Quantifying the carbon footprint of events: a life cycle assessment-based framework for evaluating impact of location and timing

Abstract

This research proposes a Life Cycle Assessment-based framework to quantify the carbon footprint of events, considering the event's location and timing. The framework aims to standardise environmental impact calculations through inventory analysis. To validate it, a comparative analysis on conducting an event in different locations and time periods, while maintaining similar scale and nature is conducted. The assessment includes emissions from attendee transport, accommodation, food and drink, and venue. Additionally, it considers emission reductions resulting from attendees not using their personal household resources. This accounts for the actual additional emissions released into the atmosphere as a consequence of the event. The results highlight variations in emissions across different consumption categories based on the selected location and timing. By providing this information, the LCA-based framework provides valuable guidance for event organizers and policymakers to assess event environmental impacts and promote sustainability.