CCEP Sustainability in Events 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which ISO standard specifically addresses sustainability in event management?
- ISO 20121 (Correct answer)
- ISO 14001
- ISO 9001
- ISO 26000
Correct answer: ISO 20121
ISO 20121 is the international standard specifically for sustainable event management systems.
Question 2: A planner needs to communicate sustainability achievements to stakeholders after an event. Which document is MOST appropriate?
- Post-event sustainability report with quantified metrics (Correct answer)
- Final invoice from the venue
- Attendee satisfaction survey summary
- Sponsor recognition program
Correct answer: Post-event sustainability report with quantified metrics
A post-event sustainability report with quantified metrics (waste diverted, carbon offset, etc.) provides transparent, credible accountability to stakeholders.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a 'scope 3' greenhouse gas emission in event planning?
- Attendee air travel to the event (Correct answer)
- Electricity used by the venue during the event
- Natural gas used in on-site catering
- Diesel burned by event-owned shuttle buses
Correct answer: Attendee air travel to the event
Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions from sources not owned or controlled by the organizer, such as attendee travel.
Question 4: An event manager wants to reduce single-use plastics. Which alternative is considered MOST sustainable for beverage service?
- Bulk water stations with reusable cups or personal bottles (Correct answer)
- Biodegradable plastic cups
- Individually wrapped paper straws
- Glass bottles pre-filled with water
Correct answer: Bulk water stations with reusable cups or personal bottles
Bulk water stations eliminate single-use packaging entirely, which is more sustainable than substituting one disposable material for another.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a 'waste audit' conducted at an event?
- To measure the types and volumes of waste generated so diversion strategies can be improved (Correct answer)
- To identify stolen equipment
- To verify caterer food safety compliance
- To calculate attendee per-capita costs
Correct answer: To measure the types and volumes of waste generated so diversion strategies can be improved
A waste audit quantifies waste streams by category, providing the data needed to improve recycling and composting diversion rates.
Question 6: When selecting a destination for a large annual conference, which sustainability factor should be prioritized first?
- Proximity to the majority of attendees to minimize travel emissions (Correct answer)
- Availability of unique off-site event venues
- Destination's tourism marketing budget
- Number of luxury hotel properties available
Correct answer: Proximity to the majority of attendees to minimize travel emissions
Attendee travel is typically the largest source of event emissions, so selecting a destination central to the attendee base most significantly reduces environmental impact.
Question 7: A planner is working with a supplier who claims their products are 'eco-friendly.' What is the BEST way to verify this claim?
- Request third-party certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or Cradle to Cradle (Correct answer)
- Check the supplier's social media for green-themed posts
- Ask the supplier's sales representative for a verbal confirmation
- Review the product's color and packaging design
Correct answer: Request third-party certifications such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or Cradle to Cradle
Third-party certifications provide independent, verifiable proof of sustainability claims, reducing the risk of greenwashing.
CCEP Sustainability in Events 3
Which ISO standard specifically addresses sustainability in event management?