Sustainability Policy
Diversified Communications Sustainability Policy
Diversified Communications is committed to delivering a sustainable events policy to reduce our environmental and social impact. A dedicated Sustainability Committee has been set up with the aim to implement a set of standards across the company, and to review best practice. The work of the committee is ongoing, and the sustainability policy outlined below is subject to change over time, in line with technological developments and other factors.
Our Policy
The policy focusses on environmental sustainability and forms part of our wider work at Diversified, alongside our divisions in the US, Canada and Australia on our Environmental & Social Governance (ESG) policy. This work also includes our efforts in the area of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) not detailed herein. The purpose of the Sustainability Policy is to map our commitment to reducing the impact that we have on the environment and society as a business.
Key to this, is setting out the steps we will take within our organisation and at our events, to reduce our waste and Greenhouse Gas emissions (GHG emissions or CO2e).
The reasons for producing this policy, is to increase awareness and engagement within our organisation, setting out the steps we are already taking and the commitments we are putting in place. It also sets out a framework for our employees as to what we expect from them and the way in which this affects the decisions we make as a business and at our events. Additionally, it will inform how we communicate with stakeholders, including encouraging clients to consider environmental factors when planning their event participation and setting standards for our event contractors and suppliers, including considering their environmental credentials and commitments, when appointing them.
We understand that this is a journey, and that this is just the beginning. Equally, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the environmental challenges we all face. But we do know that we all need to make a change and that every little change makes a difference.
Our Commitments – 3 Core Areas of Development
The policy is broken down into 3 core areas of development as listed below. These areas will form a framework, which we all work towards, and which will inform the decisions we make as a business and at our events.
- Inspiring Sustainable Development through our events and the industries we serve.
Support the future success of the industries we serve, by providing show content and features that focus on the issues linked to environmental sustainability.
Develop purposeful partnerships with not-for-profit organisations, focussed on delivering more sustainable futures for the industries we serve.
Communicate our commitment to sustainability, our achievements and encourage visitors and exhibitors to join in (examples of possible channels include event websites, event guides, exhibitor manuals, attendee travel, contractor communications, and social media).
Example 1: Accountex and Carma will plant a tree for every visitor
This year, Accountex teamed up with Carma to work towards mitigating their carbon footprint whilst supporting local communities across the world.
Carma have pledged to plant a tree for every single attendee at Accountex 2023. This means that by simply attending Accountex, visitors are helping to support climate positive projects, offset CO2 emissions and combat climate change.
https://www.accountex.co.uk/london/planting-trees-for-attendees/
Example 2: Sustainable event pages and exhibitor guides
As part of our ESG commitments we have produced Sustainability Commitments pages to appear on all event websites, communicating our aims openly to all.
This includes guidance to help exhibitors to exhibit sustainably.
- Staging Environmentally Responsible Events
Put in place initiatives to increase our events efficiency, regarding energy and utilities. This will include but is not limited to:
Material selection / recycling and reusing. This includes recycled carpet, recyclable signage, recyclable feature designs and using sustainably sourced paper.
Working with venues on lighting, AC, sustainable energy providers, etc
Encouraging exhibitors to do the same.
Communicate these initiatives to our stakeholders and encourage them to consider their environmental impact when planning their event participation.
Reduce waste within our offices and at our events (food, paper, plastics, and recycling).
Encourage sustainable choices in transport reduction to and from our events.
Use sustainability as a benchmark in considerations of procurement.
Collect and analyse event sustainability data to inform future improvements.
Example 1: Standardised reusable on site signage
Following the 2023 spring events all standard onsite signage (signage used at all shows) will be produced using Diversified branding rather than event specific so that it can be stored and reused at every event.
Event branded signage will no longer feature events dates to enable us to store and reuse as much as possible at future events.
Example 2: Working with sustainable venues and suppliers
GES are amongst the first companies within in the events industry to achieve ISO20121. They are providing recycled and recyclable materials for the services they provide and will provide post show audits to enable to us measure our impact.
ExCel London was certified carbon neutral in 2022 – and is the first UK venue to achieve the internationally recognised PAS 2060 status. This includes carbon off-setting all feature areas.
- Local Community & Diversity, Wellbeing and Governance
Supporting the local area around our offices and events
Implement initiatives which enhance the equality, accessibility, and respect for all.
Implement initiatives which enhance the wellbeing of all involved with our events.
Example 1: Investing in green energy and projects
Diversified organises several events aimed at making companies more sustainable and has invested significantly in several environmentally friendly projects. These include:
Investment in a wind farm in Portland, Maine.
Investment in a solar panel energy facility in Portland, Maine.
Acquisition of InterSolar North America.
Acquisition of Smart Energy Decisions.
Organising leading events to promote sustainable organic principles.
Example 2: DCW / GEO Business speaker mentoring programme
To help first time speakers we’ll be running a speaker mentoring programme where we’ll partner new speakers up with those more experienced. Helping them prepare, offering feedback, support, and a friendly face in the crowd.
The aim is to improve the experience of first-time speakers, particularly from under-represented groups. So, they might return to present again and encourage others to do the same.
Example 3: Surplus food distributed to local food banks
Where possible, surplus food products are distributed to local food banks at our shows.