Exhibition Industry Faces Environmental Impacts From Emissions to Carpet Use; Here's How the IEE Series 2026 Will Address It
Exhibitions are increasingly required to anticipate and mitigate their environmental impact. In the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) industry, events, participants and attendees all contribute carbon emissions and waste. This was highlighted on the Ministry of Tourism’s website, which notes growing awareness and commitment to minimise the environmental damage caused by the exhibition industry. Anticipatory measures include simple habits such as not littering, using recycled products, and transitioning to environmentally friendly energy sources.
If air travel is necessary, it is advised to choose direct flights to reduce fuel consumption. If this cannot be avoided, passengers can opt for a carbon offset scheme to neutralise the emissions produced by flying. When it comes to waste, exhibition waste is substantial. Data cited by Atlantis Press quoting the International Exhibition Alliance in the United Kingdom in 2001 show an average exhibition produced around 2,900 tonnes of waste, with waste management costs for 823 UK exhibitions in that year amounting to Rp10.9 trillion.
To reduce waste, organisers, exhibitors and stand contractors are increasingly using locally sourced, recyclable materials, cutting plastics usage and employing modular stand designs. In addition, technology is helping realise environmentally friendly exhibition concepts, such as LED lighting so backdrops no longer need to be printed, and energy-efficient lighting for illumination.
Energy consumption at exhibitions is not cheap; research indicates that energy costs account for roughly 10% of a organiser’s operating income. Accordingly, several exhibition venues built in recent years have incorporated energy efficiency considerations into their design, including maximising air circulation and natural lighting. The surrounding areas of the exhibition venue should also be well equipped with supporting facilities—such as accommodation, food and beverage areas, and access to public transport—so attendees can reach venues on foot. These facilities help organisers run events while reducing carbon emissions.
Similar efforts are being implemented for the Indonesia Energy & Engineering (IEE) Series 2026, which will begin with the IEE Series Balikpapan 2026 at the BSCC Dome from 10–12 June 2026. Hanung Hanindito, Senior Event Manager of PT Pamerindo Indonesia, the event organiser, said in Jakarta on Thursday (6 March) that the priority is to reduce carbon emissions and waste and to avoid excessive use of resources. “Because this exhibition is the regional expansion of the Jakarta expo that has successfully met the target of 17 SDGs, these concepts are being carried over to Balikpapan. The theme of sustainability and the transition to a sustainable industry will be reflected across the exhibition, a discussion forum, and collaboration. The expo will also feature various green and low-emission technologies, such as energy efficiency solutions and innovations that support reducing environmental impact,” he said.
Beyond the event operations, Hanung added, environmentally friendly practices and circular economy principles are applied, for example through reusing materials and waste reduction. “IEE Series also features education programmes and discussion forums that enhance industry participants’ understanding of sustainability. It should also be understood that applying sustainability principles will strengthen a company’s competitiveness on a global level.”
At the IEE Series 2025 exhibition, sustainability practices were evident with waste bins divided into organic, inorganic, and hazardous waste (B3) categories distributed throughout the venue, and post‑event waste processing in collaboration with Repair Project and Rappo. Repair Project is known for turning plastic waste from the Citarum River into durable boards used for plaques, podiums, and furniture, some of which was used in the exhibit areas. Rappo will process remaining exhibition materials such as banners into merchandise and decking tiles. Organic waste from food leftovers will be turned into maggot compost, which can be used as livestock feed or fertiliser. Further waste-management strategies involve a range of waste streams handled by partners.
There has also been an emphasis on reducing carpet use. Since 2023, when the green concept began to be implemented, Pamerindo has been educating expo companies to cut carpet usage as much as possible. “More than a third of carpet requirements can be reduced; for business-focused exhibitions this is easier, but for lifestyle exhibitions more intensive education is required.”
The Balikpapan expo will also include workshops and technical training for professionals in the field, including safety and sustainability in mining, construction and the oil and gas sectors. The expo comprises three topics: Mining Indonesia, Construction Indonesia, and Oil & Gas Indonesia. It will occupy an area of 8,500 square metres, with participation from around 60 industry players in mining, construction and oil & gas.