Sustainable Events
Overview
- Permitting and set-up
- Food sourcing and waste
- Material waste
- Entertainment
- Closing and take down
Who can certify
The certification is intended to be completed by any U of T staff, faculty or student group holding an event at the St. George campus.
Certification levels
Bronze: 20–45% of available points scored
Silver: 46–65% of available points scored
Gold: 66–84% of available points scored
Platinum: 85% + of available points scored
Ready to get certified?
Reviewed the steps above? Begin the process of certifying your event or check out the leaderboard to see how others have performed!
Program highlights
Getting started
Before starting the certification form, review the recommended actions below to improve sustainability for your event.
Permitting and set-up
- Venues are assessed for accessibility
- Marketing and tickets are digitized
- Religious holidays, weather, time and location are considered
- Events are held outdoors/in LEED-certified buildings
- Labels and signage are posted for proper disposal
- Land acknowledgements are stated before beginning the event
Food sourcing and waste
- The food ordered considers the number of attendees to reduce leftovers
- Trash, recycling and compost bins are available
- Ceramic dishes and metal utensils are provided
- Local food is sourced
- Plant-based alternatives are available
Material waste
- Water is served in glasses/water refill stations are available
- Waste sorting stations are available
- Volunteers are available to help attendees sort waste
- Condiments are available in bulk (that is, no individually wrapped packets)
Closing
- Lanyards/badges are reused for future events
- Attendees are asked for feedback
Resources
Event best practices
Large events
- Contact U of T’s Conference and Events Team.
- Go digital with all marketing and materials (invitations and tickets).
- Use labels and signage to sort items and prevent contaminating waste streams.
- Recruit volunteers to help attendees sort their waste into the proper disposal bins.
- Prioritize reusable containers or use compostable cardboard containers.
- Host events outdoors, in LEED-certified buildings, or use passive lighting to minimize energy use.
- Minimize meat options on the menu, and source fish that is MSC or ocean-wise certified.
- Provide plant-based meals and alternatives for milks, spreads and desserts.
- Reuse table linens, decorations, banners and posters, coat check numbers, and table numbers.
Small events
- Organize a carpool list to reduce emissions from transportation.
- Ensure the event location is accessible and located near public transportation.
- Consider no-or-low waste centrepiece and decoration options.
- Rent table linens, table numbers and coat check numbers.
- Ask for attendees to RSVP to ensure appropriate amount of food is ordered.
- Incorporate stretches and breaks to stimulate creative thinking.
- Reserve time at the end of the event for feedback and comments for improvement.
General resources
LEED-certified campus buildings
- Munk School of Global Affairs – LEED Silver (certified 2015)
- Mining Building Renovation – LEED Gold (certified 2014)
- Rotman School of Management – LEED Gold (certified 2014)
- Exam Centre/255 McCaul Street – LEED Gold (certified 2010)
Carbon reduction
Carbon offset partners
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a collection of 17 global goals designed to be a ‘blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.’ The SDGs were established in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly and are intended to be achieved by 2030.
Certification form
Get certified!
Ready to get your event certified? Follow these easy steps!
- Review the program overview, highlights and resources information.
- Select the ‘Get Certified’ button below.
- Sign in using your UTORid to launch the certification form and follow the instructions.
- Submit the form and await review and confirmation from the Sustainability Office.
- Receive your certificate package (certificate, badge/ribbon and quick resource guide).
- Review your results and program resources to improve your score next year!
Please complete the form in one session, as the form cannot be saved partway. We recommend you use a laptop or desktop to complete the form.
Certification is valid for one year, and the program will be updated and improved annually to ensure alignment with sustainability best practices.