Sustainability can vary significantly across industries, and what's deemed sustainable for one may not apply to another. ExpoGuys Directors John Webb and Pat Cronning say, "Sustainability is not a one-size-fits-all concept. For us, it means operating in a way that minimises environmental impact across every facet of our business. We aren't perfect, but we are passionate about doing everything in our power to reduce our carbon footprint."

ExpoGuys' approach emphasises incremental, collective contributions to sustainability. By continuously refining processes, educating staff and engaging clients, the company says it strives to make sustainability an integral part of its operations.

Sustainability Grading System: Raising Awareness and Accountability

ExpoGuys says the highlight of its sustainability efforts is its Sustainable Stand Grading System, a way to evaluate and communicate the environmental impact of exhibition stands. Each stand is assessed across multiple criteria, including flooring, structure, lighting, branding and furniture. Materials are graded based on their sustainability, with the overall stand receiving a Gold, Silver, or Platinum certification.

For instance:

  • Flooring options like carpet tiles and rubber mats, which can be reused for multiple events, receive the highest scores.
  • LED lighting and modular aluminium structures contribute significantly to higher sustainability grades.

"This system not only raises awareness among clients but also challenges our designers and sales staff to think sustainably throughout the design and build process," say Pooja Patel and Lindsay Milazi, Senior Designers at ExpoGuys. "It's not an exact science, but it's a step in the right direction."

The grading system also serves as an educational tool for clients, helping them understand the long-term cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of sustainable stand choices. Clients receive a certificate with a scorecard detailing the sustainability elements of their stand, reinforcing the importance of eco-friendly practices, ExpoGuys adds.

Electrical Energy Efficiency and Climate-Friendly Rentals

ExpoGuys says that its sustainability initiatives extend to its electrical and climate control hire services:

  • Energy-Efficient Lighting: The use of LED technology reduces electricity consumption at events.
  • Reusable Cables: Electrical equipment is designed for repeated use, minimizing waste.
  • Eco-Friendly Cooling and Heating: Low-consumption evaporative coolers and infrared heaters are offered as alternatives to traditional HVAC systems.
  • Solar: Our production and offices are 75% solar-powered.

ExpoGuy concludes that it will continue to expand further on its efforts to make its business more sustainable.

For more information, visit www.expoguys.co.za. You can also follow ExpoGuys on Facebook, X or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor