Sustainable Event Planning

The Sustainable Events Blueprint provides a simple, three-step approach to help you plan more sustainable and inclusive events.

Step 1: Review the Blueprint

Explore the checklist and resources with your planning team to identify sustainable strategies early in the process.

Step 2: Complete the Pre-Event Checklist

Fill out the Sustainability Pre-Event Checklist (SEB-C) to evaluate your event.

Step 3: Use Your Results

Apply your results to improve your event and highlight your sustainability efforts in event communications.

After completing the checklist, your event will receive a sustainability score:

• Bronze: 5-9 points
• Silver: 10-15 points
• Gold: 16-24 points
• Platinum: 25+ points

Use your score to measure progress and demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

Follow these guidelines to support sustainable and efficient campus operations.

Choose Sustainable Options

Whenever possible, select potted plants instead of cut flowers. Potted plants last longer, reduce waste and can be enjoyed well beyond the event.

Avoid Restricted Items

To help maintain our campus environment, the following items are not permitted with deliveries or events:

• Balloons
• Glitter
• Confetti

These materials can create unnecessary waste and are difficult to clean up.

See Campus Delivery Guidelines.

• Agendas, information and other marketing material is offered electronically (avoid distributing paper handouts) 
• Sustainability is a part of the discussion in planning the event
• The event actively communicates sustainability objectives and performance criteria to attendees via outreach and marketing materials

• Event is held outside, without power needs
• Embodied carbon footprint is calculated

• Plant-based (vegan/vegetarian) food is offered (at least 20% per CSU policy)
• Cultural and ethnic considerations are incorporated when selecting food options
• All leftover food is donated where possible
• Carbon and/or water footprint of food served is calculated and displayed

Definition of Sustainable and Green Procurement

Sustainable procurement means choosing products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose.

Green procurement means choosing products or services that “have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with the competing products or services that serve the same purpose." (EPA website)

Best Practices and Resource Links 

• Establish a committee to brainstorm and research sustainable procurement practices
• Become familiar with ISO 20400 standard, which is specific to the practice of sustainable procurement (Learn more)
• Integrate sustainability into procurement contracts and vendor agreements
• Understand the importance of sustainable procurement (Learn more)
• Communicate with your supply chain partners – the earlier, the better
• Track sustainability factors of items purchased as you go; don’t wait until the end

Swag and Giveaways

• Skip physical giveaways when possible and consider alternatives that reduce waste
• Offer virtual gifts such as video shoutouts, online courses, personality assessments, e-books or virtual lessons (cooking, music and more)
• Provide experiences or future value, such as discounts to a future event
• Make a donation or legacy gift (such as a planting) in a guest’s or event’s name
• If providing items, choose reusable, edible or consumable options
• Select small-batch edible gifts when possible
• Purchase items that are regional, local and seasonal
• Choose certified Fair Trade products when available
• Minimize packaging and avoid single-use materials
• Set a goal to make giveaways zero waste

Green Cleaning

CSUMB supports the use of green cleaning products and processes. We work with our contractor vendors to ensure green cleaning processes are in place and followed. However, if your event requires the purchase of outside cleaning products/supplies, please look for these attributes to identify green cleaning products:

• Minimizes exposure to concentrates
• No ozone depleting substances
• Recyclable packaging
• Recycled content in packaging
• Reduced bioconcentration factor
• Reduced flammability
• Reduced or no added dyes, except when added for safety purposes
• Reduced or no added fragrances
• Reduced or no skin irritants
• Reduced or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Reduced packaging

• The event is hosted online via a videoconference or teleconference application
• Event materials include information on alternative transportation, including bus routes, and education to increase awareness about ways to reduce fuel consumption
• Event location is chosen to accommodate sustainable modes of transportation, such as bike racks, bus/shuttle stops, walking paths and accessible parking
• Information is collected regarding the transportation modality chosen by participants

• Request three-stream waste bins for the event (recycle, compost, landfill)
• Use BPI-certified compostable packaging and service ware (utensils, plates, etc.)
• Choose recyclable packaging and materials labeled with accepted recycling codes (1, 2 or 5)
• Use washable or reusable service ware whenever possible
• If reusable ware is not available, serve food and beverages in bulk to reduce packaging waste
• Avoid purchasing plastic or paper-boxed individual meals
• Assign a team to support proper waste sorting during the event (for example, “waste watchers”)
• Do not provide single-use plastic water bottles
• Do not use Styrofoam products (plates, trays, cups, bowls, etc.)
• Encourage guests to bring reusable bags, coffee mugs and water bottles
• Conduct a waste audit after the event to assess impact and improvement areas
• Avoid individually wrapped items such as promotional materials, favors, condiments, snacks and cutlery
• Ensure all outside vendors follow zero-waste policies