In a recent masterclass at the First business school of Armenia, White Raven‘s co-founders, Armine Udumyan and Avetis Harutyunyan, unveiled plans for a paradigm shift in event management in Armenia. The prominent public relations and event management company is set to spearhead “green” and sustainable events, marking a notable trend in Armenia.
“Spot the bright green logo of White Raven, and you’ll know we’ve gone the extra mile to make the event as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible,” declared Armine Udumyan, responding to our questions about the meaning and distinctions of eco-friendly events. Using a five-hour event with 1,000 attendees as an example, Udumyan emphasized strategic choices such as scheduling events during the daytime to minimize energy consumption and selecting venues accessible by foot or public transport, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. The commitment to sustainability includes the replacement of plastic materials with recyclable or reusable tableware, even insisting on partners supplying water in glass bottles.
Against the backdrop of 2.24 billion tons of global solid waste in 2020, with an average of 0.79 kilograms per person per day, the founders stressed the importance of waste reduction, making waste sorting a pivotal step in organizing “green” events.
Avetis Harutyunyan highlighted sustainable event management as a core professional service, noting the accelerated adoption of this trend in advanced economies like the USA, Europe, and Canada. Leading global companies are investing heavily in environmentally friendly events, incorporating features such as solar panels in event spaces for eco-friendly energy. Google, for instance, has curated a selection of relevant books in its online library and is actively implementing measures to make large-scale events environmentally benign.
Armine Udumyan pointed out, “In our event organization, we emphasize online processes to ensure our programs and communications are paperless.” She underscored this as a direction aligning with global practices, signaling a commitment to prioritize environmentally friendly approaches, reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste, and foster a sustainable lifestyle until it becomes integral to daily life.
Gohar Hakobyan
