Sustainability at Christmas: A Corporate Responsibility

Christmas is a time for celebration, socializing and sharing. For companies, it's an excellent opportunity to bring teams together, strengthen bonds and celebrate successes. However, this is also a time marked by increased consumption, waste and environmental impact. Corporate events can be organized in a more conscious way, in line with sustainability and social responsibility objectives.

In this article, we look at good practices that allow companies to organize sustainable Christmas events, reducing the environmental impact without compromising the celebration.

1. Sustainable Planning: The Basis of the Event

The key to a more sustainable Christmas event lies in the planning. Defining a clear set of sustainability-related objectives is essential.

• Choose Sustainable Locations: Opting for locations with sustainability certifications, such as ISO 14001 or LEED ensures responsible environmental practices.
• Reducing Carbon Emissions: Choose central locations or those with public transport access. Encourage public transport, carpooling or electric vehicle use.
• Conscious Suppliers: Prioritize local, seasonal catering and eco-friendly materials. Use recyclable/reusable packaging.
• ISO 20121: Implement this international standard for sustainable event management to reduce social, economic and environmental impacts across all event phases.

Practical Tip: Carry out a carbon footprint assessment of the event using tools or specialized consultancies. This helps measure emissions and define reduction strategies like choosing sustainable transport or minimizing plastic use.

Reference: BCSD Portugal's Guide to Sustainable Events provides practical sustainability guidelines for corporate events.

2. Decoration: Festive and Ecological

Decorations are an important part of Christmas events, but they can generate a lot of waste. Fortunately, there are creative and sustainable solutions.

• Reuse and Recycle: Use decorations from previous years or recycled materials.
• Natural Materials: Use biodegradable items like wood, paper, pine cones, and plants.
• LED lighting: Replace traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED options.
• Renting decorations: Reduces costs and environmental impact.
• Creation of Collective Decorations: Encourage employees to make sustainable decorations.

Reference: BCSD Portugal recommends using modular, reusable and natural decorative solutions.

3. Sustainable Catering: Reducing Food Waste

Food is undoubtedly one of the highlights of any event. However, it is also one of the biggest sources of waste.

• Local and Seasonal Menu: Supports local producers and reduces emissions.
• Balanced Portions: Coordinate with caterers to avoid excess food.
• Plastic reduction: Avoid disposable plastics; prefer reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
• Distribution of leftovers: Donate surplus food to local charities.
• Vegetarian menus: Offer plant-based options with a lower carbon footprint.

Highlight: Reducing food waste and donating leftovers significantly lowers the event’s carbon footprint.

Reference: BCSD Portugal highlights waste management, signage and proper disposal as key event sustainability factors.

4. Emissions Offsetting: Going Further

Despite all reduction efforts, some emissions are unavoidable. Carbon offsetting lets organizations invest in projects that remove or avoid emissions elsewhere, contributing to climate neutrality.

How Carbon Offsetting Works at Events:

1. Calculating Emissions: Assess emissions from transportation, food, electricity, materials, etc., using tools like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
2. Choice of Offset Projects: Invest in certified reforestation or renewable energy initiatives.
3. Certification and Verification: Choose programs validated by VCS or the Gold Standard to ensure credibility.

Examples of International Events with Ecological Practices

COP24 (United Nations):

• Use of renewable energy for event spaces.
• Public transport access and bicycle support.
• Recycling and composting of all waste.

Web Summit (Portugal):

• Digital invitations and reduced printing.
• Sustainable logistics for equipment transport.
• Locally sourced catering.

These examples prove that large-scale events can adopt sustainable practices, minimize their footprint, and raise environmental awareness among participants.

Christmas events are a great opportunity for companies to demonstrate environmental commitment. By applying structured planning, responsible sourcing and certifications like ISO 20121, it’s possible to host festive events with purpose — strengthening brand image while protecting the planet.

Organize Your Next Event Sustainably!

Are you ready to take the next step towards greener events? Follow our tips and implement sustainable practices at your next corporate Christmas event. Contact us and find out how we can help you create conscious celebrations with a positive impact on the future.