.com. In addition, they estimated that it is expected that it will increase at a rate of 2.4 percent a year. It may interest you to also know that event activities also significantly contribute to these figures.  Nigerian event planners must start using their events to improve the lives of the next generation.

This piece will help to enumerate the critical aspects of our event management and execution activities that should begin to contribute to sustainability. It will also reveal to event managers in Nigeria ways through which sustainability standards can be upheld while meeting event objectives.

Let’s begin by having a good grasp of what event sustainability really means

What is Event Sustainability?

In simple terms, event sustainability can be explained as the process of making our event have a low environmental impact, which is achieved by using environmentally responsible methods towards reducing waste and other harmful emissions. In other words, sustainable events aim to maximize social and economic benefits by reducing waste, increasing resource efficiency, promoting community involvement, and promoting ethical business practices, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Therefore, the key principle of events sustainability that event professionals in Nigeria must look out for is minimising environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting social responsibility

Key strategies for implementing sustainable events in Nigeria:

Our next step will be to consider a few important methods for executing sustainable events in Nigeria. These sustainability efforts wouldn’t have come at a better time because Nigeria is currently battling with a high rate of various environmental problems. In the next few lines, discover the best tips on how we can tackle these menaces and create a better future.

1. Selection and management of event venue;

Not all venues may be able to provide the opportunity to activate sustainability efforts during or after your event activities. Therefore, Nigerian event management professionals must begin to consider choosing eco-friendly event venues that incorporate sustainability features such as efficient lighting systems such as LEDs, which are more environmentally friendly in terms of carbon emissions and use less energy. The venues should be able to have natural ventilation, renewable sources of alternative power and an efficient waste management system in place.

But the question is how many event venues in Nigeria presently can meet these requirements, which brings us to the next strategy.

2. Consistent engagement with stakeholders and partners

There is a shortage of sustainability awareness amongst event professionals in Nigeria. That is why there is an urgent need for collaboration, awareness, and relevant training to be facilitated by consistent engagement amongst event management companies, event management chains or service providers, NGOs, government MDAs saddled with sustainability mandates, event venue owners, and other relevant agencies.

This partnership is to further inspire all stakeholders into getting invaluable insights and expertise, create synergy amongst themselves and make each member in the ecosystem understand vividly their roles in terms of attaining event sustainability as well as the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals, and SDG as a whole

3. Sustainable food and catering options

To align event sustainability efforts, Nigerian event professionals should begin to consider the inclusion of green options in their catering services. Research has revealed that massive food production, the meat and dairy industries, as well as food waste, are some of the highest contributors to environmental degradation.

Nonetheless, measures such as sourcing food locally, using more organic food products, including more vegetarian options in their menus, using recyclable materials for packaging, preventing food waste, and others are needed to make the event’s sustainability goals achievable.

4. Digitalize these event management processes

At the forefront of sustainable events in Nigeria must be the elimination of plastic and paper, meaning that event professionals in Nigeria must now take advantage of digital tools to enhance seamless and eco-friendly event processes and event management activities.

For instance, instead of the regular event brochures, the event manager can input all information into a QR code system or leverage an event app, where attendees can get everything about the event right from their mobile phones.  Equally, invitations and tickets can be delivered and communicated to the attendees in digital formats.

5. Eco-friendly event venue decorations and other event materials:

Weddings, birthdays, and anniversary events in Nigeria are usually heavily decorated, while corporate events are also well-branded with different materials made from both biodegradable and non-biodegradable elements. However, in aligning with sustainable events, concerned vendors should begin to use sustainable,  responsible materials for their branding and decorations, which will sustain a greener atmosphere at the event venues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although Nigeria may still be battling with low levels of implementation in other sectors of the Nigerian economy, the event sector can lead in environmental sustainability efforts by promoting sustainable event activities.