IAVM defines sustainability as: The ability of public assembly facilities to fulfill client and industry needs whilst exercising environmental responsibility through use of green standards, application of technologies, processes, practices, and related business implications – balancing the fulfillment of human needs, now and for generations to come, while enhancing the health of ecosystems and the ability of other species to survive in their natural environments.

Sustainability is no longer optional for public assembly venues. It is a strategic imperative.

IAVM’s Introduction to Sustainability Microcredential is designed specifically for venue professionals who want practical, real-world knowledge they can apply immediately. This program goes beyond theory to help you understand environmental impact, data collection, reporting frameworks, and how sustainability decisions affect operations, budgets, and community relationships.

Whether you oversee operations, finance, event management, or executive strategy, this microcredential equips you with the foundational tools to:

• Understand key sustainability concepts in venue management
• Interpret environmental data with confidence
• Align venue operations with industry standards and reporting frameworks
• Communicate sustainability efforts clearly to stakeholders and partners
• Support long-term operational resilience and cost efficiency

Earning this microcredential demonstrates your commitment to responsible venue leadership and positions your facility as forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving industry.

Invest in your knowledge. Strengthen your venue. Lead with impact. CLICK HERE to learn more.

2019 Sustainability Survey Report

IAVM’s sustainability research demonstrates the continuing importance and relevance of environmental sustainability and sustainable practices to the venue industry. Learn about the key drivers motivating the decision to implement green practices, the effect on the community, jobs and vendor selection

Glossary of Green Terms and Definitions

IAVM’s comprehensive guide to sustainability terms and definitions.

Venue Sustainalytics

Venue Sustainalytics is a tool that will help benchmark our industry by tracking basic environmental and social data year over year in an anonymous and aggregated fashion. The data collected includes annual energy, water, and waste data, as well as transportation, procurement, and social initiatives, overlayed with basic venue operations information like square footage and number of annual events hosted. A copy of the report will be given to each venue that completes it and an industry overview will be available each year.

Green Sports Alliance

The Green Sports Alliance is an IAVM partner and a non-profit organization with a mission to help sports teams, venues and leagues enhance their environmental performance.

U.S. Green Building Council

Learn about The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and tips on how to save the environment and decrease energy costs. Website also includes information about certification eligibility, requirements and a rating system.

Events Industry Council Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact

The EIC Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact is dedicated to providing globally-relevant resources that champion the adoption of sustainable and socially impactful practices.

Australian Government Department of Climate Change