From suppliers to allies: how to choose and work with partners who share sustainable values

Blog Quum - Eventos

Making an event sustainable is extremely complex and needs the commitment of all the actors involved in the production to make it happen. It is not enough to recycle materials or choose a space with ecological certification. True sustainability is in the value chain: how, with whom and for what purpose the event is organised.

Suppliers play a key role. From catering to audiovisual production, each choice can make the difference between an event that really reduces its impact and one that only seeks to appear responsible. Therefore, more than suppliers, brands need strategic allies that share their vision of sustainability and work with clear criteria of ethics and environmental commitment.

Criteria for selecting sustainability-aligned suppliers

Before contracting any supplier, assess their impact and their real commitment to sustainability. Some key questions to filter options:

  • Do they use recycled or certified materials? A print supplier should work with FSC paper, eco-friendly inks or digital alternatives. A furniture supplier should avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable materials.
  • Do you have sustainability certifications? Labels such as ISO 20121 (sustainable event management), B Corp, EMAS or LEED can be indicators of a real commitment.
  • How do you manage your waste? Sustainable catering should minimise waste, donate surplus and use compostable or returnable packaging.
  • Where do your products or services come from? Favouring local suppliers reduces the transport footprint and promotes the circular economy.
  • Have they worked on sustainable events before? If a supplier has no previous experience in responsible events, they may not understand the importance of certain details and commitments.

How to collaborate with certifiers and experts to ensure a sustainable 100% event

It is not enough to choose the right suppliers; you have to make sure that they actually comply with sustainability standards. This is where certifiers and responsible event experts come into play.

Key certifications in sustainable events:

  • ISO 20121: The international standard for sustainable event management. Ideal for companies looking for a long-term strategy.
  • B Corp: Certifies that a company meets high standards of social and environmental impact.
  • LEED: Guarantees that a space or infrastructure meets ecological criteria. Perfect for choosing responsible venues.
  • EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme): A European environmental management system for companies that want to demonstrate their commitment.
  • Eventsost: A wide range of certifications designed to improve sustainability throughout the entire event, product or service management cycle.

To work with sustainability experts, it is necessary to incorporate sustainability auditors to assess the impact of the event before and after, establish evaluation criteria for each supplier and define clear metrics and measure and offset the carbon footprint with specialised organisations.

Communication strategies to make commitment visible without falling into greenwashing

If a brand makes the effort to organise a sustainable event, it must communicate it, but without exaggerating or falling into greenwashing. Some key points:

  • Speak with data and facts, not just words.

Instead of saying "green event", specify: "Waste has been reduced by 40% thanks to a reuse and recycling system".

  • Show the process, not just the result.

Publish on social media how suppliers have been chosen, what certifications have been applied and how the environmental impact has been reduced.

  • Putting allies in the spotlight.

Include sustainable suppliers in the communication and explain how they have contributed to the event.

  • Involve the public.

Involve attendees in the sustainable experience with interactive dynamics, for example:

A sustainable event is a team effort

For an event to be truly sustainable, the brand cannot do it alone. It needs strategic partners who share its vision, from catering to technical production. Remember:

  • Select responsible suppliers with clear environmental impact criteria.
  • Work with certifiers and experts to ensure real compliance with sustainable standards.
  • Communicate transparently, without greenwashing and giving visibility to each actor involved.

Sustainable events are not a fad: they are a necessity. And in this need, suppliers, as always, must be strategic partners in building responsible experiences.

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