BRUSSELS — ASM Global, the global leader in venue development and management and live entertainment content management, officially signed the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative’s NZCE Pledge this week.
The NZCE initiative, hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), is the largest initiative on environmental sustainability within the business events industry with some 700 stakeholders from 60 countries. Its goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through collaboration with industry stakeholders.
Alex Alles, Executive Director of JMIC, said “To have a global industry leader, ASM Global, as the 700th organization to join the Net Zero Carbon Events campaign is very exciting and a powerful testimony to the high level of support that we have.”
Signing the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge represents a significant step for ASM Global in its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, according to Lindsay Arell, ASM Global Chief Sustainability Officer: “It aligns with our broader ASM Global Acts goals that we announced in spring of 2023, and commitment to sustainable practices across all our venues worldwide. By committing to this pledge, ASM Global is not only addressing the urgent need for climate action but also setting an example for the industry, encouraging others to join in this effort.”
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ASM Global has nearly 400 venues in its portfolio, which makes the scope and scale of implementing carbon reduction strategies challenging. Each venue varies in size, age, function and infrastructure, requiring tailored approaches to meet sustainability goals, according to Arell. Additionally, the geographical diversity of ASM Global’s venues means navigating different local regulations, climate conditions, and resource availability.
“We understand that engaging all stakeholders, including clients, fans, attendees, vendors, and the communities in which we operate and serve is crucial to our success,” Arell said. “However, we view these challenges as opportunities to innovate and collaborate, leveraging our global network to share best practices and drive collective progress. In addition, we see significant opportunities in leveraging the services of our commercial partners to implement technologies and services at scale.”
Related. Sustainability Hub for Events Launched
ASM Global’s first step is to establish a baseline of its impacts at the venue level and portfolio wide for key metrics, including energy, waste, water, carbon, procurement, and other areas, Arell said. “Currently in our pilot phase, this is being conducted at over 50 venues globally. After this pilot phase, we will roll out to the remaining venues. This information is to track progress, ensure accountability and adjust strategies as necessary.”
Arell said the tracking will allow ASM Global to share progress with stakeholders and meet current and pending regulatory requirements. She said ASM Global has developed the ASM Global Academy to provide training and support to our staff and partners, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools needed to implement these strategies effectively.
“Additionally, ASM Global is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration within the industry, working closely with partners, technology providers, and other stakeholders to develop and adopt new solutions that drive sustainability.”
Reach Lindsay Arell at larell@asmglobal.com
