Easyfairs publishes first sustainability report
Report outlines progress on sustainable best practices and sets out next targets
Brussels, 6 June 2024 – Easyfairs, the leading international events company, has published its inaugural annual sustainability report, giving a transparent overview of performance up to the end of fiscal year 2023, and looking forward to further progress in pursuit of its “Act for the Future” strategy. Among other achievements, Easyfairs has cut its carbon footprint by a third since 2019.
Introducing the report, Easyfairs CEOs Anne Lafère and Matt Benyon state, “The world is changing, and so is the world of events. We recognise the profound impact businesses can have on society and the environment, and we are dedicated to leading by example. This report serves as a testament to our commitment to transparency, ethical governance, and responsible corporate citizenship.”
In 2021 Easyfairs appointed Nil Sönmez as its first Chief Sustainability Officer.
She emphasised that while progress has been made, the journey continues: “Our business model has always leaned towards sustainability. We are especially delighted that we have reduced our group carbon footprint by 33% since 2019. We’re making real changes and every little bit counts. Of course, there’s much more to do. We’re doing good but aiming for great.”
The strategy has three central pillars, which are described in detail in the report:
• Act for the Planet: Easyfairs is reducing the environmental impact of its events and event venues through a variety of initiatives in five areas (emissions reduction, energy efficiency, travel & accommodation, elimination of waste and more sustainable food & beverage options).
• Act for Society: The report details how Easyfairs is making a positive impact on local and business communities, helping them on their own decarbonisation journey, boosting innovation and start-up enterprises and partnering with charities during events.
• Act for our People: Easyfairs launched a large initiative on diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) and fostered a culture of lifelong learning through the Easyfairs Academy’s programme of blended learning, under the slogan “Boost Your Future”.
Easyfairs has set out ambitious targets for the future and employs dynamic tools to measure progress, empower its team to act, and track contributions towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“We find ourselves inspired by the progress and invigorated by the journey ahead. Our collective efforts have reinforced our commitment to extend the boundaries of what we can achieve. We look forward to reporting further progress in the years ahead” Anne Lafère and Matt Benyon concluded.
For further information, please contact:
Nil Sönmez
Chief Sustainability Officer
[email protected]
Marie Ost
Group Communication Executive
[email protected]