Why we need to calculate, measure & offset greenhouse gases
... and what responsibility the event industry bears in this regard.
In order to keep our world livable for us humans, we need to reduce CO₂ emissions quickly and significantly. As the sixth-largest sector of the economy, the event industry therefore also bears a correspondingly large responsibility.
The future of events is climate neutral
Future business is climate-neutral. In the event industry, too. This has already been decided and is flanked by law through
- the Climate Protection Act,
- the Supply Chain Act,
- the Recycling Management Act
- the new EU regulations Fit for 55
- the Green Deal
- and by the extended sustainability reporting obligation for companies with 250 or more employees.
As a result, more and more companies and suppliers need to be able to calculate and disclose their CO₂ emissions in order to stay in business.
Sustainability criteria in tenders
Event agencies and contractors are feeling the effects of this today, or at the latest in the near future, when tenders are issued with sustainability criteria. For example, the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry, AUMA, has announced sustainability criteria for all tenders from 2023.
In addition, all federal authorities are currently carrying out EMAS certifications, which will be completed by 2025 at the latest. Accordingly, sustainability criteria and certificates will be demanded in future in tenders and by purchasing departments.
The opportunity for a climate-neutral event industry
The opportunity for the event industry is to become aware of this change and challenge for the industry and to face up to our own responsibility. Sustainable management makes us attractive as an industry for visitors (keyword: "celebrating without a guilty conscience") and for younger generations (keyword: "shortage of skilled workers") who want to make a difference. In the future, the economy will only present sustainable and climate-neutral products. Consequently, a product presentation, for example a launch event, should not be an environmental mess.
As an event agency, you now have the unique opportunity to embark on the path of climate-neutral business together with your customers. With workshops and training courses, you can help your customers to implement sustainable events and at the same time position yourself as an expert for events with a positive impact.
Positive impact of the event industry
On the one hand, events can be less harmful to the environment and society. However, sustainable events can also generate a positive impact and have a positive effect on the sustainability report. Because the most sustainable event is not the one that doesn't take place, but the one that has a positive impact! We, who plan, organize and facilitate events with services, have to rethink. That is, we must both reduce negative impact and create events that have a positive impact on nature and society.
With their reach and emotional access to millions of people and into all sectors of the economy, our events can make sustainability tangible and accessible.
We, the players in the event industry, can therefore become pioneers and thus make an important contribution to becoming part of the climate solution.
How much greenhouse gas and CO₂ emissions are we actually talking about?
On average, each person in Germany produces just over 10 metric tons of CO₂ equivalents (this includes and converts all greenhouse gases) each year. This includes living, heating, traveling, eating and many other everyday activities. According to Greenpeace, however, each person should only cause 2 tons of CO2 per capita per year. This is the guideline we must follow if we want to protect the environment and climate for future generations.
The German economy produced a total of 762 million metric tons in 2021 (source: Federal Environment Agency). This means that, in a global comparison, Germany currently causes significantly less than China, for example. However, we should always bear in mind that Germany has a high proportion of its goods produced in China, as do many other countries. In addition, per capita emissions in Germany are significantly higher than in China. Consequently, there is no reason for us to sit back. On the contrary, we have to show that the economic advantages of low-cost and renewable energies outweigh the disadvantages and accelerate independence from fossil fuels.
Formation, decomposition and storage of the greenhouse gas CO₂
The greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO₂) occurs naturally and in large quantities in the earth's atmosphere. It is a natural by-product of cellular respiration in many living organisms and is also produced when wood, coal, oil or gas are burned. Carbon dioxide is also released when dead organisms decay or through natural CO₂ sources such as volcanic gases. Once released into the atmosphere, CO₂ does not break down by itself, unlike other substances. In the course of the so-called carbon cycle, released CO₂ is either physically stored by bodies of water or broken down by green plants in the course of photosynthesis. In this process, carbon dioxide is converted into glucose and oxygen with the help of sunlight. The oxygen is released into the environment. These natural carbon dioxide stores are also called "carbon sinks".
Humans, the greenhouse gas CO₂ and the consequences for the climate
It is not only natural processes that release CO₂; we as humans in particular leave a large CO₂ footprint on our planet. By burning coal, crude oil or natural gas in industry or for heating, we have been releasing more and more carbon dioxide worldwide since the beginning of industrialization. The natural carbon sinks are not able to completely bind or convert the additional CO₂ caused by us. Consequently, the saturation of the atmosphere with carbon dioxide is increasing. This increase in CO₂ particles in the atmosphere means that less and less of the heat radiated by the Earth can escape into space. The consequences: Earth's climate is warming, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting, and ocean water levels are rising." (Source: CO₂ Online)
Greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect
CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases such as methane or nitrous oxide are responsible for the greenhouse effect, which causes the average world temperature to rise ever higher. This leads to extreme weather events worldwide, such as heat waves, cold waves, hurricanes, etc., which are becoming more frequent and severe, causing droughts, floods, forest fires, etc. The rising average temperatures are causing a climate change that is extremely dangerous for mankind.
