With so much noise about climate change being drummed up in recent times (and rightly so), it has become apparent that we all need to do more in our efforts both as businesses and individuals to reduce our carbon footprint wherever possible.
Every industry has its own set of challenges in figuring out how to be more eco-friendly. However, when it comes to events and exhibitions, the very nature of what we do is big, bold and if we may say so ourselves - beautiful too. So how can we continue to create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impression on our audiences, without impacting the environment in the process?
Sustainability has always been a key ethos for us, since we want to continue to be able to produce show-stopping exhibition experiences long into the future.
One way in which we look to achieve this is through creating eco-friendly display stands. Here is what you need to know about creating an environmentally friendly stand for your event, along with how to factor in event sustainability as a whole.
Designing Eco-Friendly Display Stands
There are two main avenues to consider when looking to design an eco-friendly display stand for your exhibition or event.
Any display stand brief starts with an initial concept, which also happens to be one of the best places to start where nailing sustainability objectives is concerned. That’s because we can help ensure the final design can have a long lifespan, with the pieces suitable to be reused or repurposed an infinite amount of times.
Taking exhibitor graphics as an example, which include the likes of freestanding wall graphics, standalone banners and brochure desks. Each of these pieces can be used in combination when at an exhibition, as well as separately when at smaller events, or as part of your general marketing efforts.
Combined with a universal branding scheme rather than specific dates or phrases that limit any future usage, the pieces suddenly become timeless while infinitely valuable. As we know, ‘reuse’ is an incredibly important word within eco-friendliness.
Eco-Friendly Exhibition Stand Building Materials
The second method of creating an eco-friendly exhibition stand is to carefully consider the types of materials used. An obvious aspect here is sourcing sustainable materials, including those which have previously been or can be recycled.
Further than this though, the materials should all be of good quality and suitable for the type of usage they are selected for. This will help ensure the pieces can withstand long term use, including after months of storage or surviving transit to the next event. All of which will reduce demand on resources, including the reproduction of items due to poor quality.
Eco-Friendly Banners
Banners also have a part to play in sustainability, since they can also fall into the many pitfalls that exhibition stands and even day to day marketing materials do too.
The nature of banners is that they tend to be used to advertise an upcoming event, making their lifespan limited. That means that every time any of the details changes, a new banner has to be produced using more resources including the banner materials, production energy, shipping emissions etc to do so. Wherever possible, the banner itself should be designed to offer the maximum amount of usage by considering its content lifespan.
Made Ready Exhibition Stands
Made ready stands not only use eco-friendly materials, but their simplistic construction means less resources are needed to produce them. The best part? Their striking image capabilities allows your stand to lock eyes with visitors from afar, meaning the impact you make is on the impression of visitors, rather than on the environment.
We produce our made ready stands in a number of configurations and packages, making it an incredibly flexible option for exhibitors. The design capabilities can even include a central tower to display products or feature a doorway for special access areas.
Download our made ready stands brochure
What Is Sustainable Event Management?
Eco-friendly display stands are just the beginning of our wider commitment to sustainability, since we all have to consider the wider environment we exhibit within, and what it takes to put on large scale events.
Sustainable event management looks at every single aspect of events and exhibitions, to see where material consumption and energy use can be reduced.
The Importance Of Sustainability In Events
- Demonstrate commitment towards the planet
- Ensure longevity within the industry
- Produce events in line with both changing customer habits and expectations
- Save costs as a business, especially if items can be repurposed
- Set the best example for future generations
How To Create Sustainable Events
First and foremost, sustainable events can only come to fruition if every business and individual who is involved in the process takes responsibility from the offset. Larger organisations may even appoint a dedicated sustainability manager, but even smaller exhibitors can still look to reduce their environmental impact, without compromising on any of their exhibition objectives.
Here are some of the ways Human Built factors in sustainability within the way we operate as a company, along with the work we create for clients.
Focus On 100% Renewable Energy
Exhibition stands and events require power for various aspects such as lighting, sound systems and computers. The combination of energy-efficient technology and liaising with venues to use renewable energy sources is essential.
Strive For Zero Waste
The best way to achieve zero waste is to take an honest look at where waste has been produced previously. In response, event holders must look to eliminate the material completely or redistribute it to other causes after the event, to ensure the maximum amount of resources avoid landfill.
For example, unwanted food can be donated to local charities, and plastic materials can be replaced with reusable or recyclable items. Placing recycle stations in venues also encourages visitors to do their bit too.
Responsible travel to events
It’s no secret that electric vehicle use has been hotting up in recent years. When it comes to the delivery of goods to an exhibition venue, from the catering to the stand materials, electric vehicles should be utilised as much as possible. Here at Human Built, we’re aiming to have a fully electric vehicle fleet in operation by 2025.
Along the same lines, considering transport to and from exhibitions for both exhibitors and the public alike can all reduce emissions.
Within a company setting, shared transport reduces the number of vehicles on the road and around the venue. For those attending exhibitions, park and ride schemes along with excellent public transport links can all have a positive impact too.
Shopping Local
Sourcing goods from local suppliers benefits exhibitions and the wider community in several ways.
Food - something that is required at every exhibition venue - is one of the best examples of where shopping local counts, since many food items are imported, with some products having clocked up thousands of air miles even before they are transported to the venue.
So not only does shopping local (regardless of what the item happens to be) reduce carbon emissions, but by sourcing nearby suppliers this benefits the local economy in doing so.
Holding Ourselves Accountable
We’ve partnered with event sustainability champions isla as part of our commitment towards the environment.
Without a doubt, any organisation or exhibitor looking to produce a sustainable event should also reach out to those who can ensure a responsible outcome to event production, which can only be fully realised through open and regular discussion.
Eco-Friendly Display Stands UK
Human Built offers a complete start to finish service when it comes to display stands. As well as producing eco-friendly display stands, we can provide project management, furniture hire, logistics, electrics, data registration services and much more. This means we can help make your entire presence at an event or exhibition more sustainable, while providing you with world-class expertise at every turn.
We’re based in Birmingham, and we offer our services across the UK and beyond. So wherever you’re exhibiting and whatever you have in mind, let us show you what we can do.
Email us or give us a call on 07760 172 326 for further information, and our friendly team will be in touch. You can also check us out on Facebook or Instagram where you can also view our work on display.