Going green is simply not as important as staying in business at the moment. Agree or disagree?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by John Robson on May 19, 2009 at 17:25

I think it's a bit of a cop out as the two things are not mutually exclusive. Clearly staying in business is top priority but there are many things that you can do that help the environment, improve your credentials and save money all at the same time. I guess it's about how much of your own limited time you devote to this. As Simon Burton said at the AEO Marketing Forum last week, if it doesn't make the boat go faster then you shouldn't be doing it, and you should look at environmental initiatives in this light, especially in the current economic environment.

Permalink Reply by Marcus Timson on May 19, 2009 at 21:32

Commercial sustainability is the key then? So you kind of do agree?

Permalink Reply by Simon Burton on May 20, 2009 at 9:03

Long term sustainability of the planet and business are not mutually exclusive. That said of course some businesses under pressure are going to be forced to make some short term decisions based purely on price. This ought to even itself out. Some people will avoid FSC and recycled paper because it costs more, but an even greater number are going to avoid print altogether.

We do need to achieve a balance. Read The Road by Cormac McCarthy (soon to be a film) to see how little business gets done post apocalyptia.

Permalink Reply by Karin Taylor on May 20, 2009 at 13:37

In this time of slow down its a time to think ..... Life has many levels; is everything about money and success or is it about ethics; businesses used to openly laugh that we banked with the Co-operative 9 years ago but now its cool because its an ethical bank. Green is a big focus in the events and corporate entertainment industry right now but you will always have people who really believe its important and others who see it as a marketing opportunity. Which is the more green performer the juggler who has always cycled to his jobs or the providers of an animatronic polar bear which is driven in a van from wales to london?.. i always think that one is food for thought in terms of perception
karin Calmer Karma

Permalink Reply by Chris Gothard on August 6, 2010 at 16:37

At the moment this is a tough one to answer. The events industry is inherently wasteful, just think of the energy required to heat a large hall and ask what happens to it during break down! There are many actions that could be taken to green up the industry, banning exhibition carpet being one and requiring venues to provide permanent carpets on the floor.

However we cannot take responsibility for our exhibitors industries as well. How green they are and how they promote themselves is down to them and we only provide the tools and the environment in which to trade.

Is not the most important aspect of this to be economical with resources? In which case the events industry can be both green and save money. We need to ensure that everything gets re-cycled. Venues should take the lead in this and be encouraged to offer cash back against re-cycled waste. Give a financial incentive and see how quickly we go green!