Terms like "waste reduction with a focus on sustainability practices", "going green" and "reducing your carbon footprint' have all but replaced-reduce-recycle as the desire to make a positive impact on our planet has grown. In the business world, these phrases are simply termed as Corporate Social Responsibility: operating a business in a manner that accounts for the social and environmental impact created by the business as a means to fulfill the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Businesses with international concerns should be especially interested as this is something we’re going to be hearing a lot more about with the pending passage of international standards for sustainability practices in corporate, meeting and event management . The simplest change for companies of any size to implement is the reduction of paper usage. Beyond that, strategizing is the first step for organizations that wish to have a long-term, positive impact. Decide which goal(s) your organization would like to accomplish, such things as eliminating the use of styrofoam products, telecommuting options, making duplex printing the default setting on office printers and promoting a ride-share program are a few ideas that may be easily implemented. Once the desired goal has been agreed upon, decide how the progress will be evaluated and finally, share the success by celebrating milestones and rewarding team members for their support.
Since offsite corporate meetings and events are the 2nd largest contributor (behind construction) to the landfill, the onus of upholding the promise of corporate social responsibility often falls on meeting planning professionals. Before hiring or contracting a meeting planner, you should be assured they are just as committed to upholding your corporate standards for "going green" and proactive with regard to making a positive impact on the community hosting your event. One obtainable objective that meeting planners can assist clients to accomplish is the reduction of waste and other consumables by repurposing office and/or meeting materials whenever possible. Also, planners should actively seek out suppliers and vendors who are “greening” their practices. Two simple ways to "green a meeting" are: hiring a caterer who buys local produce and considering facilities that have been certified by LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Meeting professionals should be aware of the United Nations Compact on Corporate Social Responsibility and keep aprised of the standards being set. This is especially true when your group is traveling abroad since each host country is likely to have a different standard for "green" meeting practices.
There are a lot more ways organizations can actively participate in corporate social responsibility and help to create a positive impact on the planet, for present and future generations with the goal of realizing social and economic profits. Increased government regulation of corporate social responsibility is likelier than not a part of the near future, so it's simply good business to be proactive and begin the implementation of sustainable business practices wherever and whenever possible. Firms who position themselves thusly will be ahead of the curve and may receive benefits extended to those with the early-bird mentality.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
PLANit Event Solutions-A Reason to Cheer!
PLANit Event Solutions is happy to announce that our own Damaris R. Johnson has been awarded the October Rising Star Award by Meeting Professionals International Southern California Chapter (MPISCC)! Damaris was awarded for her hard work and contributions to MPISCC as a member of the contributions team.
What can PLANit do for you!
Damaris@planit4you.com
Monday, October 12, 2009
PLANit Event Solutions-Your Event Outsource Partner
As Principal of PLANit Event Solutions, I hope to be of service to you in the near future. The meeting and event planning industry is evolving apace with the world of business today. At PLANit, we work with you as a strategic partner our understanding of event design, strategy, planning, logistics, timing and budget management will save you time, money and other valuable resources; while maintaining the integrity and focus of your objectives. Whether it's a corporate meeting, client appreciation event or product launch party, we "combine the elements to create your perfect event". What can PLANit do for you? Please contact Damaris@planit4you.com, let's work together to make your next event a success!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Pre-Event Timelines
Deadlines should be in line with the needs of your pre-event schedule so that all responsibilities and needs align seamlessly. Remember the deadlines, as such, will be changing as the event plans develop.
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