Net Zero Carbon Events Launches Roadmap at COP27

November 9, 2022

A new Roadmap on how to achieve sustainable events gives planners the tools to help save the planet.

Launched in August 2021, the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative is the meeting industry’s global campaign to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030. It was founded by such familiar names as The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and more, under the umbrella of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC). The initiative now includes more than 400 supporting events-industry organizations from 55 countries. On Friday, November 11, meeting at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) at Sharm El- Sheikh in Egypt, it is publishing a Roadmap that can be used by all meetings industry stakeholders to help tackle climate change and achieve sustainable events.

James Rees, President of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, who is coordinating the net zero campaign worldwide, gave an update on the initiative at IMEX America, reporting that it has developed well since its inception last year. Twenty-four supporting partners, including exhibition and event organizers, service providers, associations, convention bureaus and venues, are now financial contributors.

The Roadmap includes two versions: a detailed document of more than 80 pages with comprehensive information on how to implement action to achieve net zero, and a 20-page executive summary. As at COP26, the launch was arranged with the support of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

The next phase of the net zero campaign has been ramping up help to deliver the Roadmap, with 42 representatives from 32 organizations registered to participate in getting the word out. “Globally, there is an urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net-zero emissions,” said Rees. “The events industry can and should play its part in helping to deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement. That’s why the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative was set up.”

To raise awareness, a communications campaign with the theme Route to Net Zero Events has started, with frequent social media posts on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram about the initiative and Roadmap. Sign the Pledge here.