Are temporary event structures a sustainable choice?

As the events industry moves toward Net Zero targets, the environmental impact of infrastructure is under increased scrutiny. While temporary structures are sometimes perceived as “disposable,” a closer technical analysis of their lifecycle shows they can be more sustainable than permanent builds or single-use timber structures.

Myths vs. reality of temporary builds

The primary sustainability advantage of a temporary structure is reusability. Unlike permanent buildings, which have high embodied carbon from materials like concrete and steel, temporary structures are designed for hundreds of deployments over a 10–15 year lifespan.

• Material efficiency: Most professional structures use aluminium frames (100% recyclable) or high-grade PVC/TPU membranes. These materials are durable, lightweight, and increasingly produced through closed-loop manufacturing processes.
• Reduced ground impact: Air-beam or lightweight frames require no permanent foundations, preserving soil health and minimising disruption to local ecosystems.

UK context: The Vision:2025 report highlights that reusable event infrastructure significantly reduces environmental impact compared with single-use materials.
US context: Similarly, the Green Event Alliance and EPA guidelines encourage reusable and modular structures to minimise embodied carbon and site disturbance.

Comparing temporary vs. permanent impact

Transportation and energy use are major contributors to an event’s carbon footprint.

• Weight matters: Lightweight, modular structures, such as inflatable domes, pack down efficiently, allowing more equipment per vehicle. This reduces HGV or truck movements compared with steel-framed marquees.
• Thermal performance: Dual-skin or insulated structures reduce heat loss or solar gain, lowering energy consumption for heating or cooling compared with single-skin alternatives.

What organisers should ask suppliers

To verify a supplier’s sustainability claims, organisers should request:

1. Life-Cycle Assessments (LCA): Information on the lifespan, recyclability, and end-of-life plans for all materials.
2. Logistics strategy: Evidence of optimised transport routes, consolidated vehicle loads, and reduced CO₂ emissions.
3. Repair vs. replace policy: Proof of a structured maintenance and repair schedule to extend asset life instead of discarding damaged components.

UK reference: Vision:2025 – Environmental Impact of Event Power & Infrastructure
US reference: Green Event Alliance – Sustainable Event Guidelines

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