Why should we bother to offset carbon?

As a team of event and sustainability experts, we're firm believers that the real magic happens when people connect in person. 

But we're not about jet-setting and racking up miles. We're totally clued into the bigger picture. 

We get it — meeting in person has a global impact.

Sustainability 👏 is 👏 not 👏 a 👏 trend

The world is producing more carbon than we can possibly offset.

To keep global warming within 1.5 degrees Celsius, we'd need to slash carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by roughly 45% from 2010 levels by 2030, hitting 'net zero' by 2050. That's a hefty yearly cut in emissions.

So: the world's heating up, and our carbon emissions are like a heat trap, holding it all in. If we don't step up and cut down on those emissions, we're looking at a pretty grim future.

For our industry

⛔ Tighter regulations on where, when and how we can host events.

✈️ A significant reduction in international travel and destination seasonality.

🎫 The value of the events industry will reduce, with less opportunity and growth potential.

💲 The cost to host an event will only increase alongside rising insurance fees.

For our planet

🌪️ Increased weather events and rising sea levels will displace millions of people

🦕 30% of plant and animal species will become extinct by 2070

📈 The cost of climate change will strain economies due to disaster relief funds

🚑 Mortality rates will rise due to the increased environmental challenges

And just in case you need more incentive - here’s why offsetting carbon makes business sense

Environmental Responsibility

Offsetting carbon emissions shows a commitment to reducing the environmental impact of travel events.

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Regulatory Compliance

Complying with regulations enhances your organisations reputation for sustainability

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Financial Benefits

Can lead to long-term cost savings through improved efficiency and attracting sustainability-focused customers.

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Consumer Expectations

Attracts environmentally conscious customers and partners, boosting brand loyalty.

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Corporate Social Responsibility

Aligns with CSR initiatives, showcasing a company's commitment to social and environmental causes.

Risk & Mitigation

Funds projects that reduce emissions and addresses risks associated with climate change.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Carbon emissions are those sneaky culprits responsible for some of our planet's environmental woes. They are like the unwanted sidekicks of our modern lives.

    Carbon emissions are the gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), that get released into the atmosphere when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These little troublemakers come from various sources like cars, factories, power plants, and even our trusty old chimneys at home.

    Once released, carbon emissions trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.

  • Offsetting carbon emissions is like hitting the "undo" button on some of the environmental damage we've unintentionally caused. It's all about restoring balance in our carbon-heavy lives.

    First off, we've all got a carbon footprint, and it's bigger than we'd like to admit. From our daily commute to our cosy Netflix binges, we emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Offset programs offer us a way to make amends for our carbon sins. It's like planting trees, investing in renewable energy projects, or supporting initiatives that suck up those pesky carbon emissions.

    But that's not all! Carbon offsets can also be a force for good in our communities and around the globe. They create green jobs, improve air quality, and help developing countries leapfrog into clean energy technologies.

    So, offsetting carbon emissions isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-do.

  • Energy-Hungry Venues: The event venues themselves are often a significant source of emissions. Think about the massive lighting rigs, powerful sound systems, and climate control systems that keep us comfy. They can guzzle energy like nobody's business, especially if it's not coming from renewable sources.

    Travel & Transportation: All those guests, performers, and vendors need to get to the event somehow. Flights, car trips, and shipping goods can rack up a hefty carbon bill, especially if folks are traveling long distances.

    Waste & Resources: Events generate a ton of waste – from single-use plastics to discarded decorations. And producing all those props, banners, and swag items requires resources and energy.

    Food & Beverage: Feeding a crowd often involves sourcing, preparing, and serving large quantities of food and drink. The carbon footprint of catering can be substantial if not done mindfully.

    Lighting & Decor: Creating that magical atmosphere with lighting and décor can consume a lot of electricity and materials, some of which may not be eco-friendly.

  • We adopt two principles for neutralising the impact of your event.

    The first is ecological development, which focuses on planting and rewilding to remove carbon and improve ecological conditions.

    The second is direct air capture technology, which removes carbon from the atmosphere and locks it for millennia; this is like the crown jewel in our carbon-fighting arsenal. Whilst it’s more expensive, we believe it to be the best solution; we cannot rely just on tree planting to reach any kind of global warming reduction target.