If there’s one thing that’s clear, it’s this: sustainability isn’t optional anymore. Legislation is tightening around the globe, stakeholders are putting pressure on companies to comply, and buyers are voting with their wallets.
Greengage and From Now got together to unpack some of the pressures that buyers are facing — from new reporting requirements to the rising importance of credible accreditation.
You can watch back the webinar here, and find some of the key takeaways from our discussion below.
1. Legislation is here, and it’s not going anywhere!
“Events fall within a company’s Scope 3 emissions… if you’re not able to demonstrate things like energy use, transport, or even how you’re recycling batteries, big corporates won’t be able to work with you in the future because they have to report on it.”
Legislation such as CSRD, the Green Claims Directive, and EU Accessibility Act are changing the way that buyers procure. For those working at large companies who need to track all emissions, events form a big part of that
Perhaps most importantly, this is not limited to events occurring within the EU. If that company is affected by this legislation, that means they must track their Scope 3 emissions across their entire business operations. Whether that’s a dinner for 10 people or a conference for 4,000, it all counts.
2. Getting ahead is your competitive advantage
“It’s only a matter of time before this legislation trickles down into smaller companies, not just the Googles and HPs of the world. Getting ahead now will set you apart when clients start asking these questions.”
Suppliers who can provide energy, waste, and carbon data today will be tomorrow’s preferred partners. Legislation will only tighten across all industries and businesses (including yours!), so waiting until they’re in place to force compliance only means that solutions will be more in demand and more expensive.
Sustainability could be your biggest business development tool and greatest competitive advantage.
3. Accreditation = credibility
“Under the Green Claims Directive, if you’re making a sustainability claim, it has to be backed up by a third-party certification. That’s why we created EcoSmart – to make sure hotels and venues can prove their claims are credible and verified.”
We’ve all seen accusations of greenwashing play out, but now it’s no longer just a PR risk – it’s a compliance issue. Without third-party credibility, companies risk fines, lawsuits, and long-term reputational damage.
Certifications like ECOsmart give buyers confidence that not only are your claims real, but by choosing you, they can back up their claims too.
Plus, being able to demonstrate strong credentials with an accreditation could save you many a lengthy procurement form and some admin!
4. Buyers want data they can trust
“Buyers are under pressure to report on everything from water readings to waste data, but they don’t want to chase 20 different suppliers. The more we can make verified data accessible through tools like EcoMap, the faster and easier procurement becomes.”
Events people are busy, dealing with multiple suppliers to create a wonderful event for their client. By being a supplier who can make their life easier, especially when it comes to data collection and reporting, you’re going to inch further up that preferred list.
5. Don’t forget the human side
“No one likes waste. Once teams are empowered to act, you find real champions inside organisations… When one event put all its sustainable actions on a billboard, attendees said they felt genuinely good about being part of it.”
Your team is your most important asset – and by creating a workplace that is driven by purpose, you’ll be inspiring your staff to feel more connected, motivated, and proud of the work they do.
Plus, attendees notice when events have been run with care and attention to both people and planet. The ripple effect of a truly sustainable event travels far wider, strengthening brand loyalty, sparking word-of-mouth, and positioning you as a leader in your industry.
Conclusion: Lead now, or catch up later
The message is clear: legislation is coming, accreditation builds credibility, and suppliers who act now will be in demand.
How to get started? Take a moment to review what you’re already doing and what you need to do more of, then find certifications that align with your goals.
It might mean a bit of extra time and investment in the short-term, but the long-term benefits could be the difference between ticking boxes and truly standing out.
Get in touch with the From Now team to see how we can support you in your journey at inspired@from-now.com
