Event Waste Management Plans

🇫🇷 We’ve been deep diving into the Social Enterprise opportunities at the Paris Games and we’ve found some really interesting information. Starting with a Social Charter! Is this the benchmark and blueprint we need for the Brisbane games in 2032? 🐨🦘 SOLIDEO, a French public sector organisation overseeing the Olympics, implemented a Social Charter, with clear targets to ensure social enterprise engagement and to promote inclusive employment. They joined forces with the Yunus Centre for Social Business and the not-for-profit Les Canaux, to develop a tailored system to guarantee access to games-related contracts for businesses from the social and solidarity economy. 🎯 They set targets on spend in the social economy and in inclusive employment. It looks like both have been achieved with 460 social enterprises and local SME’s contracted by Paris 2024 in industries like construction, catering, furniture & laundry services. FUN FACTS: 🪑 11,000 chairs for the Aquatic Centre and the La Chappelle Arena are all made with sustainable materials created by three young entrepreneurs. 🇫🇷 A social enterprise that employs vulnerable women created the souvenirs for the games via a training & employment program and re used materials from the game’s construction sites. 🧺 A group of nine social businesses who employ people with disabilities won the contract for the cleaning and laundry services for the 24,000 residents of the Olympic and Paralympic Village. ☕️ A social enterprise collected used catering equipment and machinery from restaurant owners, before reconditioning them to reintroduce equipment to the Athletes’ Village’s food service. ♻️ A local not-for-profit employed people facing long-term unemployment to collect bio-waste to create energy and compost. We’re keen to see the final evaluations of this impact and use these learnings for a similar model in Brisbane 2032!

The fourth edition of India Energy Week is imminent. Under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Govt of India, this is one of a truly exciting showcase with global presence of international and national energy majors, policymakers, innovators, consulting firms, startups, service providers and more. 10,000+ attendees in 2023 at Bangalore. 35,000 and counting the following year at Goa. 70,000 estimated visitor footfalls in 2025 at New Delhi. 75,000 at least expected as it returns to Goa later this month. Just one eyebrow-raising issue. While India has been at the forefront of advocacy against single-use plastics and a vocal supporter of circular economy initiatives, why must a global energy event use lanyards? Consider this: A typical lanyard contains - Polyester strap: 12 g - Plastic badge holder: 10 g - Metal clip + ring: 5 g 80,000 attendees means: - Plastics used: About 1.5 tons - Metals used: About 300 kgs Using emission factors: - Polyester (PET) strap: 2.6–3.2 kg CO₂e/kg - PVC badge holder: 2.4–3.0 kg CO₂e/kg - PET badge holder (rPET/PET): 2.3–3.0 kg CO₂e/kg - Steel (clip/ring): 1.6–2.1 kg CO₂e/kg (mix of primary and recycled) - Zinc alloy (clip): 3.0–4.0 kg CO₂e/kg That adds up roughly to 5 tons of CO2 for this conference alone, considering production of the lanyards only (no transport, energy use at venue, or end‑of‑life impact). So what can the organisers consider doing? How can we have an energy conference that orients itself better towards sustainability? - Reuse bins at exit: Recover up to 80% of lanyards - make sure they are not printed with the year and location. They can then be reissued for the next event. - Stamped steel wire clips: Reduce clip mass to ~3 g—metals drop to ~30 kg. - rPET straps + PET holders: Eliminate PVC and improve recyclability; keep weights constant. - Narrow straps (15 mm): Strap mass ~8–9 g—plastics drop by ~10–20 kg. - Best option: Use pure digital identities linked to phones or stick-on bar codes #sustainableenergy #plasticpollution

What happens to event banners after the event? The photograph below was taken at the 10th Reflections of The Lord Mayor Gala Evening in 2025. Around the room, roll-up banners were stationed beside the respective stained glass roundel streams, helping guests understand the different creative pathways behind the evening. They were not simply decorative. They helped welcome guests, recognise the work of participants and artists, and tell the wider story of Reflections. As we begin shaping future Reflections events, I am keen that we think not only about what guests see on the night, but also about what happens to event materials afterwards. That has led me to a practical question: What happens to roll-up banners once an event has ended? Many traditional roll-up banners combine reusable aluminium hardware with printed graphics that may be made from PVC or other materials that are not easily recycled through ordinary routes. As I have started looking into this, I understand that some can be recycled by specialist providers, while others can be repurposed into bags, pencil cases, cushion covers, document wallets or other useful items. But perhaps the better question is: how do we design event signage to create less waste in the first place? I am beginning to think we may need a more thoughtful hierarchy: Use fewer banners. Only print what is genuinely needed. Design evergreen banners. Create core messaging that can be reused year after year. Use replaceable graphics where possible. Keep the hardware; change only what needs to be changed. Choose PVC-free or recyclable materials where feasible. Ask suppliers better questions before ordering. Repurpose retired banners creatively. Especially where they can support youth engagement, creative learning or community projects. Recycle through specialist routes. Particularly where materials cannot enter normal recycling streams. This is not about perfection, and I certainly do not claim to have all the answers. I am trying to learn from others who may already be finding practical ways to square the circle: how do we create useful event materials without creating unnecessary waste? For organisations working in civic life, culture, education or charity, sustainability is not only about the big statements. Sometimes it begins with asking: What happens to this after everyone has gone home? I would be very interested to hear from event organisers, printers, designers and sustainability practitioners: How are you reducing waste from temporary event signage? #EventSustainability #SustainableEvents #CircularEconomy #CivicStewardship #ReflectionsOfTheLordMayor

