Sustainability with Substance: Ana Hant’s Vision for Smarter, Greener Scientific Conferences

How did you first hear about Planet Positive Event?

I came across it through an email announcement, and it immediately stood out. Since I organize international scientific conferences, I’m always looking for solid tools that help bring more sustainability into our work. PPE seemed like something that wasn’t just theoretical—it offered real structure and potential for practical change.

What made you interested in becoming an internal/external assessor?

Honestly, I just wanted to do things better. It’s easy to get caught up in logistics and forget the bigger picture—but our events should reflect the values we promote. Becoming an assessor gave me a clear framework for that. It also lets me talk to clients and colleagues about why certain choices matter—not just for cost or convenience, but for the planet. Working in science, this kind of responsibility feels even more important.

How do you understand the significance of the ESRS standards?

They’re a big deal. ESRS gives us a common language and a clear set of expectations for sustainability. Instead of vague goals, we now have something measurable to work toward. It pushes all of us—organizers, vendors, institutions—to move from good intentions to real action.

Can you explain how the adoption of ESRS standards will impact your work in the future?

It’s definitely going to change how we plan events. Sustainability will have to be considered from the very beginning—not as a bonus at the end. It’ll affect everything from which venues we pick to how we handle catering, transport, and reporting.

I won’t pretend it’ll always be easy. Some clients might resist changes, but I think those who lead with sustainability will earn respect. In science especially, we should walk the talk.

What features could be added to improve the PPE’s platform value to event organizers? 

The platform is already a great start. But as more organizers start using it, I think we’ll see even more good ideas pop up. There’s so much potential—especially if it keeps evolving with user feedback. I’d love to eventually see things like a sustainability-minded supplier database or smarter reporting tools, but for now, it’s a strong foundation.

What challenges do you anticipate event organizers facing when aligning with ESRS standards, and how can assessors assist in overcoming them?

One challenge I see is how the wider event industry is becoming more focused on luxury—there’s a lot of pressure to make everything look and feel high-end. Scientific conferences aren’t really part of that trend; they’ve stayed fairly modest, which is a good thing. But even so, if we don’t start actively prioritizing sustainability, we might slowly drift toward choices that aren’t aligned with it—just out of habit or expectation.

Take things like goodie bags or certain catering setups—they might seem small, but often they involve a lot of packaging or waste. Switching to more sustainable alternatives usually costs more, and that’s tough when you’re already working within a tight budget. The harder part is shifting the mindset—realizing that being more sustainable might mean simplifying some aspects of the event.

And then there’s the ESRS framework itself, which can feel a bit daunting—especially for smaller teams. That’s where assessors can really help: breaking things down, offering practical advice, and showing that it’s not about being perfect, but about making smarter, more thoughtful choices that actually make a difference.

How do you see Planet Positive Event helping event organizers align with the ESRS standards?

PPE makes it easier to move from theory to action. It breaks everything down into practical steps, so organizers aren’t guessing what to do next. It also helps you track your progress, which is really motivating. It turns sustainability into something manageable—not just a big, vague idea.

How do you envision the future of sustainability practices in the events industry, particularly with tools like Planet Positive Event?

I think sustainability will become a basic expectation for events—not just a nice extra. And tools like PPE will be essential for making that shift easier. They help you stay on track, stay transparent, and keep improving. I don’t think we’re far from the point where ESG impact is just as important as attendance numbers.

What do you think are the key trends or innovations that will shape sustainability in event planning over the next few years?

A few things are already taking shape. Hybrid events aren’t going away—they’re great for reducing travel emissions. I’m also seeing more demand for real, data-driven reporting, especially with ESG compliance.

Procurement will need a rethink too. We’ll see more pressure to reuse materials, reduce waste, and work with sustainable suppliers. Inclusivity is also becoming a big part of the conversation—not just who’s invited, but how events are designed and communicated. And venues? They’ll need to up their game. Organizers are asking tougher questions, and I think that’s a good thing.

What advice would you give to event organizers just beginning their sustainability journey?

Don’t wait for the perfect moment—just start somewhere. Focus on one or two areas, like reducing single-use materials or rethinking travel. It doesn’t have to be a massive change all at once. Tools like Planet Positive Event can help guide you and show where you’re making progress. I’ve known for a long time that sustainability matters, but in the middle of tight budgets and endless logistics, it often slipped down the list. What changed for me was starting to look at each decision not just in terms of cost, but also in terms of environmental impact. That simple shift in mindset has made the biggest difference—and honestly, it’s where the real progress begins.