Hello friend,

This week, we’re excited to share an in-depth look at a panel discussion that drew a lot of attention at the GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Singapore.

As we near the end of the year, this is our second-to-last AST Briefing of 2024. Next week, we’ll wrap things up with the final segment of Thailand’s Best-Kept Sustainable Travel Stories and share our content and event plan for 2025. Stay tuned – there’s a lot to look forward to!

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What GSTC2024 Singapore Taught Us About Hosting Sustainable Events

Sustainability has become an important factor in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, and the recent GSTC2024 in Singapore provided a platform to explore this pressing issue.

The Sustainable Events session brought together a panel of experts who shared actionable tips for hosting eco-conscious events, focusing on how to actually put them into practice.

The discussions ranged from practical ways to reduce food waste to making the most of local resources, giving event planners an easy guide to staying sustainable and community-focused.

Venue Selection and Infrastructure as Catalysts for Change

The right venue can act as the foundation for a sustainable event. Singapore EXPO exemplifies how purposeful infrastructure can drive change. With a 9.7 megawatt-peak solar rooftop system — the largest in Singapore — and the eastern region's largest EV charging hub, the venue has set a benchmark for eco-conscious operations.

Ian Gan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Singapore EXPO, shared that their carbon emissions per square meter are 45% lower than the industry average, reflecting their commitment.

He emphasized that sustainability begins with infrastructure investments like renewable energy integration and waste management systems, which create the foundation for more environmentally responsible gatherings.

Tackling Food Waste with Practical Solutions

The session highlighted alarming statistics that emphasized the critical role of food waste management in hosting sustainable events.

Kaori Pereyra-Lago from American Express Global Business Travel revealed that food waste accounts for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while aviation contributes only 3%.

"Event attendees generate 1.9 kilograms of waste per day, over twice what we produce in our daily lives," she reported, highlighting the urgency to act.

Proactive planning emerged as a core solution. 

Adam Piperdy, founder of Unearthed Productions, explained the critical role of upfront communication with attendees, sharing that his team asks guests during registration whether they will consume meals to better forecast demand and curb waste.

"We always assume everybody will eat, but that's not the case. We ask so we can reduce unnecessary catering," Piperdy explained.

Rethinking Design With Sustainability in Mind

Creative initiatives also play a significant role in sustainable events, as explained by Piperdy. His team employs innovative methods to rethink traditional event design, using sustainable materials and crafting furniture from event by-products, like barrels and pallets.

»»» Read more about how Unearthed Productions has brought some inspiring practices to life.

The Role of Community in Responsible Events

Ingeborg Fallet Kristensen, Managing Director of Krabi Spesialisten in Thailand, introduced an equally inspiring approach.

"We support community-based tourism by integrating local culture into events and activities," she noted. This model prioritizes collaboration with local businesses and artisans for everything—from catering to entertainment. It's an approach that brings economic benefits directly to the grassroots level while offering attendees a more profound cultural experience.

Adapting Sustainability Practices to Local Contexts

The session also highlighted one key insight — what works in one region might not apply universally. 

Pereyra-Lago addressed challenges in Japan, where the strong emphasis on hospitality often leads to overconsumption.

"Japanese are brilliant at recycling, but reduction management often takes a backseat due to a desire to please customers," she explained. However, progress is underway, with more Japanese organizations signing up for science-based emission targets.

Driving Sustainability Through Data and Reporting

Pereyra-Lago highlighted recent regulatory trends pushing for climate-related disclosures, including upcoming EU mandates set for 2025, which will require comprehensive sustainability reporting.

She also noted that nearly 8,600 companies have already committed to cutting emissions in line with Science Based Target Initiatives (SBTi), representing 39% of the global economy by market capitalization.

Creating an Action Plan for Event Planners

Distilling their advice into actionable steps, the panelists encouraged event planners to:

1. Start with the venue. Choose spaces with robust sustainability initiatives already in place.

2. Reduce food waste. Work directly with caterers to redistribute surplus or implement composting solutions.

3. Rethink materials. Explore reusable or upcycled design options to cut down on waste from one-off décor.

4. Collaborate locally. Leverage the expertise and resources of local businesses and artisans.

5. Track metrics. Use ESG reporting tools to measure greenhouse gas reductions, waste management outcomes, and delegate satisfaction.

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