CMM Sustainability & Social Responsibility Flashcards

What is the main benefit of conducting a sustainability audit before an event versus only after?

Answer: It allows planners to identify and correct unsustainable practices while there is still time to make changes

A pre-event audit identifies gaps in sustainability planning early, enabling corrective actions before choices become locked in and costly to reverse.

Which approach to sustainable catering BEST reduces food waste at a large corporate dinner?

Answer: Using pre-confirmed plated service based on final RSVP counts rather than buffet-style service

Plated service based on confirmed attendance minimizes over-production because food is only prepared for confirmed guests, unlike buffets which encourage excess.

A hybrid meeting format (combining in-person and virtual attendance) contributes to sustainability primarily by:

Answer: Reducing the number of attendees who must travel, thereby lowering overall transportation emissions

Hybrid formats allow more attendees to participate without traveling, which is the single largest lever for reducing a meeting's total carbon footprint.

Which stakeholder group should a planner engage FIRST when developing a new event sustainability policy?

Answer: Senior organizational leadership, to ensure sustainability goals align with the company's overall ESG strategy

Aligning with senior leadership first ensures the sustainability policy has organizational backing, adequate resources, and strategic alignment before being communicated to other stakeholders.

What does 'scope 3 emissions' refer to in the context of event carbon accounting?

Answer: Indirect emissions from attendee travel, supply chains, and other value chain activities not directly controlled by the organizer

Scope 3 emissions cover all indirect emissions outside the organizer's direct control, including attendee transportation, which typically represents the largest share of an event's carbon footprint.

A meeting planner wants to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at an annual conference. Which action is MOST impactful?

Answer: Implementing a speaker selection policy that actively recruits diverse voices and underrepresented subject matter experts

A formal speaker diversity policy creates systemic, measurable change in representation on stage, which amplifies diverse perspectives and signals organizational commitment to DEI.