Our industry is, sadly, notorious for producing a significant amount of waste and often having a negative impact on the environment. For everyone who works in events, it is essential we have a commitment to minimising the negative effects of the industry and a passion for making it a greener space. In 2025, sustainability is a fundamental expectation. Clients, attendees, and all those involved in events, are demanding more eco-conscious practices, and the industry is stepping up in exciting ways. Here are some of the key trends shaping greener events this year.

Working Towards Net-Zero Carbon Events

In 2021 at COP26, the events industry made a commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Initiatives like the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge are helping companies work together to make real progress. More event professionals are making sustainability commitments in their event planning from the very start, setting carbon reduction targets and finding ways to offset unavoidable emissions. Prioritising sustainability from the beginning stages of event production ensures a strong focus and bigger impact.

Smarter Carbon Tracking and Reporting

Thanks to the constantly evolving and progressing world of new technologies, it is now significantly easier for us to track and measure the carbon impact that events produce. Planners can now use carbon calculators and various digital reporting tools in order to set realistic, achievable reduction goals, and clearly show the progress that is made. This not only benefits the environment, but also helps meet wider growing expectations.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Materials and Suppliers

The increased focus on sustainability has, in turn, led to a higher demand for greener supplies than ever before. Sustainable venues are also being prioritised, including those powered by renewable energy, staging built from recycled materials, biodegradable signage, and low-impact catering. Event crew and professionals are choosing to work with trusted suppliers whose environmental values they are aligned with. Teams are more often making sustainable choices at each step of the event production process, from the small decisions to the big.

Greener Transport Options

Transport is one of the biggest contributors to an event's carbon footprint. In 2025, there's a real shift towards keeping things local. This involves hiring local crew, choosing nearby suppliers, and encouraging attendees to use public transport. Vehicle transport can rarely be avoided entirely, so electric options and carbon offsetting can aid in keeping emissions down. At Alpha Crew, we provide expert award-winning local crew in designated locations across the globe. Click here to visit our full list of locations.

Better Waste Management and Embracing the Circular Economy

Minimising waste has gone far beyond simple recycling bins. Events are aiming for zero-waste targets, planning ahead to avoid excess food waste, using reusable or compostable materials wherever possible, and partnering with charities to donate leftovers.

Going Digital with Green Technology

Paperless systems are now standard for many events. Digital ticketing, online programmes and event apps reduce the need for printed materials. In this way, technology is helping to lower the environmental footprint of events.

How Event Crew and Professionals Can Lead the Way

Sustainability needs to be built into every phase of an event, not just added on at the end. Event crew can make a huge difference by using sustainable PPE, reducing the number of transport runs, sorting waste carefully on site, and pushing for greener practices behind the scenes. Planners can help by working only with eco-conscious suppliers, setting clear sustainability requirements in contracts, and educating teams and clients on greener options.

In 2025, the events industry has a huge opportunity, and responsibility, to lead the way on sustainability. By embedding greener thinking into how we plan, build, and deliver events, we can create incredible experiences that don’t cost the earth.