# Why Do Virtual Events Have A Lower Environmental Impact Than In-Person Events?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/why-do-virtual-events-have-a-lower-environmental-impact-than-in-person-events/
- Published: 2022-10-11T16:55:35-04:00
- Author: Eillin Delapaz

In the present era, where virtual space has become the new norm, virtual events 
in every company are growing at a spontaneous rate. With their unparalleled performance,
virtual events have currently become the first choice of digital marketers and have
become an essential part of every modern industry.
 ⌊virtual events⌉

## But Why Virtual Events?

[Virtual events](https://carlstromproductions.com/corporate-events-definition-types-and-production/)
aren’t just an alternative to in-person events, they are an opportunity to assemble
sales objectives, conceptualize strategic processes, and improve business relations.
Present technology has now become accessible and attainable to most of the working
world. There is no reason why [present-day](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/epa-reaches-agreement-with-hotel-developers-to-settle-violations-of-clean-water-act/)
events cannot be within reach of everyone, making the process more and more sustainable.

Additionally, hosting [virtual events](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/everrati-reveals-first-of-its-kind-electrified-porsche-911-964-wide-body-cabriolet/)
does not necessarily take away the end goal of each event. Every individual participating
from another location can easily benefit from virtual events as much as the physically
present guests and possibly, even gain more. Let’s face it, physically attending
events can be favorable when it comes to face-to-face networking. It can also be
[disadvantageous](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/epa-reaches-agreement-with-hotel-developers-to-settle-violations-of-clean-water-act/)
in effectively managing your time.  Going to and fro the location of each event 
is a hassle. Most importantly, of course, virtual events help [save the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2008/07/save-on-electricity-and-help-environment-too/).
Shifting to virtual events grants you the opportunity to [reduce your carbon footprint](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/07/5-beneficial-environmental-impacts-of-private-jets/)
in a multitude of ways:

## Removing Travel

Emissions from travel steadily contribute to [threats to our environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/02/blueback-herring-species-facing-critical-threats/).
Major conferences and tradeshows draw the attention of a surprising number of people
from all over the city and even the country. 
 In regards to reach, it’s certainly
very impressive but incredibly detrimental to the [environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/06/on-world-environment-day-world-turns-spotlight-on-air-pollution/).
Imagine hundreds of people attending an [event and how many vehicles](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/ge-electric-ev-tour-interactive-electric-vehicle-events/)
it takes for them to get to it.

## Reducing Waste 

From printed materials to disposable cups and [plates](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/06/verterra-makes-a-plate-like-no-other-from-fallen-leaves-and-are-biodegradeable/),
since events last several days, refuge waste tends to pile up significantly. Physical
events require a significant amount of print materials just for the convenience 
of each attendee. 
 Examples are brochures, ID tags, wristbands, pamphlets, and 
even flyers to advertise to passersby. There is also additional refuge waste from
pens, paper plates, and cups that pile up during the event. It takes a great number
of resources and materials even to produce said items.  Unfortunately, most, if 
not all, of these items end up in a landfill versus being reused and recycled. The
best benefit of virtual events is that it eliminates the need for the aforementioned
items above. Furthermore, organizers can instead distribute the same information
through websites, PDF files, and emails.

## Carbon Footprints in Hotel Stays

There would always be several people who would attend most, if not all, the days
of the event, which is why they will tend to seek accommodations in a hotel. Unfortunately,
these stays end up being a major contributor to an increased carbon footprint. 

Due to the amount of waste they produce, hotels aren’t very eco-friendly.  Hotel
accommodations provide complimentary bath supplies, and most are disposable for 
convenience’s sake at the expense of the environment. When choosing to host or attend
an event, virtual events ultimately minimize waste. That way, you [can implement internal carbon pricing strategies](https://www.sinaitechnologies.com/post/a-brief-guide-to-internal-carbon-pricing-methodology)
into your event planning with ease.

## Decreased Energy Usage for Equipment, Lighting, and Temperature Control

Nowadays, we cannot [discount](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/green-renewable-comprehensive-salesforce/)
the fact that energy consumption is an integral part of our work, enjoyment, and
our overall lives. We cannot avoid energy usage completely; however, we can improve
how we use [energy to be more sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/07/thermal-energy-storage-for-a-sustainable-future/).

Most electricity is used in workplaces, homes, and businesses to power various equipment
such as temperature systems, computers, phones, lights, and refrigerators. The energy
required to maintain a comfortable temperature in a space, especially in a large
conference center, is significant.  Furthermore, there are a lot of events held 
in the summer season, which in turn leads to longer usage of multiple air conditioning
systems. Conferences, too, use a large amount of energy through audio equipment,
lights, computers, projectors, and various appliances needed for catering. Now, 
virtual attendees would still, in fact, use their air conditioning or heater, but
they would most likely be using that equipment in a smaller space, making energy
consumption less compared to physical events. Allowing virtual attendees to access
events through their tablets or smartphones can also reduce energy consumption. 
Encourage people to [prevent digital eye strain](https://rohtoeyedrops.com/collections/digital-eye-strain/products/rohto-digi-eye-digital-eye-strain-eye-drops)
as well through the use of “night light” features.

## Conclusion

By choosing to host or attend virtual events, you will be contributing to the betterment
of the environment by being efficient. We are constantly adapting to our ever-changing
world, and virtual events are here to stay. 
 These improvements will ultimately
help to reach a wider audience while also reducing the size of your carbon footprint.
When all is said and done, physical events should be for truly special occasions,
not for every single event that can now be done online. Check out more environmentally
[ friendly tips over at our main site here](https://greenlivingguy.com/). _**Author:
Katie Pierce**_

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/f30a82826ab5e40ae1efde55aa735f0579f0105f7692fc289aebf0d58584c37e?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 Eillin Delapaz

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/eillin/)