Challenge:

To design and implement a long-term sustainable events strategy that would guide SAP’s global flagship events, including the Sapphire series—towards measurable environmental and social impact, consistent global standards, and year-over-year progress.​

Why it works? The SAP Sustainable Event Strategy is not a one-off initiative – it’s a replicable, evolving framework used to guide multiple events overmultiple years. Its flexibility, paired with consistent principles, has allowed SAP to institutionalise sustainability thinking while adapting to changinggoals, destinations, and innovations.​

Key Actions:​

• Co-developed SAP’s first global Sustainable Event Strategy in 2019​
• Designed an integrated framework around SAP’s key pillars:​
• Climate Action (Net Zero Carbon Emissions)​
• Circular Economy (Zero Waste to Landfill)​
• Social Responsibility (Zero Inequality)​
• Embedded sustainability goals into event planning, procurement, production, and communications​
• Delivered a consistent strategy across SAP Sapphire (Orlando, Barcelona, SãoPaulo, Virtual), TechEd, and SAP Select events​
• Provided tools, templates, KPIs, and guidance for implementation by agencies and suppliers​
• Built the foundation for measurement using TRACE and continuous improvement practices​

Key Strategic Focus Areas:​

• Strategy & Policy Development: Aligned with SAP’s sustainability vision and brand values​
• Procurement & Supplier Guidance: Supporting greener sourcing and production decisions​
• Communication: Integration of SAP’s own sustainability solutions and storytelling​
• Measurement Readiness: Strategic guidance on what, how, and when to measure​
• Operationalisation: Supporting local teams and partners to adapt the strategy by location and scale​