This is an exciting new area of work and we are developing a programme of sustainability activity to support clients involved with organising, managing or hosting events.

BS 8901 is the British Standard which has been developed specifically for the events industry with a purpose of helping the industry to operate in a more sustainable manner. The standard defines the requirements for a sustainability event management system to ensure an enduring and balanced approach to economic activity, environmental responsibility and social progress relating to events.

It requires organisations to identify and understand the effects that their activities have on the environment, on society and on the economy both within the organisation and the wider economy; and put measure in place to minimise the negative effects.

Currently we are the only business in Scotland trained for implementing BS 8901. With the launch of an international equivalent in 2012: ISO 20121, any business  awarded the British standard before then will automatically be up rated to ISO.

Event carbon footprint - there is growing awareness of the environmental impacts of events, festivals and conferences, especially the production of greenhouse gas emissions. We have worked with a number of event organisers to review the emissions of their events. Recognising this expertise, we have been commissioned by the Carbon Trust to provide a methodology for raising engagement with event, conference and festival carbon footprinting.