Hosting a sustainable event reduces environmental footprint and sets a positive example. While optional, every effort helps. If you need guidance, CSU Spur event managers are here to assist. 

Tips for hosting sustainable events

♻️ Host your event at a sustainable and eco-focused venue.

♻️ Select reusable products and bulk services.

  • Order mug service for coffee.
  • Consider a buffet instead of pre-packaged boxed lunches.
  • Choose a caterer and service that includes reusable items. Avoid drop-off setups that use disposable trays and utensils.

♻️ When selecting single-use products, choose compostable items.

  • Ask your caterer to avoid plastic or Styrofoam plates.
  • CSU Spur locally composts all food waste and compostable BPI/CMA Certified products with Compost Colorado. Learn what you can compost.

♻️ Choose a menu with locally & ethically sourced sustainable ingredients, while offering fewer dishes.

♻️ Remember to finalize your guest count with your caterer to limit food waste.

♻️ Unconsumed food from your event may be suitable for recovery to address food insecurity in the Denver Metro area. Ask your caterer if they participate in a food recovery program. If they do not, your event manager can coordinate a pickup with a local organization or redistribute smaller amounts of food on campus.    

♻️ Reduce driving by encouraging carpooling and ride sharing.

♻️ Arrange for shuttle service from your lodging to campus. Companies like CharterUp can provide quotes and options from across the Denver metro areas.

♻️ Encourage local residents to utilize the Denver Connector Microtransit Program that offers free individual rides within the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods weekdays between 6 a.m.-8 p.m. 

♻️ Encourage bike commuting. Spur connects directly to the South Platte River Trail and has plenty of safe and visible bike parking. 

♻️ If driving is a must, let guests know Spur has free electric vehicle charging.  

♻️ CSU Spur has hybrid-capable technology in most spaces. If your program allows, consider making your event hybrid to limit carbon emissions from non-local guests traveling long distances or internationally.  

♻️ Avoid printing agendas. Online materials avoid waste and are often preferred by guests.

♻️ Collect name badges and lanyards at the end of your event to reuse. 

♻️ Avoid printing signage that is date-specific. Instead, create generic banners or signs you can use year to year. Using a local printing vendor is preferred to limit the need for shipping.  

♻️ Utilize whiteboards instead of paper flip charts. Most Spur spaces have large whiteboards. 

♻️ Avoid single-use décor, like balloons. Consider biodegradable décor like potted plants that can be repurposed or donated after your event. For more information, see the decorations section on the Spur events webpage.

♻️ Provide durable and reusable gifts that guests will enjoy long after your event.

♻️ Request tabling vendors and exhibitors offer sustainable and intentional swag.

♻️ Consider consumable or virtual gifts like snacks, seed packets for planting, eGifts, or discounts instead of physical objects.

♻️ Invite guests to bring their own water bottles and travel mugs. Spur has bottle refill stations. 

♻️ Inform guests during your welcome remarks that Spur has compost and recycle bins. 

♻️ Schedule a volunteer(s) to assist in mealtime waste sorting to limit contamination. 

♻️ Partner with organizations, like Scraps, to help host a zero-waste event.

♻️ As an anchor institution, Spur recommends using local vendors whenever possible to financially support the local community and reduce the amount of travel by vendors.

♻️ Share feedback with your CSU Spur event manager on local services for improvements.

♻️ Round up amounts on your invoice to donate to the Globeville Elyria-Swansea Community Investment Fund. Projects include making the neighborhood more bike-friendly, watering trees, and gardening mentorship.