I had the chance to catch Coldplay’s Music concert at Wembley Stadium; and beyond the music, the sustainability elements blew me away. Here’s how they’re setting the bar for green concerts: * Waste-free stadiums: reusable cups for drinks with easy returns. In India, organizations like Skrap and Hasiru Dala Innovations are doing incredible work managing waste at concerts. * Refill stations: fans stayed hydrated without single-use plastics, thanks to free water refills. In India, my friends at Greenlit helped roll this out at large-scale events. * Fan-powered energy: kinetic dance floors and stationary bikes that literally let the crowd help power the show. * Eco wristbands: LED wristbands made from compostable, plant-based materials. Impressively, 86% were returned and reused. Quick comparison on wristband return rates (as of early 2025): 1. South Korea: 99% 2. Japan: 97% 3. Finland: 96% 4. Singapore & Malaysia: 91% 5. Thailand: 89% 6. USA (Seattle): ~86% 7. UK (London, Wembley): ~86% 8. India (Ahmedabad): ~72% And the overall impact? A 59% reduction in tour carbon emissions, backed by renewable energy setups, reforestation, and better logistics. What struck me most was how the same tools that fuel joy; music, dancing, lights; were repurposed to fuel sustainability. Here is proof that sustainability and celebration can co-exist at scale. Now imagine if our public events served our cities like this too — Independence Day melas that become experiences of unity and sustainability, cricket matches powered by reusables and renewable energy, community festivals where waste truly goes to zero. The blueprint is here. The question is: how do we make it ours?

Weddings in India are grand, gorgeous, and colourful. Attending a recent one in India left me in awe. But it also got me thinking about the opportunity to make these celebrations even more meaningful—not by diminishing the grandeur, but by enhancing it with purpose. The Indian wedding industry is a colossal $130 billion market, hosting an estimated 10 million weddings annually. While these celebrations fuel local economies, providing jobs and boosting sectors like fashion, jewellery, event planning, catering, and tourism, they also leave behind an overwhelming ecological footprint: Nearly 40% of food prepared for Indian weddings goes to waste, with some weddings producing 500–1,000 kilograms of food waste in a single day. A large-scale Indian wedding generates between 80 and 120 tons of CO₂ emissions, from lighting, air conditioning, and transportation. There is c.100–200 kilograms of plastic waste per event. Many outfits are used just once, contributing to the 92 million tons of textile waste each year. These statistics are sobering. But they also hold an incredible opportunity: to redefine Indian weddings as a force for positive environmental and social change. What if we could reimagine Indian weddings with: Sustainable décor and natural products  >Swap synthetic decorations for ‘green décor’ – think bamboo, jute, clay, recycled paper, and locally sourced flowers.  >Introduce circular design principles, ensuring all decorations are either reusable or biodegradable. Zero Food Wastage >Partner with food redistribution networks to collect excess to feed the underprivileged. >Use AI-driven catering technologies to accurately predict consumption and reduce over-preparation. Sustainable Fashion >Promote clothing rental services or encourage recycling by transforming wedding attire into new, functional garments or donating them to charities. >If just 10% of Indian brides opted for rentals, it could prevent 1 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually.  >Opt for seed-based wedding favours that guests can plant as a memory of the day. Green Venues and Energy Efficiency >A solar-powered outdoor wedding can reduce energy consumption by 30–50%. Choose venues that utilize renewable energy sources or host more daytime weddings? >Incentivize local destination weddings to cut down on travel-related emissions. Let’s move beyond “Big and Fat” to “Big, Green, and Beautiful.” What do you think about aligning weddings with sustainability goals? What could it mean for the people and the planet? #Indianwedding #sustainableweddingindustry #bigfatindianwedding #gogreen