It is getting warmer
At present, global warming is around 1.1 degrees. At the Paris Climate Agreement, more than 190 countries agreed to limit the average global temperature to well below 2.0 degrees - ideally to 1.5 degrees - by reducing CO₂ emissions. However, this is not yet happening to a sufficient extent. Based on scientific calculations, experts believe that with the current concessions, we are heading for around 2.8 degrees or more if all countries adhere to the agreements.
Tipping points and the increasing global warming
When the global average temperature of 1.5 degrees is exceeded, most scientists assume that negative tipping points will be reached, which will further accelerate the pace of global warming. These tipping points are then irreversible - like the thawing of permafrost, which releases huge amounts of methane.
That is why it is so important for us humans to avoid reaching these tipping points as far as possible. We should do everything we can to cause fewer CO₂ emissions and to take as much CO₂ as possible out of the air and bind it.
Increasing climate change slows economic growth
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that increasing climate change will
- economic growth slowed down globally,
- jeopardizes food security,
- social inequalities exacerbated
- and can thus give rise to the risk of conflict and increased migration.
If we want to keep climate change manageable, we must keep global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To do this, we should make every effort to limit the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Only in this way do the risks to us humans and our environment seem acceptable.
This means: The increase in global greenhouse gas emissions must be stopped. There are many ways in which we can keep individual greenhouse gas emissions as low as possible.
How we reduce greenhouse gases at events
With the 16 Steps Initiative and the Sustainability Rider with checklist, we highlight the most important areas for action and provide comprehensive information to help you prevent or significantly reduce CO₂ emissions at your events.
Be it in guest travel, travel management, logistics, catering, the use of renewable energy, energy management, waste management or sustainable purchasing.
How we measure and avoid greenhouse gases and CO2 emissions
If you want to avoid, reduce and prioritize Co2 emissions, you need to know at which points in your events how many CO₂ emissions are generated.
If you want to determine the greenhouse gas quantities, you need a greenhouse gas balance. The basis for such a greenhouse gas balance is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol).
You can try to prepare such balances yourself. However, there will probably always be problems with the credibility of your own measurements and data. For this reason, it is worthwhile for the measurements of CO₂ emissions to commission an external organization that can draw up a balance sheet for your own company and confirm it credibly from the outside.
The 3 scopes of emissions
When preparing such CO₂ balances, it is important to define and transparently communicate your own scope of measurement. The three scopes illustrate the areas of action and the boundaries of the balance.
Scope 1
This includes all direct CO₂ emissions from sources within your company's boundaries, such as heating, cooling, transportation, manufacturing of products, employees, services, and anything directly controlled by the company.
Scope 2
All indirect emissions from energy generated outside, electricity, heating, cooling and more.
Scope 3
This includes all other indirect emissions. These include emissions from production, the transport of purchased goods and raw materials, the distribution and use of our own products, and the disposal of waste. Emissions from business travel are also included. In short: the entire supply chain and emissions caused by logistics to the end customer and what happens to the product. Whether the product is recyclable or actually recyclable is also included as a factor.
The initial research and compilation of data for a CO₂ balance is time-consuming. However, it becomes easier over time as the effort is reduced each year.
CO2 balancing for events
CO₂ accounting for events is a separate assessment for event agencies, trade show organizers, etc.. This is because the assessment boundaries quickly become blurred. Each event has its own assessment limits and responsibilities.
An event agency can, for example, be a contractor or a client or a mixture of both. The organizer is always responsible. However, every event supplier should know and be able to disclose its reduced and compensated CO₂ emissions. Sustainable events can even have a positive impact on nature and society. Thus, they have a positive effect in the sustainability report at the same time. For example, you can implement a climate-neutral event and reduce the negative impact by offsetting the unavoidable CO₂ emissions. In addition, you plant one or more trees for each ticket - creating a positive CO₂ balance.
Compensation of CO2 emissions
Since it is currently not yet possible for us humans and the economy to bring all CO₂ emissions completely to zero, there is the option of "voluntary compensation".
This contrasts with "involuntary" compensation; i.e., European emissions trading. This emissions trading is already mandatory for many industries. These include the energy industry, refineries, steel, cement and aluminum plants, and the chemical industry. Through their plants, many medium-sized companies are included in emissions trading. Aviation and shipping also participate in emissions trading. From 2026, the building and transport sectors will also be included. In emissions trading, the price per ton of CO₂ in 2022 was roughly 80 euros. This leads to higher prices for the use of oil, gas and coal. Switching to renewable energies and reducing CO₂ emissions are therefore not only environmentally friendly, but also save money.
