EIBTM leading by example – turning to BS8901 for transparent environmental policies

EIBTM, the Global Meetings & Incentives Exhibition (www.eibtm.com), is leading by example in its drive to promote sustainable practices in the global meetings and events industry and is currently implementing BS8901, a new British Standard for Sustainable Event Management.

As a result, the British Standards Institute will independently certify the organization of the show this year.

The BS8901 standard sets a generic framework that manages the implementation of sustainability for events, venues, or suppliers of any size. This framework creates a way of working that considers economic, environmental, and social impacts. Implementing the BS8901 standard consists of 3 phases which are each separately certified:

• Phase 1: Planning pre-event
• Phase 2: Implementation during the event
• Phase 3: Review post-event

EIBTM has been independently certified as having been planned in compliance with BS8901, Phase 1 and is working towards Phase 2.

The standard is following the path to become an internationally-recognized standard under the International Standard Organization (ISO).

Commenting on this initiative, Mandy Torrrens, EIBTM exhibition director said: “We understand that our event and processes can have both a positive and negative impact on environmental, social, and economic issues, so our intention is to provide event management that, wherever practicable, minimizes the negative and maximizes the positive impacts.

“Our aim is to be totally transparent in our approach and work with our contractors and suppliers to make all aspects of running and organizing an event sustainable.”

EIBTM takes place in Barcelona from December 2-4, 2008.