Major events can promote behavioural changes that benefit the environment. Alongside changes in attitudes and behaviours towards social aspects, events can impact people’s attitudes and behaviours to be more environmentally conscious. An indication of the impact of positive actions taken to promote environmental issues throughout an event can be achieved by surveying participants and attendees about changes they have made to benefit the environment as a result of the event.
Event organisers can put in place activities and commitments to promote environmental responsibility by both the organisation and fans who engage with events. A formal, public commitment to environmental policies sets the event’s intentions to follow best practice to minimise the impact on the environment. Such a commitment should be done prior to the event taking place, in the planning phase, and based on evidence on meeting core requirements of recognised national or international guidance.
Indicators relevant for these impacts recommended by OECD and ASOIF are:
- % of contracts awarded in compliance with sustainability standards (ASOIF reference EN-P2.1)
- % participants/attendees reporting a change in their lifestyles to act to benefit the environment (ASOIF reference EN-EP2.2)
The OECD has identified that these impacts contribute towards the UN SDG relating to Responsible Consumption and Production (Target 12.6 and 12.7).