It was interest from members that was the catalyst for ESSA to look to develop its sustainability accreditation, explained Josh. Green Circle Solutions were chosen by ESSA to develop both in-person and online training.
GCS collaborated with both the ESSA Sustainability Working Group, and the Cross-Association Sustainability Working Group to help develop the criteria and framework which align with current industry standards, the cross-association commitments, the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative and ISO standards like ISO14001 and ISO20121.
“GCS’ expertise and knowledge were a great help in making sure the accreditation and training met the needs of our members and the industry,” said Josh.
The accreditation is scored out of 100 points and six different tiers can be achieved. Certified, Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, Tier 4 and Tier 5. Each accredited company is issued with a dated certificate and logos to demonstrate what Tier they have achieved. The process is repeated on an annual process, allowing companies the chance to improve year on year and to ensure that sustainability management remains a priority.
The accreditation spans 12 areas: Sustainability Policy • Action Plan • Awareness & Training • Modern Slavery • Equality & Diversity • Air Quality • Supporting the Community • Staff Engagement • Energy Management • Procurement • Waste Management • Carbon Footprint.
The ESSA Sustainability Accreditation does not intend to replace existing accreditations; rather, it complements and enhances them. It demands tangible progress and evidence of improvement. Even for companies not currently engaged with the ISO process, the module serves as an ideal framework to embark on their sustainability journey.
The ESSA Sustainability Accreditation was launched in July 2021 and is free to ESSA members.
It is a real opportunity to not just do the right thing but elevate your reputation, by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability and attracting like-minded partners, clients, and stakeholders, Josh explained. It also helps organisations unlock opportunities, gain access to new business prospects and tenders that prioritise sustainability credentials, opening doors to exciting collaborations. In addition, it ensures that business stays current and aware of the evolving expectations of the exhibition industry.
“GCS were very professional and great to work with,” he said.
“The one-hour online training is brilliant, it gives you an intro into sustainability, a good understanding of the impact that the events industry has, it covers the jargon and explains the reporting framework,” said Josh. The course is available to ESSA members for free and over 200 members have accessed the training to date.
Last year, GCS ran several in-person sustainability awareness courses which were all sold out and over 20 members have now embarked on their accreditation.
The members who have taken the training have come out of the session with an increased understanding and motivation to kick start their accreditation. It all helps get people moving in the right direction and make a difference, he explained.
Through its ESSA membership, GCS continues to provide advice to the team and the Sustainability Working Group to ensure they stay up to date with the latest developments, opportunities and legislation relating to sustainability and the events industry.
Looking forward, the priority for the ESSA team is to further promote sustainability and see all members get accredited, said Josh. “There is a real power in members working together and we believe that we have an opportunity to help members make a real difference, but also to help them win new business and grow,” he added.