Sustainability at EIBTM

What is BS8901?

BS8901 is the British Standard which sets out the requirements for planning and managing a sustainable event. Climate change, the protection of historic sites, equal opportunities and investment in local skills are just a few of the wide-ranging considerations to be made when planning an event.

EIBTM has been independently certified as being organised in compliance with the BS8901 System for Sustainable Event Management, considering environmental, economical and social impacts.

EIBTM follows the framework of BS8901, a new British Standard designed specifically for the events industry, for conducting business operations in a more sustainable way. BS8901 was first published in November 2007, but was revised in September 2009, and EIBTM has been one of its earliest adopters.

We urge all exhibitors to seriously consider the steps taken when constructing a stand and planning participation. As an exhibitor at EIBTM, you can play your part in addressing sustainable issues.  

How can you help?

• Sustainable exhibiting must start early in the planning process
• Select materials that can be reused several times and that, when no longer suitable for stand construction, can be recycled
• Whenever possible, consider the use of modular display items. Modern systems are both creative and reusable – time and time again
• Avoid using tropical hardwoods in furniture and display fittings, unless you can be sure that it comes from a sustainable, managed source. Ask your timber supplier about the origin of the wood and look for the Forest Stewardship Council Trademark – an international symbol that indicates timber products have come from a forest manager to a high standard of agreed environmental, social and economic criteria
• If you use plants and shrubs on your stand, make sure they go to good homes after the show. Ask your supplier to avoid the use of peat and peat products wherever possible
• Think about using well-designed display panels to convey your message rather than overloading visitors with information sheets
• If you intend to offer on-stand catering, avoid using disposable cutlery and crockery. Consider using branded re-usable items instead
• Use carpet tiles instead of sheet carpet

Tell us about your plans: In addition to this if you are already working in a sustainable way or are launching sustainable initiatives please tell us about it; sharing best practice is the best way to learn and increasingly people are making business decisions based on sustainable working practices and we maybe able to help you publicise what you are doing through our pre-show and on-site communications.

Take part in our '20 Sustianable Actions' as an exhibitor and we will recognise your achievements through the programme. 

Benefits include:
- Certification as a Sustainable Exhibitor
- Automatic entry into the EIBTM Stand Awards for the Sustainability Award
- PR and promotions to the industry and global press

To take part please complete the short information form.