SUSTAINABILITY

Better Stands

Better Stands

IFES is the secretariate for the initiative of “Better Stands by NZCE” | Betterstands.org


Better Stands by NZCE (hereafter “BS”) is a sustainability initiative designed to reduce waste and CO₂ emissions in the global event industry by promoting the transition from disposable exhibition stands to reusable stand structures. It is an advancement stage of the program initially launched as an open-source project by the trade show organizer Informa, who tested and still will be executing it. Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) has recognized BS as an effective solution and is taking the lead on it to enhance its effectiveness, scalability, transparency, and global standardisation. To ensure impartial execution, IFES has been mandated as the neutral implementing force.

The event industry contributes significantly to waste, especially through disposable exhibition stands made from low-quality materials, which account for over 80% of the total event waste. These single-use stands are not only generating large amounts of waste but also posing safety risks through their construction. Furthermore, companies aiming to comply with the aim to reduce waste and CO2 at tradeshows have no official neutral global platform as a source to identify service providers who have committed to sustainability.

The framework of the Better Stands (BS),will serve as the foundation for assessing each exhibition stand, based on 10 sustainability criteria. To incentivize best practices, the Better Stands levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—recognize sustainability efforts while encouraging continuous improvement.

BS offers a clear path to reducing waste and CO₂ emissions, fostering more sustainable trade shows with the support of all key stakeholders. This shift not only secures the industry’s license to operate but also enhances its reputation, efficiency, and long-term viability.

 

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