practices or certifications that you can share with me as we are considering our venue options, our gifting options, or whatever it may be.” THINK BEYOND OFFSETS While she sees carbon offsetting as a good starting point, Power says, “I think what event planners and organizers need to think about is all of the steps and all of the touch points, and where they can put their resources to lower the impact, versus just getting to the end and offsetting.” USE TRACKING TOOLS To help, Power says her organization uses software called TRACE to track the environmental costs of an event such as emissions and waste: “That allows the event planners to, step by step as they plan their event, think through their choices…no different than a budgeting tool, or using a project management tool. It’s just part of our day-to-day process.” EARTH FIRST ASK FOR REPORTING Power also likes to ask potential suppliers, “What reporting can you provide us at the end of the program? So, can you provide data and reporting and metrics on, again, if it’s a venue, on energy usage, your waste management processes and how much went into compost, how much into recycling and how much into landfill?” While suppliers can’t always provide such reporting, Power says when event professionals ask, there’s a secondary benefit: “The more that we’re asking those questions, the more the demand is there.” LOOK FOR FLEXIBILITY Finally, in discussions about sustainability, Martin also finds it helpful to assess a potential partner or vendor’s responsiveness: “Some vendors are way more willing and open to working with you and talking through sustainable options and solutions; and others are just like, ‘Nope, that’s just the way to do it.’” millcroft.com | 1.800.383.3976 | [email protected] | Caledon, ON 52 Guestrooms | 6 Unique Meeting Rooms | Team Building Activities | Hydrotherapy Circuit | Luxurious Spa Services Innovative Cuisine | Outstanding Service | Only 60 minutes from Toronto | Inspiring Country Setting Host your next event in our secluded 100-acre estate. Your attendees will thank you! Breathe Fresh Air Into Your Business
