Companies need to stop discussions and proactively take action to minimize the carbon footprint of events
With the region firmly turning its focus to the environment and the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility quickly increasing, MVM Events Dubai has conducted the second phase in its series of global ecological surveys, grasping a timely insight into the attitudes of companies towards environmental CSR policies when organizing events.
The international survey, of local and multi national companies across Europe, the Middle East and Australia, showed that only 18% of companies in Dubai have increased their awareness of CSR issues relating to corporate events in the past 12 months compared with 34% in London and 58% in Sydney.
As a desert country of 30 years, Dubai has made minimal inroads into ecological change. Only 15% of respondents in Dubai claimed that the significant media attention regarding conferences and events has influenced them to implement a CSR strategy compared with 22% in London and 34% in Sydney.
The survey results suggest, that while the UK is aware of the importance of the environment, companies are simply spending time discussing the issue, rather than actively implementing strategies and addressing it. Australia has proven to be far more concerned and proactive in adopting positive ecological practices, this could be due to the significant global warming effects already experienced by the country.
"A year ago our survey showed that only 10% of the region's companies had a CSR eco-policy when organising events," Commented Richard Beggs, managing director, MVM Group. "A staggering 87% of companies stated that they would be considering CSR ecological issues more over the next five years, when organizing events. However, according to the latest survey results not much has changed."
"CSR is quickly becoming a buzzword in the region, with many companies talking about environmental issues. However, we need to ensure that companies based here don't take the same road as their counterparts in the UK continue to discuss the issue without positive action. They need actively drive CSR and environmental policies," continued Beggs.
"We would like to work with clients who are ready to go green and organize events with minimal footprints, such as paperless conferences, which will demonstrate their commitment to ecological policies."
However, there is some evidence that a new attitude is emerging, which attempts to address long-term environmental trends, with 71% of respondents stating that their supplier procurement policy is influenced by potential suppliers' ability to demonstrate an effective CSR commitment to the environment.
MVM Events is committed to helping clients implement 'green' CSR strategies. The company has the only dedicated 'eco-specialist' in the region, who conducts environmental audits of events and works with clients to best leverage their CSR policy. This devoted member of staff will advise on the most effective way to reduce environmental footprints without affecting the quality of the event. This includes everything from using suppliers who have an effective CSR policy, ensuring minimal waste and energy usage during an event, to hosting paperless conferences.
The second stage of the global survey, comes as part of a three year commitment by MVM Events to evaluate the current position and monitor trends in the changing perception of companies in London, Sydney and Dubai with regards to corporate social responsibility management and the environment.
MVM Events Dubai offers a global outlook to conference and event planning while tailoring its services to the needs and requirements of the Middle Eastern market taking local customs & traditions into consideration. MVM Events Dubai has worked with many blue chip companies to provide them with a variety of local, regional and international events organizing and managing a range of events from large-scale conferences and launches to intimate social events.
-Ends-
Notes to Editor
With a record number of events taking place in the region last year, creating stand-out events is imperative. MVM Events is a dynamic and award-winning global conference and events company with a global reach and specialist knowledge.
MVM London was established in 1992 and is wholly owned by managing director, Richard Beggs. Over the last 14 years, MVM London has earned a justifiable reputation for expertise and professionalism in its field. In 1995 Beggs established a second MVM office in Sydney, Australia to service the Australasian and Pacific Rim conference and events market. On October 2 2005 MVM opened its doors in Dubai to serve the fast growing Middle Eastern market.
For further information, please contact:
Beth Lewis or Nicola Gregson
Fifth Ring Integrated Corporate Communications
Tel: +971 4 311 6789 or 050 874 4597
beth@fifthring.com nicola@fifthring.com
© Press Release 2008
