EarthCheck Sustainable Event Management badge

Sustainable Event Management

"The GA2023 certification was made possible through the support of EarthCheck and Reforest, and partnerships with Arinex and ICC, Sydney, all of whom embraced our vision for a sustainable event.”

Banyan Tree Holdings

GA2023 Convenor Prof Richard Mackay AM

EarthCheck helps venues, organisers and destinations plan and deliver sustainable events with confidence by supporting the development of a Sustainable Event Management System (SEMS) that aligns with international best practice.

Whether you're hosting a large-scale conference, a regional meeting, or a corporate gathering, EarthCheck’s Sustainable Event Management provides the tools, training and support needed to create impactful, measurable and more sustainable outcomes.

Sustainable Event Management System (SEMS)

Our Sustainable Event Management System (SEMS) provides a clear and repeatable process to integrate sustainability into your event planning, execution and reporting. It is aligned with the ISO 20121 international standard for sustainable events. 

Package inclusions

  • Sustainable Event Management framework, including support documentation and customisable templates
  • Access to the EventCalculator to measure your event’s carbon footprint
  • Certificate of Sustainable Event Management verification 
  • Training to build capacity among Event Managers
  • Certificate for Sustainable Event Manager
  • Licence to use the EarthCheck Sustainable Event Management logo upon successful verification

Program delivery

The program includes three key training sessions:

  1. Kick-off meeting: Introduction to the Sustainable Event Management System, with a deep dive into requirements and documentation. 
  2. Progress workshop: An interactive session to answer questions and support the development process. 
  3. EventCalculator training: Practical guidance on using the EventCalculator software to accurately measure and report your event’s environmental footprint.

 

With EarthCheck’s SEMS, you will:

  • Implement robust policies, procedures and plans to improve environmental, social and economic outcomes. 
  • Have the skills necessary to communicate with stakeholders regarding sustainability. 

EventCalculator

EarthCheck’s EventCalculator is a comprehensive carbon calculator that collects and analyses data, including venue energy consumption, attendee transportation and accommodation, waste generation and more. 

Users input specific event and participant data and the calculator produces a carbon footprint report.

Event product mock up

Key features include:

  • Analysis of venue energy and waste
  • Measurement of attendee travel and accommodation carbon emissions
  • Carbon footprint report for each event
  • Actionable insights to guide future improvements

 

The EventCalculator enables organisers to pinpoint major sources of emissions and guide targeted actions for reduction. It supports compliance with environmental standards and regulations, enhances sustainability reporting, and demonstrates a genuine commitment to reducing climate impact.

Why choose EarthCheck’s Sustainable Event Management System (SEMS)?

Simplicity and structure 

SEMS provides a straightforward, step-by-step process to embed sustainability into your event planning and operations.

Credibility 

Backed by EarthCheck, a global leader in sustainability and certification, ensuring your outcomes are verified and internationally recognised.

Measurable results 

Our tools enable accurate environmental measurement and clear, actionable reporting. 

Training and support 

Gain practical skills as a Sustainable Event Manager.

Efficiency and cost savings

Drive down waste, energy usage and operational costs with informed, data-driven decision making.

Enhanced stakeholder confidence 

Demonstrate leadership and commitment by transparently communicating your sustainability journey to clients, delegates, and partners.

Who is it for?

EarthCheck’s Sustainable Event Management System supports: 

  • Hotels, venues and convention centres 
  • Destination marketing organisations 
  • Event organisers, PCOs and agencies 
  • Government and tourism authorities 

 

Whether you’re starting your sustainability journey or formalising your existing practices, EarthCheck’s Sustainable Event Management System offers a scalable solution tailored to your needs.

Consultation and bespoke support

Beyond the Sustainable Event Management System, EarthCheck also offers bespoke consulting services for more complex or unique event sustainability requirements.

Our team can provide:

  • Custom sustainability strategies for large or multi-site events
  • Advanced carbon footprint analysis and action planning
  • Stakeholder engagement and sustainability communication support
  • Guidance on ISO 20121 alignment 

Get in touch with the EarthCheck team today.

WHO’S USED THIS SERVICE

YOUR EARTHCHECK TEAM

Melissa Hamilton
Alice Campbell
Stewart Moore
Stewart Moore
Melinda Watt
Joshua Nielsen
Joshua Nielsen

"The GA2023 certification was made possible through the support of EarthCheck and Reforest, and partnerships with Arinex and ICC, Sydney, all of whom embraced our vision for a sustainable event.”

Ken Cruse

GA2023 Convenor Prof Richard Mackay AM

WHO’S USED THIS SERVICE

YOUR EARTHCHECK TEAM

Melissa Hamilton
Alice Campbell
Stewart Moore
Stewart Moore
Melinda Watt
Joshua Nielsen
Joshua Nielsen
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Acknowledgement
of Country

There are more than 476 million Indigenous Peoples, found in all regions of the world, from the Arctic to the tropical forests. They make up more than 6 per cent of our global population.

 

In the spirit of reconciliation, EarthCheck acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout the world and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous Peoples today.

 

EarthCheck acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples are guardians of the forests and biodiversity hotspots we all depend on. Research shows that lands managed by Indigenous Peoples, with secure rights, experience lower deforestation rates, store more carbon, hold more biodiversity, and benefit more people than other lands — including protected areas.

 

We recognise and support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration is a positive document that maps out a path for Indigenous Peoples to be free from discrimination and secure in their identities and life choices.

Get instant access to the discussion paper now

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EarthCheck Certified: Aligned globally

EarthCheck science and products were developed by the Australian Government Sustainable Tourism Co-operative Research Centre (STCRC) over ten years. Our science is reviewed annually to ensure that it meets international standards relative to greenhouse gas protocols, responsible tourism, and certification.

EarthCheck products and services are built on the Agenda 21 principles for Sustainable Development endorsed by 182 Heads of State at the United Nations Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 and aligned to the SDGs.

EarthCheck Certified provides a framework for organisations to achieve the desired outcomes for sustainable development as set out in the final report of the World Summit for Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.

EarthCheck Certified complies with the Mohonk Agreement (2000), which outlines the guidelines and principles for an international sustainable tourism certification program. It is also a Recognised program of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

EarthCheck Certified is a verification standard accepted by CDP. It is also an approved program of the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA), London & Partners, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR) and the City of Sydney.

EarthCheck Certified is an approved program for meeting the EU Energy Directive for the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle – BAFA) in Germany and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) in the Netherlands.

EarthCheck partners with international research organisations to maintain the currency of EarthCheck science and our benchmarking systems.

The EarthCheck brand signifies scientific excellence, better environmental, economic, and social performance, improved community interactions, and savings through more efficient use of resources. It provides recognition and promotional support to a global consumer market.