Sustainable Innovation: Reducing the Carbon Footprint in Exhibition Stand Design and Build

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, the exhibition industry is uniquely positioned to pioneer sustainable practices. Exhibitions, inherently transient but impactful, involve large-scale structures and extensive material use, presenting both challenges and opportunities for eco-friendly innovation. Embracing sustainability in exhibition stand design and build goes beyond minimising environmental impact; it's about pioneering innovation, shouldering responsibility, and future-proofing the industry.

I’ve long advocated for a more sustainable approach. While working for VisitScotland, myself and a colleague drafted the organisations first green policy for events management. As a member of the team involved in the launch of the Sustainable Tourism initiative, I started to develop factors in my control as an event manager that I could change to lower waste, lower energy consumption and challenge my supply chain to do the same.

The conventional process of constructing and transporting exhibition stands significantly impacts the environment. These stands, often tailored for single events, demand a plethora of materials like plastics, metals, and woods, not always sustainably sourced or recycled afterward. The production of these materials substantially contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. Furthermore, the typically non-reusable nature of custom stands generates considerable waste when dismantled and discarded post-use.

At Rocket Exhibitions, the company has always adhered to lean manufacturing principles. Since 2020, we have invested in low energy lighting, the installation of a heat from waste wood plant to reduce the use of natural gas, and worked on design solutions to lower weight of our stands, reducing the consumption of fuel in transport.

Transporting these structures further heightens their ecological footprint. Long-distance transportation, particularly by air or sea freight, is a major carbon emitter, significantly more so than road or rail transport. This environmental toll is exacerbated by the global scope of many exhibitions.

Additionally, the indirect environmental impact is notable. The energy consumed in producing, transporting, and assembling these stands, coupled with disposal processes, enlarges their ecological footprint. This cycle from production to disposal underscores the necessity for sustainable practices within the industry, with the potential for significant impact mitigation through the adoption of eco-friendly materials, modular and reusable designs, and efficient logistics.

Addressing these environmental issues requires a reimagined approach to design, construction, and delivery by exhibition companies. As attendees grow more eco-conscious, the demand for greener, sustainable exhibition experiences escalates, with businesses increasingly keen to showcase their environmental responsibility. 

In the private sector, sustainable practices have become a competitive advantage. Clients are urging the exhibition industry to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, thereby aligning with the global trend towards environmental stewardship and conscientious business operations. This shift is not just ethically imperative but also an opportunity to innovate and create more engaging, responsible exhibition experiences. 

In the UK, sustainability in public procurement is a key government policy aspect, reflecting a commitment to environmental, social, and economic responsibility. Guided by national policies and international standards, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the UK government's approach includes mandates like the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, which requires public authorities to consider the broader economic, social, and environmental impact of their procurement.

For exhibition companies, demonstrating efforts to minimise waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and integrate these considerations into designs and delivery is essential for both public and private sector clients.

Strategies include:

1. Sustainable Materials and Practices: Using eco-friendly materials for construction, such as recycled materials and sustainably sourced timber, and investing in low-power digital displays and energy-efficient lighting and electronics.

2. Modular and Reusable Stand Designs: Providing modular design solutions for greater utilization than custom components and showcasing reusable stand components adaptable for various exhibitions.

3. Efficient Logistics and Waste Management: Focusing on efficient transportation and logistics, designing lightweight stands for reduced fuel consumption in transport, and emphasizing waste reduction and recycling at events. 

The commercial benefits of offering sustainable exhibition stands are manifold: 

1. Enhanced Brand Image and Reputation: Eco-friendly stands improve a company's image as environmentally and socially responsible, attracting sustainability-minded customers and clients, and fostering brand loyalty.

2. Market Differentiation: Offering sustainable solutions distinguishes businesses from competitors, appealing to an environmentally aware client base.

3. Increased Demand: Growing public environmental awareness has led to a higher demand for sustainable exhibition options, opening a significant market growth opportunity.

4. Long-Term Cost Savings: Despite potentially higher initial investments, sustainable stands are more cost-effective in the long run due to their durability, reusability, and energy efficiency.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Sustainable practices align businesses with current and future environmental regulations, mitigating legal risks. 

6. Improved Client Relationships: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability strengthens client relationships and fosters long-term partnerships.

7. Innovation and Leadership: Adopting sustainable practices positions a company as an innovative leader in the exhibition industry, attracting media attention, industry recognition, and potential investment.

8. Attracting Eco-conscious Talent: A clear commitment to sustainability makes companies more attractive to top talent, particularly among younger generations prioritizing environmental responsibility in their employment choices.

In conclusion, providing sustainable, low carbon, and greenhouse gas emission-friendly exhibition stands is a strategic business decision, aligning with market trends, enhancing brand value, and offering significant long-term economic benefits.