Though it might have been on a smaller scale, virtual events were still taking place prior to a world infiltrated by COVID-19. In fact, according to a study conducted in May 2020, close to 50% of B2B marketers held between 20 to 30 virtual events yearly.
However, when COVID-19 hit, businesses were forced to move all of their meetings, seminars, and events online. Upscale events like the annual Met Gala to regular conventions turned virtual, in the hope of avoiding further spread of the virus. While shifting to digital events might’ve been tiresome for those not accustomed to it, our planet loved it. According to the Global Energy Review, the pandemic resulted in incredibly favorable environmental effects. The world saw the highest-ever reduction in global emissions.
Many people have become so used to in-person events that they are clueless about the amount of wastage generated behind the scenes. This is a major benefit that comes with virtual events; there’s nothing to clean up because there was no wastage in the first place. In this article, we’ll go over some environmental benefits that come with virtual events and explain why you need to make the switch.
Lower Carbon Footprint
When you hold an event virtually, you avoid all of the carbon emissions that visitors would have created if they attended the physical event (using their cars, planes, or any other means of transport). According to the University of Birmingham, an average conference attendee produces over 170 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per day. If we multiply this number by hundreds of attendees and several event days, the amount of CO2 emissions generated is unfathomable.
On the other hand, virtual conferences and exhibitions require zero travel making them incredibly eco-friendly. All that an attendee needs is a working device and a capable internet connection. By hosting an online or hybrid event, you can substantially reduce carbon footprints and do your part in preserving our planet.
Other disposables that virtual events help curb include printable wastage. With online events, there is no need to print brochures, business cards, posters, or any other paper materials. Digital documents is all that you need.
BSR 2020
- 946,408 kilograms of in-person CO2 emissions vs. 4,212 kilograms of virtual CO2 emissions
- Resulted in a total of 942,196 kilograms of CO2 emissions savings
In conclusion, virtual and hybrid events pave the way for green events. Our natural resources are finite, and treating them like they’re not will only hurt us in the near future. Your events don’t have to stop, they just need to become more sustainable.
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