Being sustainable in the event industry means making improvements across three central pillars: environment, society and governance (also known by the acronym, ESG). The concept goes beyond minimising environmental damage, with global frameworks being developed and enforced such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At d&b group we have made a commitment to integrate sustainable practices throughout our operations and have measured and aligned the products we bring to the market using the SDGs.
Our ESG strategy propels us toward continuous innovation. We ensure transparency in our sustainable practices, so they are clearly understandable for our customers, demonstrating a commitment not only to environmental stewardship, but also to fostering trust and accountability in our industry.
SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
It’s crucial for sustainability to be deeply integrated into a manufacturer’s design process. As the European Commission has pointed out, this is where over 80 percent of all product-related environmental impacts come from. Wherever possible, this focus should extend to considering end-of-life scenarios by emphasising measures such as recycling and remanufacturing to minimise waste. Responsible manufacturing also involves ensuring the suppliers’ materials and processes meet sustainability standards.
Environmental responsibility needs to be a priority not only for a business’s long-term success, but also for the wellbeing of the human race. Taking this into consideration, d&b group aims to set new standards for the event industry. We have already witnessed high-profile examples such as Coldplay’s adoption of energy-efficient audio systems with energy savings of up to 50 percent.
It’s also essential to analyse the environmental impact of a product’s deployment. New sustainable business models form an important part of this. One example is a pay-per-use model based on a Product as a Service (PaaS) approach – such as our d&b Subscription-Series – where the customer moves from ownership to renting. They can benefit from advanced sound technology without the upfront investment.
The Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Program, another key initiative, applies circular economy principles by remanufacturing and reusing older equipment. It reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent.
At its heart, sustainability management is quality management. With loudspeaker system, for example, it’s good to be renowned for quality and durability. But such a reputation should be the foundation for an ongoing sustainability effort. By aligning sustainability initiatives with quality management principles, environmental responsibility enhances performance and longevity.
It is essential to understand which sustainability measures work well at events and where solutions are required. A responsible manufacturer should be an active partner and support customers to achieve sustainability goals. This approach allows for the sharing of insights, tailored solutions, and promotion of sustsinable practices in the industry.
