Research indicates that the events industry’s annual carbon footprint is responsible for over 10 percent of global CO2 emissions, and more than a third of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food systems. With this in mind, and with growing consumer awareness, event organizers globally are seeking ways to make events more sustainable. One impactful way to start is clear and accurate climate labeling.
By displaying climate labels on meals at events and conferences, event professionals can demonstrate a clear commitment to carbon reduction and transparency. In turn, this can empower attendees to make informed, climate-conscious decisions—a win-win for all. While climate labeling is beginning to see an upsurge in the industry, it is critical for organizers to ensure their labeling is data-backed and transparent.
The Impact of Climate Labeling
Sustainable food consumption at large events and conferences can play a significant role in fighting climate change. Climate labeling demonstrates a clear commitment to carbon reduction and can be seamlessly integrated into food and beverage programs. Climate labels enable attendees to identify the environmental and social impact of their food choices through various attributes, including comprehensive sustainability attributes and product carbon footprints. According to a study on the effect of climate impact menu labels, a “high climate impact” label on burgers increased non-beef choices by 23 percent.
When implementing climate labels, it is essential to draw data from rigorous, vetted sources with the latest scientific research to ensure claims are verified. With a rise in consumer concern around greenwashing, ensuring labels can be substantiated will go a long way to building trust with event attendees. Even better, offering transparency throughout the conference on signage will create an environment of traceability and confidence.
Where to Begin
Implementing climate labels at events can sound daunting at first, but it can be seamless with few simple steps:
Start by selecting a strong partner.
It is critical to find an experienced partner that can be adaptable when inevitable changes occur in menus. An ideal partner mitigates risk and is experienced with reputation or regulatory risk. If the potential partner has third-party assurance, it is a great sign that they are established and credible. For instance, potential partners could be verified by the Carbon Trust, a leading global climate consultancy and footprinting expert, further showing the commitment to reliable and transparent sustainability reporting.
Prepare for potential push back.
It is not uncommon for event venues or culinary teams to push back or not understand the true impact of climate labeling until explained. Often, the focus can be on recycling, but not always on other sustainable efforts that will have a larger impact on the conference footprint. Stand your ground, be a leader, and be confident in your choice, even if others are skeptical at first.
Understand that communication is key.
The more information and guidance provided to consumers, the better and stronger the impact on their decision-making. A few examples are:
- Contextualizing the carbon footprint: rather than simply offering a footprint, consider additional context like “high, medium, or low” to empower attendees who may not have a reference point.
- Bring messaging into additional signage: whenever possible, include shout-outs and explanations of the climate labeling on signage throughout the event, including on the main stage and any additional video monitors. Offering a session on demystifying how the labeling was calculated is an added bonus.
- Offer a survey following the event: a survey with clear questions will provide critical feedback and data to help future events. It will also help the consumer feel good about their choices and the impact they made on the environment.
Carbon is the New Calorie
It is hard to remember a time when menu labeling requirements did not exist—for example, when calories were not displayed on food products and in restaurants. Prior to this, consumers lacked context and critical information that hindered their decision-making. The same can be said about carbon—which is why carbon is the new calorie.
The ultimate goal is that consumers have full visibility into the true impact of their food decisions. Events and conferences provide unique opportunities to offer transparency into sustainability metrics while demonstrating industry leadership for the organizers. In the end, implementing climate labeling drives transparency, empowers informed decision-making, and helps make the world a better place.
HowGood is an independent research company and SaaS Sustainability Intelligence platform with the world’s largest database on food product sustainability. With more than 33,000 ingredients, chemicals and materials assessed, HowGood helps leading brands, suppliers, retailers and restaurants improve their environmental and social impact. Through in-depth, ingredient-level insights into factors like greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, labor risk, animal welfare, and other key impacts, HowGood’s data power strategic decision-making for the sourcing, manufacturing, merchandising, and marketing of sustainable products.