IOC Executive Summary: Over 125 Years of Olympic Venues Post-Games Use (2025) Summary The International Olympic Committee (IOC) analyzed 982 venues from 53 editions of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games (1896–2022) to assess how they are used after the Games. The goal: to understand legacy success, identify best practices, and guide future hosts toward sustainable venue use. Key Findings 1. Overall Use and Longevity • 86% of all permanent Olympic venues (1896–2022) remain in use as of 2024. • Out of 867 permanent venues, 743 are still active for sport or community purposes. • 124 venues (14%) are not in use, mostly due to demolition, obsolescence, or redevelopment. 2. Modern Games Perform Better • 94% of 21st-century venues are still in use, the highest rate in history. • Early 20th-century Games had only 70% of venues still operating; the figure steadily improved over time. 3. Existing vs. New Venues • 83% of existing and 89% of newly built permanent venues remain active, similar sustainability rates. • The IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 (launched in 2015) encouraged reuse and long-term planning, resulting in dramatic improvement. 4. Complex Venues • 87% of large or complex sites (stadiums, Olympic Villages, velodromes, pools, etc.) remain in use. • These represent the most iconic and costly facilities. 5. Temporary Venues Rising • Share of temporary venues increased significantly in the 21st century (from 7% to 21%). • Hosts now favor temporary structures when permanent facilities aren’t needed long term — a key sustainability strategy. Case Studies Tokyo 2020 • 100% of permanent venues (33 total) remain in use. • 10 temporary venues: 7 dismantled as planned; 3 still operational. • Legacy plans ensure both elite and community use. Beijing 2022 • All 16 permanent venues (including 12 competition sites and 3 Olympic Villages) are in use. • Several 2008 venues were repurposed for winter sports, showing strong adaptability and multipurpose design. Methodology • Covered venues from Athens 1896 to Beijing 2022. • “In use” defined as regular operation for sports and/or community activities. • Used mixed methods, desk research, 307 site visits (31% of venues), and stakeholder consultations. • Assurance conducted by KPMG under ISAE 3000. Main Takeaways • The Olympic Games now leave a stronger, more sustainable venue legacy than at any point in history. • Reuse, multipurpose design, and temporary venues are essential to long-term success. • Policy reform (Olympic Agenda 2020) has been pivotal in reducing “white elephants” (unused venues). • Future Games (Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028) demonstrate near-complete reliance on existing or temporary venues. • The trend toward sustainability and community benefit is now embedded in Olympic planning.

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻'𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 - 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆'𝗿𝗲 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿. After a decade of designing large-scale productions with cultural partners from Molten Immersive Art to MUTEK.JP, I've watched the industry shed its obsession with bigger, louder, and more expensive. The future belongs to experiences that last beyond the final applause. The old model is breaking down in real time. Traditional event infrastructure burns through resources like wildfire, leaves communities with empty venues, and creates experiences that vanish the moment the lights go down. From judging panels to advisory boards, I see the same pattern: the most awarded projects are rarely the most remembered. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗺 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝘀: ✦ Modular creative infrastructure reduces setup costs by 40% while extending venue life cycles ✦ Digital storytelling layers increase audience engagement by 65% post-event ✦ Community-integrated production builds 3x more local cultural capacity than traditional models ✦ Resource-sharing networks turn 70% of temporary installations into permanent cultural assets This is where sustainable creative infrastructure becomes revolutionary. When installations can adapt, evolve, and migrate between venues, they transform from expensive one-time spectacles into living cultural assets that strengthen with each iteration. Take @ARMA's THE CUBE TOURING in 2025 - a breakthrough in scalable immersive experiences. This modular installation has welcomed over 250,000 visitors across three European cities, demonstrating exactly what next-generation creative infrastructure looks like in action. With setup times slashed to 7-10 days (versus the traditional 12-18 months), and capacity for 300 visitors per hour, it's revolutionising how we think about sustainable event design. It's not just a venue - it's a "business in a box" that any cultural space can activate, complete with proven audience data and flexible programming options that adapt to local community needs. The most impactful productions I've been part of weren't the ones that impressed industry panels - they were the ones that communities still talk about years later. They understood how to weave technology, story, and space into something that grows stronger with time. We're not just designing experiences anymore. We're building the renewable infrastructure for imagination itself - systems that generate culture rather than consume it. Here's what I'm curious about: if you could redesign one event you've attended to have a lasting impact on its community, what would you change first? #CreativeStrategy #SustainableEvents #ImmersiveStorytelling #CulturalInfrastructure #EventInnovation #CreativeIndustries #CommunityEngagement #TheGlobalAlchemy #Creativity #CriticalThinking

