How Switzerland’s New Sustainable Investment Rules Impact Event Organizers and their Suppliers —and How We Can Help
Introduction
Switzerland is raising the bar on sustainable investments with new regulations designed to combat greenwashing and ensure genuine accountability. (Source) These changes place stricter demands on investors to verify the sustainability claims of their portfolios, making it essential for businesses—including event organizers—to demonstrate their ESG (environmental, social, and governance) commitments with clarity and credibility.
The new rules require investors to:
- Define sustainability clearly: Financial products must have specific, measurable sustainability goals.
- Verify ESG data: Investors must provide transparent and reliable ESG metrics to back their claims.
- Avoid greenwashing: Misleading sustainability claims can lead to legal and reputational risks for financial institutions.
For event organizers and their suppliers, this means your potential investors, sponsors and customers will be scrutinizing your sustainability practices more closely than ever. They need solid evidence that your activities align with their ESG objectives, making it critical for you to proactively showcase your credentials.
1. Why These Changes Matter to Event Organizers and Everyone in the Event Industry?
Switzerland’s updated regulations highlight the growing demand for measurable and transparent ESG practices. For event organizers and companies active in this sector, this creates a new dynamic:
Investors and sponsors will now, and your customers:
- Demand proof of your sustainability efforts through verifiable data and comprehensive reporting.
- Expect alignment with recognized frameworks like ISO 20121 and reporting standards such as GRI or ESRS.
- Prioritize partnerships with organizations that can demonstrate authentic sustainability impact.
While these changes may feel like additional pressure, they also present an opportunity to strengthen your position in the market and attract more ESG-focused investors.
2. How We Can Support You in Meeting These Expectations
To help you navigate these new demands and position your events and company as attractive investment opportunities, we offer a suite of solutions tailored to you:
ISO 20121 Certification
- Show your stakeholders that your event management system aligns with international sustainability standards.
- Achieve a globally recognized certification that builds trust and credibility.
- Streamline your processes to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability Strategy Development
- Work with our experts to create a customized sustainability strategy for your events.
- Define ESG goals that align with investor and sponsor priorities.
- Develop action plans that address environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices.
Comprehensive Reporting Services
- Craft professional sustainability reports that communicate your impact clearly and align with frameworks like GRI and ESRS.
- Highlight your achievements in areas like carbon footprint reduction, diversity, and ethical practices.
- Provide transparency to stakeholders, reinforcing trust and loyalty.
CO2 Tracking and Benchmarking Tool
- Use our web-based tool to monitor and measure your event’s CO2 footprint in real-time.
- Follow industry benchmarks to compare your performance with similar events.
- Identify opportunities for improvement and track progress toward your sustainability goals.
3. Steps to Position Your Organisation as a Sustainable Investment
Here’s how you can start building a strong sustainability profile:
1️⃣ Audit Your Current Practices:
Identify areas where you’re excelling and where there’s room for improvement. This is a crucial first step for both ISO 20121 certification and creating a robust sustainability strategy.
2️⃣ Set Clear ESG Goals:
Define measurable objectives, such as reducing waste by 20% or sourcing 50% of materials locally. We can help you establish realistic goals that resonate with investors.
3️⃣ Track Your Progress:
Use our CO2 tracking tool to monitor your event’s environmental impact and make data-driven decisions to improve performance.
4️⃣ Communicate Your Impact:
Prepare comprehensive sustainability reports that showcase your efforts and align with global standards, ensuring you stand out to investors and sponsors.
5️⃣ Certify Your Commitment:
Obtain ISO 20121 certification to validate your sustainability practices and gain a competitive edge in the industry.
4. Why Act Now?
With investors and sponsors increasingly prioritizing ESG performance, aligning your events and organisation with sustainability expectations is no longer optional—it’s essential. By proactively demonstrating your commitment to sustainability, you:
- Build trust with stakeholders.
- Strengthen your competitive position.
- Secure funding and sponsorship opportunities more effectively.
Switzerland’s new sustainable investment rules are a game-changer, but they also present a unique opportunity for event organizers and their suppliers to showcase their leadership in sustainability. By aligning with recognized standards, tracking your impact, and communicating your achievements, you can position your events as exemplary investments.
💡 Ready to take the next step?
Contact us to learn how we can help you achieve ISO 20121 certification, create a winning sustainability strategy, and track your impact with our innovative tools.
Let’s work together to make your business and the event sector sustainable, impactful, and investable.