Robert Trebus, d&b group’s director of global sustainability, shares his insights into the increasing importance of sustainability in the global live event industry and discusses how the company’s latest software service, d&b SustainSymphony, can support manufacturers, rental companies and venues alike.
Sustainability has been a key issue for a number of years, rising to the top of many companies’ priority lists. However, the tools and opportunities available to drive positive change vary significantly from industry to industry. In the live events industry, a wide range of stakeholders face different challenges and varying regional regulations. In addition, sustainability concerns are becoming increasingly important to millions of fans, festivalgoers, sports enthusiasts, live event attendees and trade show visitors. There’s a growing awareness and expectation for sustainability at events – is it accessible by public transport? Does it offer plastic-free alternatives, are there vegan options? What about the power consumption of the loudspeaker systems?
Recognizing these demands early on, we realized the need for a unified software solution tailored to the unique needs of our industry. This led to the creation of d&b SustainSymphony – a holistic software service designed for everyone involved in the live event industry. At the heart of the platform is a comprehensive database into which venues, suppliers and organizers can enter all relevant sustainability information, making it easier to make informed decisions. For example, a rental company can easily find more sustainable products and concert organizers can find more sustainable suppliers. Users of the tool can upload and share their sustainability certifications, such as ISO2021, and compare and measure their environmental impact.
d&b SustainSymphony offers a groundbreaking approach to event sustainability by incorporating an open manufacturer database. This feature allows manufacturers to list their sustainable products and services and provide detailed sustainability-related data. Key metrics include Product Carbon Footprint, energy consumption and product circularity information. This transparency enables event planners to ensure their choices are aligned with their sustainability objectives.
Users can search the open database to find products that meet their environmental criteria and connect directly with manufacturers, facilitating the seamless integration of sustainable products into their event planning. In addition, data from these products can be included in the event’s overall sustainability report, providing a comprehensive view of environmental impact.
Each entry in the manufacturer and supplier database includes a short ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) questionnaire. This questionnaire covers various aspects related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that products and services not only adhere to high sustainability standards, but also contribute positively to broader global objectives.
The success of sustainable events relies heavily on partnerships with eco-friendly suppliers and the adoption of sustainable products. The open supplier database within d&b SustainSymphony is designed to support and encourage these important market transitions. By fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable practices, this tool is dedicated to advancing the sustainability of the event industry, driving innovative solutions that meet both environmental goals and industry standards.
The platform itself is intuitive and easy to use, with a basic version available free of charge. This initiative by d&b aims to support the entire industry in pursuing a common goal: preserving our planet for future generations.
For more info, visit: www.dbsustainsymphony.com/en