You might be surprised to learn that for decades I worked to make recycling and composting succeed at live events. In a recent feature with Packaging World (“r.World | Reuse Cracks the Code on Waste at Live Events”), I shared the hard truth that eventually became impossible to ignore: in real-world high volume event settings, most single-use items still end up in landfill. That realization forced a shift in how I thought about waste reduction. The most important question became: which system actually works at scale? For me, reuse is the clear answer. That’s why I launched r.World | Reuse. A few lessons from the journey: ➡️ Keep it simple. If the system is easy, people participate. That’s how we consistently see 90%+ return rates at large live events. ➡️ Design matters. Remove the reason to take a cup home - like a logo or event name - and return rates take care of themselves. ➡️ Infrastructure, not pilots. Reuse only works when it’s run like a real service, with washing, tracking, and redeployment built in from day one. ➡️ Reuse reduces costs. When reuse is designed to repeat and scale, it outperforms single-use on both economics and impact. We talk a lot about reduce, reuse, recycle. That order matters, and it’s time we start moving upstream from recycling to reuse. If you’re rethinking waste management in high-volume environments, this article is an honest look at what hasn’t worked … and what finally does. Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/gYkd5c3K #Reuse #WasteManagement #LiveEvents #Sustainability #Leadership

🌍 Legacy in Olympic Venues: Lessons from LA28, Brisbane 2032, and Beyond 🌊❄️ Last month, the Queensland Government announced the venue plan for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the Redland Whitewater Centre, which will serve as the canoeing and kayaking venue. Similarly, LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games's recent updates confirmed their approach to leveraging existing venues for sustainability and legacy. I’m often inspired by how Olympic venues like canoe and kayaking facilities are designed with both the Games and their long-term community impact in mind. A few years ago, I spoke with Richard Pettit, CEO of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), about Brisbane’s Redland Whitewater Centre. He highlighted not only its role as an Olympic venue but also its future as a community hub, offering facilities for outdoor recreation, defensive swimming, and disaster resilience training. It’s a powerful example of how Olympic investments can serve communities long after the Games end. The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority White Water Centre, built for London 2012, is a shining example. Today, it attracts 155,000 visitors annually and generates over £2 million in revenue. It’s proof that Olympic canoe venues can be sustainable, self-sufficient, and deeply embedded in their communities — creating opportunities for recreation, education, and tourism. Achieving similar legacy benefits for Winter Olympic venues like the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton tracks is a more significant challenge. These sports are incredible showcases of human skill and courage, but how many of us have ever had the chance to ride down a bobsleigh track? Unlike canoeing or kayaking, which many have experienced recreationally, these venues are more challenging to engage the community and generate revenue. A 2020 study (link below) highlights the challenges of maintaining these facilities post-Games. As we look toward LA28 and Brisbane 2032, I’m encouraged by the focus on legacy-first planning. The ICF’s excitement about Brisbane’s Redland Whitewater Centre (link below) is well-founded, and LA28’s shift toward existing venues reflects the same commitment to sustainability and long-term value. Have you canoed or kayaked? Ever been down a bobsleigh run? Let’s discuss how we can continue designing Olympic venues that create lasting, meaningful impact. What creative ideas are there for Winter sports venues? Links: 🔗 Brisbane 2032 Venue Plan - https://lnkd.in/e64H2inn 🔗 LA28 Venue Updates - https://lnkd.in/evFvHBpB 🔗 ICF on Redland Whitewater Centre - https://lnkd.in/ecHtBDFJ 🔗 2020 Report on Winter Olympic Venue Challenges - https://lnkd.in/e-T2s6F5 #Olympics #Legacy #Sustainability #EventPlanning #Canoeing #WinterOlympics #CommunityImpact

Having worked with Chicago Event Management for three years now, working all three of their Bank of America Chicago Distance Series events, I have come to really admire the waste diversion efforts they put in. For races that are up to 52,000 runners, this is no easy feat. Here are some of my favorite waste diversion initiatives that they do, that other events can learn from: ♻️ Recycling (and finding ways to make those materials a higher recycling rate, such as switching to Culligan International aluminum bottles, which recycles at a rate of 57%, significantly higher than plastics 29% recycling rate) 🍌 Composting (and increasing the number of runner refresh items at the finish that have packaging that goes into composting, including local apples and bananas that don't need any packaging, the finished compost is redistributed back to the community gardens- what a beautiful example of circularity!) 🧊 Stretch wrap (collecting all the plastic around the pallets, ice bags, and other stretchy plastic seen at events) 😅 Heat sheets (that were turned into composite bench boards) 🍬 TerraCycle (collecting all nutrition wrappers, including snacks at the finish line) 🍺 Goose Island Beer Company bottle toppers (which are recycled and turned into keepsake Chicago keychains) 🧥 Clothing at the start line (collected and donated to Amvets) And yes, there is a waste receptacle stream, but with all these initiatives, that is kept to a minimal. I am so in awe of the work Catherine (Cat) Morris and Alesandra Pena have done to keep improving how waste diversion can be improved upon.