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WEFTEC 2024: A New Benchmark in Sustainability

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is making waves once again, as its flagship event, WEFTEC 2024, has earned the exceedingly rare Platinum certification from the Events Industry Council (EIC) for its Sustainability Standards. This significant achievement places WEFTEC among an elite group of only four events worldwide to receive such recognition, underscoring its commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact.

Previously awarded the Gold certification in 2023, this transformation into a Platinum standard highlights the elevated sustainability efforts that WEF has implemented. Stephanie Jones, Managing Director of Event Strategy at WEF, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that it is a testament to their dedication to sustainability and their mission to advance practices that benefit the community. The event not only showcases cutting-edge water technology and solutions but also emphasizes minimizing environmental footprints.

A Milestone in Sustainable Events

In a world increasingly driven by ecological concerns, WEFTEC's commitment to sustainability is more critical than ever. With more than 21,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibiting companies in the previous year, WEFTEC serves as a platform for water quality professionals to exchange ideas, latest innovations, and develop strategies for the betterment of the sector. The Platinum certification acts as a strong motivator for continual improvement and innovation within WEFTEC’s framework and sets a new benchmark for sustainable events across various industries.

According to Ralph Exton, Executive Director of WEF, this milestone not only inspires innovation in the water sector but also exemplifies their responsibility in leading by example. The comprehensive standards encompass key areas:

• - Organizational management,
• - Marketing and communications,
• - Climate action,
• - Water management,
• - Materials and circularity,
• - Supply chain management,
• - Diversity, equity and inclusion,
• - Accessibility,
• - Social impact.

What is the EIC Sustainability Standard?

The EIC Sustainable Event Standards represent a collaborative global effort that draws on the expertise of practitioners across all sectors. They provide a structured framework that supports event professionals in measuring and implementing sustainable practices at every stage of the event planning and execution process.

Amy Calvert, CEO of the Events Industry Council, stated, “WEFTEC's accomplishment showcases what can be achieved when event organizers commit to embedding sustainability into every aspect of their operations.” This is not just an accolade but a clarion call for other events to follow in their footsteps.

Richard Murphy, CEO of the Alliance for Audited Media, acknowledged WEF's commitment by stating, “Certifying WEFTEC at the PLATINUM level highlights their extraordinary commitment to sustainability and transparency.” This third-party verification adds a layer of credibility to the certification, enhancing trust among stakeholders and participants alike.

The Future of WEF and Sustainable Events

The future of WEF looks bright as it embarks on its sustainability journey. Established in 1928, WEF aims to inspire the global water community to pursue human and environmental well-being. With over 30,000 members and 75 affiliated associations, WEF remains a pivotal force in addressing water quality challenges. Its goals focus on workforce development, community engagement, and transitioning to a more sustainable circular water economy.

Moreover, the relevance of WEFTEC will resonate far beyond its annual occurrence. It promises to catalyze conversations around sustainable practices, inspire new solutions, and bolster collaboration amongst various stakeholders within the water sector.

Both industry leaders and attendees are encouraged to leverage this achievement and integrate sustainability into their professional practices. WEFTEC's Platinum certification is a beacon for the industry, demonstrating that commitment to sustainability can coexist with successful and impactful events.

As WEF continues to lead by example, it poses a question for other industries: Are you ready to pursue sustainability with the same vigor and commitment that WEF has demonstrated?