A top English Premiership club, Tottenham Hotspur, has gained promotion for sustainable event management practices. This major milestone was achieved after the prestigious Premiership football club earned a global certification for sustainable event management in the UK. This certification was awarded by BSI, ISO 20121, and it is a combination of the British standard and international standards for sustainable event management.
Remarkably, with this feat, Tottenham Hotspur has demonstrated great commitment to realizing their dream of displaying uncommon leadership in sustainable event management practice, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2040, reducing the negative effects of human actions on the environment and promoting diversity and inclusiveness.
In this article, we will learn insightful lessons and explore the core event management processes deployed by Tottenham Hotspur in attaining this laudable global achievement.
So let’s get right in;
1. Tottenham FC Used their stadium to promote positive & sustainable environmental impact
While using the stadium to host prestigious events, they are mindful of the impact it create to the local community. They ensure that they are generating real advantages for the neighbourhood and the local economy. With emphasis on people, climate and the environment , they streamline all activities to ensure that it meet sustainability standards.
Event venue owners globally should learn from this by making sure that their venues do not constitute breaches but rather contribute to substantial efforts to make the environment safe for the next generation.
2. The elimination of single-use plastic water bottles for sustainable event practice
Another area of event sustainability management that made Tottenham Football Club earn their feat was eliminating single-use plastic water bottles in and around the area of all their event activities.
Single-use water bottles are notorious for producing unnecessary plastic waste, which has detrimental effects on the environment. Reusable water bottles are, nevertheless, more cost-effective and environmentally beneficial over time.
Equally, event professionals everywhere must maintain this fight against polluting the environment with plastic substances that are not degradable. Alternatively, reusable bottles should be encouraged instead.
3. The use of 100% renewable power sources
It is important to note that cleaner sources of energy are integral to attaining a sustainable environment, which is why renewable energy sources are the best alternative. The attainment of using 100% renewable power source by the premiership league side didn’t come overnight; it’s been a journey of steady growth and determination.
The lesson here is that event professionals, as well as venue owners and vendors, should begin their own journeys now by engaging all stakeholders to mainstream the use of renewable sources to power their events. For instance, event venue owners may deploy energy-saving light source, solar panel suitable for powering outdoor event lights, sound equipment, and other electrical requirements.
4. Promote Food with plant-based options sourced within a 60-mile radius
They used a sustainable catering strategy, which included obtaining food from regional farmers within a 60-mile radius of the stadium and offering plant-based menu options, to ensure event sustainability.
This approach not only provided participants with fresh, high-quality foods, but it also reduced the event’s greenhouse gas emissions and helped local farmers. Attendees ultimately enjoy delicious, environmentally friendly meals, demonstrating Tottenham Hotspurs’ dedication to sustainability and community involvement.
This experience has taught us that employing sustainable catering practices will not only protect the environment, but also boost local economies and offer your guests unique culinary experiences.
5. Zero waste to landfill (no garbage goes to landfills)
You will agree with me that a large amount of waste is generated from events and it is always challenging when appropriate measures are not put in place to evacuate or eliminate it.
Tottenham Hotspur FC, on the other hand, practiced zero waste to landfills, which means that no garbage was dumped there and instead, materials were recycled, reused, and used less of non-sustainable. While this area of sustainability effort cannot be achieved without working with local authorities, event professionals can start the partnership and also raise awareness in relevant places.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is pertinent for event professionals around the globe to understand that the global event industry cannot be isolated from the race to a sustainable world with diversity and inclusivity. Consequently, the future of modern event management practice, will inevitably include sustainability processes.
