It’s surprisingly easy to host smart, green events

Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center puts real-time sustainability insights at planners’ fingertips, proving how smart data can drive greener meetings and conventions.

MICE planners are increasingly seeking venues and partners that support their carbon reduction goals. In Bangkok, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center leads the way.
MICE planners are increasingly seeking venues and partners that support their carbon reduction goals. In Bangkok, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center leads the way.

Events can be powerful catalysts for connection, collaboration, and innovation – but they also leave a footprint. The question is: how do you manage it?

As companies face mounting pressure to meet net-zero goals, business events must also do their part. Today’s event organisers are being held to higher sustainability standards – and increasingly, the demand is for measurable action, not just intention.

You can’t reduce what you don’t measure

According to the American Express Global Meetings and Events Forecast for 2025, 30% of event professionals cite environmental impact tracking as a major challenge. To make meaningful reductions in an event’s footprint, planners first need to know where the emissions are coming from – be it energy use, catering, logistics, or attendee travel.

This is where the mantra “you can’t reduce what you don’t measure” rings especially true.  With sustainability now a common requirement of RFPs, MICE planners are increasingly seeking venues, suppliers, and partners who can go beyond green promises to provide transparent, credible data.

QSNCC is at the forefront of sustainability in Bangkok, backed by state-of-the-art design and eco-conscious policies.
QSNCC is at the forefront of sustainability in Bangkok, backed by state-of-the-art design and eco-conscious policies.

Carbon tracking in real time

That’s where the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok is making a game-changing difference. As the first venue in Thailand to launch a real-time carbon footprint tracking dashboard for events, QSNCC is helping organisers move from vague sustainability claims to measurable impact.

This smart digital platform captures live data from various emission sources during an event – including venue energy consumption, F&B operations, packaging materials, and even participant transportation. Organisers can see, in real-time, how their choices are affecting the environment, and use that insight to guide adjustments on the spot or improve future planning.

QSNCC recently launched a real-time carbon footprint tracking dashboard to help event organisers measure and manage their environmental impact.
QSNCC recently launched a real-time carbon footprint tracking dashboard to help event organisers measure and manage their environmental impact.

Real-time sustainability at your fingertips

The tool was piloted at two major July events – Asia Sustainable Energy Week 2025 and the International Engineering Expo 2025 – where it received enthusiastic feedback.

“What impressed us most about the Real-Time Carbon Footprint Tracking Dashboard at QSNCC was its ability to translate sustainability into tangible, real-time insights,” said Sanchai Noombunnam, country general manager of Informa Markets Thailand, the organiser of Asia Sustainable Energy Week. “For the first time, both our organising team and event participants could clearly visualise the environmental impact of the event as it happened. This transparency sparked genuine awareness and engagement around carbon responsibility.” 

Beyond awareness, the live data enabled Informa to optimise energy usage during the event and promote eco-friendly transport options during the event. It also provided valuable metrics for the company’s post-event analysis and ESG reporting. “It transformed sustainability from a behind-the-scenes initiative into a shared and visible priority,” added Sanchai.

A learning experience for the next generation

Exhibitors who piloted QSNCC’s real-time carbon tracking dashboard described it as a meaningful initiative – particularly for engaging the next generation of attendees.
Exhibitors who piloted QSNCC’s real-time carbon tracking dashboard described it as a meaningful initiative – particularly for engaging the next generation of attendees. Photo Credit: International Engineering Expo 2025

At the International Engineering Expo 2025, the dashboard proved to be a valuable educational tool.

“Our attendees, especially the next generation of engineers, were fascinated to see how technology can make environmental impact measurable and actionable,” said Somchit Peumpremsuk, vice president at The Engineering Institute of Thailand under His Majesty The King's Patronage (EIT). “It helped us deliver a forward-thinking experience, not only for engineering technology, but also the application for a sustainable future.”

A living sustainability model

QSNCC’s Waste Not, Delight More programme minimises food waste while enhancing visitor experience through sustainability-focused culinary practices.
QSNCC’s Waste Not, Delight More programme minimises food waste while enhancing visitor experience through sustainability-focused culinary practices.

QSNCC’s commitment to sustainability goes far beyond technology. One notable initiative is Waste Not, Delight More, a holistic food waste programme that won the 2025 AIPC Innovation Award Delegates’ Choice.

Under this initiative, over 80% of food waste was repurposed. Surplus meals were donated to local organisations, compostable waste was turned into fertiliser or animal feed, and sustainable practices were integrated into food prep – enhancing meal quality and showcasing authentic Thai cuisine. Composting machines reduced landfill waste, with the byproducts supporting local farmers and communities.

These results speak volumes. In 2024, QSNCC achieved a 10.51% increase in recycled waste. Despite a 15% rise in events, food waste decreased by 18.49% while customer satisfaction grew by 8%, setting a new benchmark for environmentally responsible event operations.

Designing events with purpose

With real-time carbon insights and thoughtful use of natural light, QSNCC empowers planners to optimise energy use throughout their events.
With real-time carbon insights and thoughtful use of natural light, QSNCC empowers planners to optimise energy use throughout their events.

With a growing demand for purpose-driven events, planners are seeking venues that offer more than just space – they want environmental responsibility, community impact, and transparency built in.

QSNCC ticks all the boxes. With world-class infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and a deep-rooted sustainability ethos, the centre is redefining what it means to host green events in Asia.

Discover how QSNCC can help you deliver high-impact events with a lighter footprint. Learn more here.

 

 

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This article is brought to you by Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.