ExpoGuys have launched an industry-first Sustainable Stand Grading System. The initiative reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while setting a new standard for sustainable practices in stand-building and event services.
Defining Sustainability In The Exhibition Industry
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 underscored this complexity: ‘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 strives to make sustainability an integral part of its operations.
The Sustainable Stand Grading System is an innovative 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,’ noted Pooja Patel and Lindsay Milazi, two of ExpoGuys’ senior designers. ‘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’ 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, minimising waste.
• Eco-friendly cooling and heating: low-consumption evaporative coolers and infrared heaters are offered as alternatives to traditional HVAC systems.
• Solar: production and offices are 75% solar powered.
EXPOGUYS
www.expoguys.co.za