Reading tip: What emissions trading means for SMEs
Voluntary compensation of greenhouse gases at events
Only when greenhouse gases can no longer be avoided and reduced should you consider offsetting. To this end, companies and private individuals can purchase emission reduction credits, also known as certificates, for voluntary offsetting. These can be used to finance climate protection projects that prevent CO₂ emissions elsewhere or capture CO₂ from the air by reforesting or wetting peatlands, for example. The cost of a ton of CO₂ here is around 25 to 30 euros for high-quality and controlled offset projects.
Reforestation and other compensation projects
To store one ton of CO₂, a beech tree has to grow for 80 years. On average, a beech tree binds about 12.5 kilograms of CO₂ per year. So you need to plant about 80 trees to be able to compensate for one ton of CO₂ with trees. Since a person in Germany causes about 10 tons of CO₂ emissions per year, we would have to plant 800 trees per year in Germany. (Source: co2online.de)
Compensation projects abroad
In contrast, mangroves have five times the impact. In addition, one euro generates more impact in projects outside Germany than in projects within Europe. Germany also has a reforestation law. This means that every tree that is felled or dead must be replanted. So if you want to compensate, it should always be for additional forests and for controlled and certified projects. However, you can also invest in solar, wind or biogas plants.
CO₂ compensation projects in developing countries
Germany and all other industrialized countries have a responsibility to developing countries. After all, it was the industrialized countries that caused the historic CO₂ emissions that triggered climate change and are now hitting poorer countries in particular. These countries, however, do not have the financial resources for climate adaptation. Thus, they are much more affected by the impacts of droughts and floods.
In addition, the devastating effects of weather and natural disasters are causing more and more refugee movements. It is therefore important to support these countries in particular with CO₂ compensation projects that provide local reforestation, solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen production, jobs and livable conditions.
In the Paris Climate Agreement, the successor to the Kyoto Protocol, the international community agreed that climate change is a collective problem and thus can only be tackled through global cooperation. It was further confirmed that it is primarily the industrialized countries that must provide financial, technical and capacity-building support to countries where the effects of climate change are felt more.
Promote biodiversity and social aspects
Natural diversity is declining worldwide at an unprecedented rate. The biggest drivers of this loss are intensive land use, deforestation, pesticides and poaching. Overall, global species extinction has accelerated to such an extent that it now threatens the very existence of us humans. With CO₂ compensation projects, we can also promote biodiversity and the social aspects of sustainability. These include, in particular, poverty alleviation, access to clean drinking water, job creation, equal rights, fair pay, prevention of child labor, access to education and healthcare, etc. Therefore, take a close look at the offset projects and choose one that suits your event or company.
Indulgence trade and greenwashing
Offsetting can only be the second best solution. You should only use it for absolutely unavoidable emissions. Your goal should always be to avoid and reduce CO₂ emissions. Because every additional ton of CO₂ is too much. If you want to avoid the suspicion of greenwashing and selling indulgences, it is important that you maintain transparent communication with all stakeholders. Point out the steps you need to take or have already taken to avoid or reduce CO₂ emissions. In doing so, also state the respective improvement targets. It is also advisable to invest in CO2 compensation projects that also communicate transparently and are controlled or certified.
Offsetting greenhouse gases - the gold standard
There are many compensation options. However, there are also some black sheep among the compensation providers. Cheap products for one euro per tree cannot work logically. It is not only about sowing the tree, but also about making sure that the tree grows and survives. A certification guarantees you a controlled and high-quality compensation possibility. The GoldStandard certificate offers a good orientation.
Climate protection projects and quality standards
Climate protection projects therefore only meet internationally recognized quality standards if they exhibit the following four characteristics:
1. exclusion of double counting
It must be ensured that the greenhouse gas emissions saved as part of the climate protection project are only claimed once. Double counting occurs when the emission reductions of a climate protection project are claimed more than once. Double counting is avoided by emission allowances that are distributed and retired only in a single registry.
2. additionality
Additionality in the environmental domain means that the climate protection project must lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the baseline scenario, i.e., where the project would not exist.
3. durability
This means that the reductions or savings in greenhouse gas emissions must be permanent, so that the climate benefits even if the certificate of a climate protection project has already expired.
4. regular verification by independent third parties
This criterion is extremely important in order to meet the requirements of the internationally recognized standards. The project developer must constantly monitor its climate protection projects and have them regularly verified by independent bodies such as TÜV Nord, SCS Global or Aenor. These validation and verification bodies check the project using the appropriate methodology and verify afterwards the actual amount of greenhouse gases that have been removed or avoided.
About the initiative "16 Steps to 2025 - Towards a Climate-Neutral Event Industry
More about the initiative "16 Steps to 2025 - For a climate-neutral event industry" and the complete press release can be found at pressebox.de
> to the official press release - step 5
> Download press release - Step 5
> to all press releases of Stefan Lohmann
> 16 Steps to 2025 - For a climate-neutral event industry
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