Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): 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, is something we’re going to be hearing a lot more about with the pending passage of an international standard for sustainable event management.

Assisting clients to reduce waste and other consumables by repurposing office and/or meeting materials whenever possible is one obtainable objective. As planners, let’s also actively seek out suppliers and vendors who are “greening” their practices.

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 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.