Sustainability
The AoC Events team is proud to be running the Annual Conference and Exhibition 2025 as a carbon neutral event for the fifth year running.
Our progress so far:
📈 2021
Our carbon footprint measured 125 tonnes
📈 2022
Our carbon footprint measured 96 tonnes
📈 2023
Our carbon footprint measured 66 tonnes, with a per delegate footprint of 47kg CO2 e
📈 2024
Our carbon footprint measured 69 tonnes, with a per delegate footprint of 46kg CO2 e
What we found in 2024:
In 2024, we changed how we collected data onsite. We were able to get a more nuanced picture of onsite behaviour and processes and their impact on carbon emissions, hence the 3 tonne increase in total event carbon footprint, even though our per delegate footprint reduced by 1kg. While it might look anti-intuitive, we consider this good progress as the additional carbon was most likely already being emitted, we just managed to “catch” more of it – therefore we’re able to make more informed decisions in the future and offset a more comprehensive amount of carbon where we’re not able to reduce initially.
How we do this:
- We collect all the necessary data to calculate the events carbon footprint
- Identifying opportunities to reduce emissions and deliver carbon reductions
- We offset to Verified Carbon Standard approved projects in the UK and overseas to balance out the remaining carbon emissions and deliver a net zero carbon event.
What we measure:
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Catering
- Event space
- Promotional material
What have we learnt from previous reports?
Catering it the main area in which we have been able to make our biggest impact. Since producing a mostly vegetarian menu, we have reduced our food and beverage carbon footprint from 25.88 tonnes in 2021 to 7.60 tonnes in 2023, a reduction of 70.63%.
We work closely with the ICC and Carbon Consultancy to identify other areas of improvement that can help with our goals of reduction.
How you can help us:
When you register for the event, as part of your event confirmation, you’ll find a quick survey to complete. Please be as honest and accurate as possible, as the truer information we’re able to gather, the better picture we can paint of our carbon emissions.