ExpoGuys Launches Industry-First Sustainable Stand Grading System
In an era where sustainability has become a non-negotiable in business practices, ExpoGuys has taken a pioneering step in the exhibition industry with the launch of its Sustainable Stand Grading System. The initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while setting a new standard for sustainable practices in stand-building and event services.
Defining Sustainability in the Exhibition Industry
Sustainability can vary significantly across industries, and what’s deemed sustainable for one may not apply to another. ExpoGuys Directors John Webb & Pat Cronning underscores this complexity:
“Sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all concept. For us, it means operating in a way that minimises environmental impact across every facet of our business. We aren’t perfect, but we are passionate about doing everything in our power to reduce our carbon footprint.”
ExpoGuys’ approach emphasises incremental, collective contributions to sustainability. By continuously refining processes, educating staff, and engaging clients, the company strives to make sustainability an integral part of its operations.
Sustainability Grading System: Raising Awareness and Accountability
The highlight of ExpoGuys’ sustainability efforts is its Sustainable Stand Grading System, an innovative way to evaluate and communicate the environmental impact of exhibition stands. Each stand is assessed across multiple criteria, including flooring, structure, lighting, branding, and furniture. Materials are graded based on their sustainability, with the overall stand receiving a Gold, Silver, or Platinum certification.
For instance:
- Flooring options like carpet tiles and rubber mats, which can be reused for multiple events, receive the highest scores.
- LED lighting and modular structures contribute significantly to higher sustainability grades.
“This system not only raises awareness among clients but also challenges our designers and sales staff to think sustainably throughout the design and build process,” Pooja Patel and Lindsay Milazi, two of our senior designers notes. “It’s not an exact science, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
The grading system also serves as an educational tool for clients, helping them understand the long-term cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of sustainable stand choices. Clients receive a certificate with a scorecard detailing the sustainability elements of their stand, reinforcing the importance of eco-friendly practices.
Electrical Energy Efficiency and Climate-Friendly Rentals
ExpoGuys’ sustainability initiatives extend to its electrical and climate control hire services:
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: The use of LED technology reduces electricity consumption at events.
- Reusable Cables: Electrical equipment is designed for repeated use, minimizing waste.
- Eco-Friendly Cooling and Heating: Low-consumption evaporative coolers and infrared heaters are offered as alternatives to traditional HVAC systems.
- Solar: Our production and offices are 75% solar powered.
We will elaborate further on our efforts to make our business more sustainable.