LONDON — When world leaders gather at COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, this November, they will aim to showcase how their countries will achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. At the same time, leading events companies, led by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), will commit to joining the quest under a new initiative known as Net Zero Carbon Events.
As a first step, the group plans to develop common methodologies to measure the sector’s direct, indirect and supply chain greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to report on progress and share best practices. It will then develop an industry-wide roadmap to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement, and then to net-zero by 2050.
Volunteers from all sectors of the event industry – venues, event planners, exhibitors, convention bureaus, service providers and suppliers – are encouraged to register online now and will be contacted to help develop the commitment project. Once finalized, they will have the opportunity to sign it and participate in the official launch, as well as join various working groups contributing to the project.
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The initiative is being driven by a working group organised by JMIC members UFI, the global exhibition industry association, AIPC, the International Association of Convention Centres and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), as well as representatives from Emerald Expositions, Freeman, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Informa, Javits Center, MCI, Messe München, RX and Scottish Event Campus. The initiative was born out of a discussion with the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which also supports the initiative.
“Collaboration around net-zero GHG emissions at the industry level can have a profound impact,” said Jacqueline Tran, chief energy and sustainability officer at the Javits Center. “Initiatives like this can bring together a diverse group of experts and industry leaders to help improve communities around the world. We are excited to partner with trade show organizers, general contractors, venues and other organizations in the event industry to discover the best path forward to achieve net-zero emissions.”
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In related news, Marriott is joining the Race to Zero campaign, a global campaign that mobilizes businesses, cities, regions, and financial and educational institutions to achieve net zero emissions. The hospitality giant has submitted a letter committing to reassessing its practices and properties to the Science Based Targets initiative, which defines and promotes best practices for emissions reductions and net zero targets.
Related. Post-COVID, sustainability remains a priority for exhibitors and organizers
“We are committed to making a positive, lasting impact everywhere we do business, and this rigorous climate commitment to achieve net-zero emissions is a necessary step so we can do our part to help the communities and environments where we live, work and visit remain resilient and vibrant,” said Anthony Capuano, Marriott CEO.
Contact Jacqueline Tran at (212) 216-2037 or Jtran@javitscenter.com; Anthony Capuano at (301) 380-3000 or anthony.capuano@marriott.com