Shaping the Future of Sustainable Events
Climate action is already changing lives, quietly, steadily, across the world. Cleaner air in crowded cities. More reliable energy in rural communities. Safer homes. Healthier food systems.
As temperatures rise and storms grow more destructive, the response to climate change is becoming more than an effort to cut emissions. It is reshaping economies, improving public health and helping communities adapt to a warming world.
The window to avoid the worst consequences of climate change is narrowing, but it has not yet closed. Whether you are a professor or policymaker, a corporate executive or concerned citizen, we all have a role to play in building a more livable future.
Inspired by the guide prepared by the UN Environment Programme, we wanted to share ideas for how the event industry can tackle climate change through positive action.
Invest in energy efficiency
Improving energy efficiency in the event industry is a fast and cost-effective way to lower operating costs, reduce exposure to fuel price shocks, and cut carbon emissions.
LS Events in Action: At BST Hyde Park, pioneering reduction techniques have cut carbon emissions by 92% (from 304.49Co2e to 22.75Co2e) and the event has used 100% HVO fuel for generators since 2019.
Design event assets that last longer
Designing temporary infrastructure and event materials to be durable, repairable, and reusable creates a circular business model for the event industry. This approach reduces waste, lowers long-term costs, and improves resource efficiency.
LS Events in Action: Following the UEFA Champions League Final, we successfully donated event materials, including 2400 sqm of scrim, 420 sqm of carpets, 300 wristbands, and 500 lanyards, diverting them from landfill.
Reduce food waste
In the events sector, improving forecasting and inventory management, along with implementing food redistribution programs, helps lower costs and strengthens the commitment to sustainability.
LS Events in Action: After the UEFA Champions League Final, LS Events facilitated the collection of 1,820 meals by City Harvest, significantly reducing food waste from the event.
Prioritise cleaner operations to mitigate emissions
By actively replacing fossil-fuel-reliant systems with cleaner alternatives, events can rapidly slow near-term warming and strengthen energy security. This turns potential waste (emissions) into economic and environmental value.
LS Events in Action: For LIDO Festival 2025, LS Events piloted an event industry-first green hydrogen system to power the second stage, eliminating reliance on fossil fuels and generating only water vapour.
Increase transparency and improve climate reporting
Adopting rigorous reporting standards helps event organisers identify climate risks, attract investment, and strengthen their long-term competitiveness.
LS Events in Action: LS Events operates in line with the international standards ISO 20121 (Sustainable Events Management) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management). For the St Patrick’s Festival, we utilise the Isla TRACE system to calculate and report on carbon emissions.
Lead the transition to low-carbon innovation
Shifting toward cleaner energy and low-carbon event technologies creates new economic and reputation opportunities. Companies that invest early in clean innovation can strengthen competitiveness and position themselves as leaders in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
LS Events in Action: LS Events is a key supporter of the Vision 2030 Climate Pledge, aiming for a 50% reduction in industry emissions by 2030. We also lead industry change through participation in the Vision for Sustainable Events Forum.
Create the workforce of the future
Training employees in green skills and focusing on inclusive hiring builds a future-ready event workforce and bolsters industry competitiveness.
LS Events in Action: We embedded an inclusive employment model at BST Hyde Park 2025 with Bridge Creative, generating 792 hours of paid employment for autistic adults and adults with learning disabilities. Furthermore, we have partnered with Leeds Beckett University for the American Express presents Roundhay Festival to provide paid employment, site visits, and guest lectures to inspire future talent.
Link to the official guide https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/2026/latest/climate-solutions/businesses
