Many meeting and event profs tout sustainability as one of the most pressing issues of the moment. But it’s harder to find companies that walk the talk.
Meetings and events agency BCD Meetings & Events hopes to change that with the release of its 2025 Sustainability Guide, where it not only outlines why planning sustainable meetings is important, but gives many planners the tools to get started. The company leads by example, too, shining on a light on things it has done, such as:
- Hired a global sustainability director.
- Introduced tools including a carbon calculator, venue scorecard and event planning checklist.
- How it’s working to achieve its goal to reduce total carbon emissions by 35% between 2024-2030.
- Performance metrics from 2024 for the company itself, including emission reductions, purchasing renewable electricity and others.
The guide is designed as a practical, informative tool for organizations, meeting planners, suppliers and destinations to make smarter, more responsible choices.
[Related: New and Renovated Meetings Properties That Are Prioritizing Sustainability]
Key sections in the guide include:
- Shaping a more sustainable future, which details the importance of reducing carbon emissions, the significance of the Paris Agreement’s objectives and how individuals can take small steps when planning their events to prioritize sustainability.
- Supporting clients, assessments and tools, where planners will find checklists to help clients track sustainability and make key decisions, like choosing venues and destinations. Plus, BCD Meetings & Events has partnered with organizations that help meetings and events invest in carbon offsetting projects and measure carbon emissions.
- Hotel and destination recommendations: These sections spotlight BCD’s global hotel partners sustainability efforts and dive into leading destinations worldwide. The guide spotlights five global cities that are driving sustainability initiatives, with accompanying hotel options highlighted based on their ability to reduce waste, prioritize renewable energy and encourage guests to participate in a circular economy.
