Purpose

This study explores (1) the impacts of COVID-19 on the environmental sustainability of Australian events; (2) the measures undertaken to minimise the impacts of COVID-19 on environmental sustainability; (3) the key impediments to incorporating COVID-Safe measures in an environmentally sustainable way; and (4) the expected long-term impact of the COVID-19 situation on the development of the environmental sustainability of the Australian events industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a qualitative approach by undertaking semi-structured interviews with (N = 23) event industry professionals. The data collection phase took place between November 2020 and May 2021 and the study was completed in February 2022.

Findings

Adverse environmental impacts included increased waste output and the stagnation of planned or existing environmental practices. The study reveals positive effects such as reduced carbon emission outputs and increased environmental awareness of event participants. Financial costs, time pressure, uncertainty and sourcing issues are significant impediments to organising events in an environmentally sustainable manner during a global pandemic situation.

Practical implications

Understanding how COVID-19 impacts the environmental sustainability of events will help the industry to preserve previous progress made, overcome similar obstacles during future crises, and capitalise on opportunities for positive environmental change.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environmental sustainability practices of Australian events.

中文翻译：

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一个重建得更好的机会？COVID-19 和澳大利亚活动的环境可持续性

目的

本研究探讨 (1) COVID-19 对澳大利亚活动的环境可持续性的影响；(2) 为尽量减少 COVID-19 对环境可持续性的影响而采取的措施；(3) 以环境可持续的方式纳入 COVID-Safe 措施的主要障碍；(4) COVID-19 疫情对澳大利亚活动行业环境可持续性发展的预期长期影响。

设计/方法/方法

该研究采用定性方法，对 ( N  = 23) 活动行业专业人士进行半结构化访谈。数据收集阶段发生在 2020 年 11 月至 2021 年 5 月之间，研究于 2022 年 2 月完成。

发现

不利的环境影响包括废物产量增加以及计划或现有环境实践的停滞。该研究揭示了积极影响，例如减少碳排放量和提高活动参与者的环境意识。财务成本、时间压力、不确定性和采购问题是在全球大流行情况下以环境可持续的方式组织活动的重大障碍。

实际影响

了解 COVID-19 如何影响事件的环境可持续性将有助于该行业保持先前取得的进展，克服未来危机中的类似障碍，并利用机会进行积极的环境变化。

原创性/价值

这是第一项研究 COVID-19 大流行对澳大利亚活动的环境可持续性实践的影响的研究。