New tool to mitigate GHG emissions from events released by UNFCCC, UNEP and GORD
The platform helps event organizers systematically evaluate the GHG emission profile and sustainability impacts of the proposed event at planning stage, to design mitigation activities, and to transparently report the actual sustainability impact and GHG emissions resulting from their events.
Events, irrespective of their size, are a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sustainability impacts. With an aim to facilitate eco-friendly events and designed to evaluate events’ sustainability performance, the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have developed an online Green Events Tool (GET). This platform was first introduced at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland in 2021.
The GET’s online portal was unveiled in a virtual ceremony held on 14 September 2022, marked by the presence of representatives from GORD, the UNFCCC secretariat, and UNEP.
Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD said, “Last year at COP26, we together introduced this forward-looking solution to the world. As COP27 draws closer, we are proud to deliver on our promise and offer an end-to-end solution aimed at greening the events globally. Between COP26 and now, GET has undergone extensive road testing from various organizations and event organizers. The fact that the portal is ready in less than a year after initial introduction is a testament to the stakeholders’ dedication and commitment to climate action and sustainability.
“GET’s web portal has been developed through a highly process-centric and transparent approach. And while its planning and development has taken years of research and hard work, GET’s intrinsic value lies in simplifying the arduous processes needed to evaluate and improve events’ sustainability profiles” Dr. Alhorr added.
With the GET online portal now accessible to the public, organizations can work towards their climate mitigation targets by greening their events. The platform helps event organizers systematically evaluate the GHG emission profile and sustainability impacts of the proposed event at planning stage, to design mitigation activities, and to transparently report the actual sustainability impact and GHG emissions resulting from their events. Events supported by the GET go through a comprehensive assessment framework covering aspects related to venue construction, venue operation, flight, ground transportation, communication, audio-visual systems, production and exhibition, accommodation and catering.
The core purpose of the GET is to encourage actions to reduce the negative impacts of events, including their carbon footprint, at the planning and implementation stages.
This is achieved by documenting activities that impact sustainability aspects and GHG emissions, and the calculation of GHG emissions (carbon footprint). It also allows for transparent reporting of the calculated carbon footprint and actions to address sustainability; third-party verification process (optional but encouraged) to receive a sustainability rating; and recommending the use of high-quality carbon credits to compensate for unavoidable GHG emissions.
GORD is a non-profit organization spearheading MENA region’s sustainability milieu. Headquartered in Qatar Science and Technology Park, GORD drives the transformation of societies, industries, and the built environment by influencing corporate ethos, fostering innovation, and developing capacity to enable low-carbon sustainable growth for present and future generations. The organization’s key operations include R&D, standards setting, green buildings certification, accreditation services, voluntary carbon markets, performance testing, knowledge dissemination and advisory services on sustainability and climate change for governments, non-government, public and private sector organizations.
