Events are a vibrant part of the ANU experience. They bring people together to share ideas, build networks and showcase research, however, they also come with an environmental footprint.
If you are planning an event, you have an opportunity to reduce emission sand model sustainable practices. Our Carbon Smart Event Guide (PDF, 501 KB) and Carbon Smart Travel Guide provide practical steps to help you design lower carbon events without compromising impact or engagement.
The Carbon Smart Event Guide was developed using four guiding principles from the ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Framework. It is designed to support you to reduce emissions and environmental impacts at very stage of planning.
Before your bok a venue or confirm catering, pause and ask: does this event need to be in person? Could a digital or hybrid format achieve the same outcomes?
Use our event design decision-making tool in the guide to help assess your options. For broader engagement advice, see the ANU Communications and Engagement event design guide, or explore the ANU Events toolkit for general planning support.
Food choices and service styles can significantly influence the impact of your event. Small decisions add up.
Avoid waste
- Time catering between mealtimes to avoid or reduce the amount of catering needed
- Make registrations essential and send confirmation emails near the event date to get accurate numbers for catering
- Check with caterers on the portions per person and reduce where necessary
Choose reusables
- Ask attendees to BYO water bottles and keep cups
- Ask caterers if they have a crockery option
- Purchase high use items and bring them along for general use such as teaspoons and small plates
Select sustainable caterers
- Use the caterers in the low carbon service guide*
- Ask your preferred caterer if they have a sustainability policy
- Offer only vegetarian and vegan options
*This is an editable document, ANU staff and students can add sustainable caterers in Canberra or share experiences and tips about contacts already listed.
Travel can be one of the largest contributors to event emissions. Thoughtful planning can make a significant difference.
Go digital or hybrid
- Host your event online
- Invite interstate or international presenters to participate digitally
- Live stream in-person events to broaden access without travel
Support carbon smart travel
- Prioritise presenters who do not require air travel where possible
- Provide clear information on walking, cycling and public transport options
Book sustainable accommodation
- Choose accommodation within walking distance of the venue
- Look for sustainability accreditations or clear environmental policies
At ANU, we are rolling out a smarter waste-sorting system to keep valuable materials circulating and out of landfill. Events are a great opportunity to support this transition.
Reduce and reuse first
- Choose reusable cups, bottles and tableware wherever possible
- Ask caterers to provide reusable serving ware
- Offer printed materials only on request, or use digital programs instead
- If promotional items are necessary, consider practical or plant-based options
- Avoid items with multiple layers of plastic packaging
Plan ahead and use clear signage
- Confirm which bin streams are available at your venue
- Use our downloadable Be Bin Smart resources and posters to help guests sort waste correctly
Brief your team
- Ensure everyone supporting the event understands the bin system and what goes where.
Monitor and adjust
- Check bins during your event and provide friendly reminders if needed. A quick intervention can prevent contamination and improve recovery rates.
ANU staff or student? Join the ANU Green Network.
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