BS8901 Sustainable Event Management

A wind farm at sunset

BusinessAV is one of the first audio-visual production companies to recognise the importance of BS8901, the British Standard for Sustainable Event Management.

We are currently working towards our BS8901 accreditation, having implemented a Sustainable Events Policy (SEP) for the many events we do on behalf of our clients all over the UK.

The aim of our SEP is to help us deliver excellent customer service by operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. We are continually monitoring (and where necessary improving) targets aimed at reducing our environmental impact.

Some key areas of our policy include...

Ensuring the wellbeing of staff, contractors and delegates is a key factor to a successful event so we have in place appropriate risk assessments and method statements. We have control measures in place to minimise the risk of trip, slip and fall hazards particularly during the set up and de-rig of an event.

When we are at an event our good practice measures include ensuring presentation slides are readable from the back of the conference room and ensuring videos and other projections of moving images or lighting sequences comply with Ofcom’s guidance on photosensitive epilepsy.

Conferences typically involve the production of large quantities of give-aways such as leaflets and delegate packs. BusinessAV is keen to challenge this culture and promote a more sustainable approach such as using email and websites to distribute presentation material. If however a give-away is essential, considerations should include minimising packaging and using recycled or recyclable material.

Staging events can place high demands on energy so we have introduced new ‘Sustainable Conference Packages’, which use energy efficient equipment such as low power LED lighting, eco friendly projectors and the latest variable wattage amplifiers. The sets are lightweight and made from recycled material and all the equipment is transported to the venue in a single long wheel base van, using bio diesel.

We implemented our highly popular Bio Fuels policy back in August 2008 and, combined with our new ‘Sustainable Conference Packages’, we are offering businesses and organisations the opportunity to partner with an audio-visual production company who are committed to inspiring change.

If you would like further details of our Sustainable Events Policy together with further information about our ‘Sustainable Conference Packages’, call our sales team on Freephone 0800 587 9908 or complete an enquiry form.