Raising the Bar for Sustainability in Live Events

Sustainability has become a core standard in the event industry, with agencies integrating eco-conscious practices not just operationally but into their company cultures and policies. As the UK works toward ambitious carbon reduction targets, the events industry has a significant role to play in helping drive measurable, lasting change.

Aligning with Net Zero Goals

As we progress through the decade, the UK’s legally binding Net Zero targets are driving a transformation. With aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050, the event industry plays a key role. Its influence on best practices and operational standards means it can significantly support national progress toward these goals.

What is the Industry Doing?

Recent findings from isla’s carbon measurement platform, Trace, show encouraging momentum. After analysing data from more than 950 events in 22 countries, the tool found:

• Exhibitions generate the highest overall emissions across all event types

• Brand activations appear to have the lowest emissions
  

Insights like these help organisations understand where targeted changes can make the biggest impact.

The Temperature Check Europe 2025 report also highlights practical solutions, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). When mains power isn’t available, BESS can provide a stable energy source while reducing emissions by 80–100% compared with diesel generators. For energy-intensive events, this represents a scalable and effective shift.

Those interested in a deeper breakdown can refer to isla’s Temperature Check report for more detailed analysis and sector trends.

Prioritising a Sustainable Supply Chain

Live events rely on complex supply chains, often involving multiple suppliers and material types. According to research from Ecobooth, the UK events industry produces over 100,000 tonnes of waste each year, much of which is disposed of via landfill or incineration. Additional studies estimate that an average event can produce around 117 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

Strengthening supply chain sustainability offers one of the biggest opportunities for improvement. Key strategies include:

• Choosing lower-impact or recycled materials

• Designing structures and assets with reuse and longevity in mind

• Reducing transport emissions through efficient logistics and consolidated travel

• Working collaboratively with suppliers to set shared environmental expectations
  

Making these changes not only reduces environmental impact but can also improve cost efficiency and create more resilient long-term partnerships.

A Collective Opportunity for Change

Every item that becomes waste represents both an environmental cost and a financial one. By shifting from single-use approaches to long-term, circular solutions, the industry can make substantial progress toward reducing emissions and waste.

As sustainability expectations continue to grow, embracing these tools and insights will help the events sector continue moving toward a more responsible, future-focused way of working.