Net Zero Carbon Events gains more contributors

More than 30 major meetings and events industry organisations from across the world are now financial contributors to Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE), the industry’s global initiative to address climate change that was launched at Cop26 in Glasgow in 2021.

Organisations ranging from convention bureaus, venues and event service suppliers to event organisers and associations are contributing at one of four tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Green.

Among them is the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Thailand (QSNCC) which recently became a Green level contributor. When asked why QSNCC has joined as a funding partner, Sutichai Bundivorapoom, executive VP of QSNCC, said: “As a key player in the event industry in Thailand, QSNCC has already set the plan for Net Zero and has taken several actions on sustainable development. However, we understand that further collaboration on the international level is also much needed as part of the global community. By joining this project, we can align our plan with global community and partake in actions to respond to the climate change.”

The European Major Exhibition Centres Association (EMECA) also recently became the 30th organisation to become a funding partner of the Net Zero Carbon Event initiative.

After confirming Gold Level funding, Barbara Weizsäcker, secretary seneral of EMECA said: “This is a very important issue for our members and our industry in Europe and globally. EMECA is committed to reaching the 2050 net zero carbon emissions goal and many of our members are supporters, signatories and actively contributing to the NZCE work-streams.

“We believe that as the association of the largest venues in Europe we have a special responsibility in this field. The NZCE initiative is highly valuable to us not only for the excellent resources such as the Roadmap and guidance on measuring and reporting but also for compiling and helping to share advice and best practice to all players in our industry implementing programmes to achieve net zero. This is why we have chosen to become Gold Level funding partners.”

Gold-level contributor, The Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE), wants to combat and mitigate the effects of climate change through pragmatic and accessible technical solutions.

Marie Hunter, head of global meetings, conferences and events said: "IEEE sponsors over 2,000 conferences per year and we recognise, with this large global footprint, we can play an important role in influencing the move towards a sustainable future. We believe Net Zero Carbon Events can be an impactful initiative to support our common goals for the events sector."

The organisations contributing financially to the campaign are:

Platinum Level - Freeman; Informa; Javits Center; Questex: RX and UFI;

Gold Level - EMECA: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre; ICCA; Messe Munchen; Scottish Event Campus, IEEE and SISO;

Silver Level - ADNEC; Clarion Events; Diversified Communications: Emerald; IMEX Group: Tarsus and VIPARIS;

Green Level - AIPC; Boardroom; Earth Productions; Easyfairs; FIRST; Glasgow Convention Bureau; IAPCO; ICC Sydney; IFES; MontECOlino; NBAA; Olympia London; OMEGA Group; QSNCC and Stockholmsmassan.

James Rees, president of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, which is driving the initiative for the industry, said: “It is superb testimony to our industry and the importance of this campaign that we have the financial support of so many leading organisations and more continuing to join us. Their support is making a vital contribution. We thank them all wholeheartedly.”

After the launch of the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge at Cop26, the Net Zero Carbon Event Roadmap was published at Cop27 in November 2022 as a helpful resource. It is available as a Full Report with comprehensive information on how to implement action to achieve Net Zero, and as an Executive Summary.

Net Zero Carbon Events is open to all organisations involved in events. Registration is free of charge, but financial contributions are crucial to developing the campaign.

Source: M&IT