Canada's
Commitment to
Event Sustainability
Across Canada, business events are more than gatherings—they're catalysts for positive change. From coast to coast to coast, we’re reimagining how events can create lasting environmental, sociocultural, and economic impact.
Our Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan sets the course for meetings, conferences and incentive experiences that offer an enduring positive legacy for people, planet and place. Our Sustainability Storybook brings this vision to life with real-world solutions and practical tools from across Canada—to inspire decision makers and event professionals around the world to plan with purpose.
Across Canada, business events are more than gatherings—they're catalysts for positive change. From coast to coast to coast, we’re reimagining how events can create lasting environmental, sociocultural, and economic impact.
Our Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan sets the course for meetings, conferences and incentive experiences that offer an enduring positive legacy for people, planet and place. Our Sustainability Storybook brings this vision to life with real-world solutions and practical tools from across Canada—to inspire decision makers and event professionals around the world to plan with purpose.
Planet
Environmental Sustainability
Get insights into Canada's environmental leadership - from sustainable infrastructure to regenerative tourism and low-carbon event models.
People
Sociocultural Sustainability
Learn more about initiatives that prioritize community wellbeing, Indigenous leadership, cultural preservation and inclusive event practices.
Profit
Economic Sustainability
See how sustainable business events support local economies, generate long-term economic value, and align with key sectors driving Canada's clean growth.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Canada is setting a global standard in sustainable business events by aligning its practices with the UN SDGs. The UN SDGs are a call for action by all countries to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand in hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.
Sustainability Stories
Sustainability Stories
LouLou Lounge's
Upcycled Event Furniture
Ottawa, Ontario
LouLou Lounge Furniture Rentals offers stylish furniture pieces designed to create an impact at your event in Ottawa. The new Felicity line is the first of its kind in Canada, a collection of chic furniture made from upcycled maple recovered primarily from construction scraps. It includes bars, bar back shelves, cruiser tables, communal tables, coffee tables and end tables.
The collaboration between Ottawa Tourism and LouLou Lounge promotes sustainability and reduces waste in event decor and furnishings procurement by upcycling materials and supporting local small and medium enterprises, contributing to Ottawa's circular economy. Additionally, the partnership behind the Felicity collection exemplifies how events can inspire innovative projects, consumer choices and local job creation.
Sustainable Incentive Funding
Halifax, Nova Scotia
This incentive framework developed by Discover Halifax aims to support event planners looking to implement sustainable initiatives as part of their event. The framework covers options such as zero waste, sustainable catering, energy efficiency and social equity initiatives. To support the implementation of these activities, incentives are offered in the form of monetary discounts, recognition-based rewards, value-added benefits, partnerships with local sustainable businesses and community engagement project sponsorship.
This sustainable incentive funding framework addresses the growing demand for environmental solutions and offers planners useful tiered incentives and comprehensive support so they can successfully implement sustainable event practices. By implementing sustainable practices, event organizers not only enhance their brand reputation and attract eco-conscious stakeholders, but also potentially reduce operational costs through efficient resource use.
Guide to Best Practices for
Sustainable Business Events
Montréal, Québec
The Guide to Best Practices for Sustainable Business Events is a practical tool developed by Tourisme Montréal, in collaboration with local experts, that offers event planners a comprehensive checklist and actionable steps to integrate sustainability into events. Tailored to the
Montréal context, it covers all aspects of event planning with locally-sourced solutions, making it easy to achieve sustainability at every stage. This guide aims to reduce environmental harm and promote positive impacts through smart, sustainable practices.
This invaluable guide helps bridge knowledge gaps, especially for newcomers, by providing
simple, actionable steps to implement sustainable event solutions. It addresses the critical need for sustainable practices in event planning by prioritizing positive environmental and social impacts.
Legacy & Impact Study
At Destination Canada, we know business events can unleash powerful ripple effects long after they end, inspiring transformative collaborations, economic development, talent attraction and innovation.
That’s why—in conjunction with our Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan—Destination Canada has commissioned the Legacy & Impact Study. This multi-year study is evaluating the beyond-tourism benefits that international business events generate in host communities, aligned with the core pillars of economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Legacy & Impact Study
At Destination Canada, we know business events can unleash powerful ripple effects long after they end, inspiring transformative collaborations, economic development, talent attraction and innovation.
That’s why—in conjunction with our Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan—Destination Canada has commissioned the Legacy & Impact Study. This multi-year study is evaluating the beyond-tourism benefits that international business events generate in host communities, aligned with the core pillars of economic, social and environmental sustainability.
Resources
Canada's commitment to climate action
Destination Canada sees business events as a meaningful lever for climate action and community wellbeing. We are a Member of the GSTC Global Sustainable tourism council. And as a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration, we’re contributing to global efforts to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero before 2050 — in close partnership with venues, destinations, and industry leaders across the country.
Bring your sustainable event to Canada
When you meet in Canada, sustainability comes naturally. Together, we can help you bring your values to life and leave a lasting legacy for people, planet and place. With practical tools, inspiring partners and real-world solutions, you’ll find everything you need to plan with purpose—and create waves of positive change that last for years to come.