Going big and going green can work together for Hong Kong mega-events

Hong Kong's vibrant mega-event scene continues to attract millions of visitors and generate significant economic benefits. In the first half of 2026 alone, the city hosted over 130 large-scale events, drawing 1.75 million attendees and contributing approximately HK$5.8 billion (US$739.9 million) to the local economy. This growth is a result of the government's ongoing support and policy initiatives.

From global A-listers like Coldplay to the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, these events not only bring in fans but also generate millions in ticket sales and economic activity. However, behind the scenes, these mega-events are also making strides in environmental sustainability. For instance, Coldplay's recent concert in Hong Kong saw 94% of LED wristbands returned to recycling, reducing their global tour emissions by 59% compared to their previous tour.

Blackpink's management company, YG Entertainment, introduced event-level carbon tracking for their 2026 Hong Kong concert, ensuring rigorous carbon accounting. The 2024 Paris Olympics reduced its carbon footprint by half compared to previous Games. With rising consumer and business interest in sustainability and increasing frequency of extreme weather events, it's time for Hong Kong's mega-event economy to embrace greener practices.

A report by the Our Hong Kong Foundation suggests that greening these events could bring an additional HK$1 billion annually, all while cutting emissions. A 2023 Eventbrite survey found that 69% of event organizers see carbon mitigation as a top priority, making inaction risky for losing out on significant events. Despite concerns that strict environmental rules might deter events, Singapore's experience shows that green initiatives can coexist with economic growth.

After implementing its MICE Sustainability Roadmap in 2022, Singapore's MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector saw continued growth. Moreover, transitioning to greener practices could create a thriving local market for specialized services like carbon accounting and sustainable booth design. The government is currently updating its Climate Action Plan 2050, providing an opportunity to incorporate green mega-events into this plan.

This move would help break down bureaucratic silos and prioritize green events across multiple agencies. The government should also develop a decarbonisation roadmap tailored for large-scale events, drawing on existing guidelines from mainland provinces and cities. This roadmap should clearly define carbon accounting metrics, emission boundaries, and carbon offset mechanisms.

To drive market demand for sustainable practices, flagship events such as Art Basel and the Hong Kong Sevens can serve as platforms to showcase sustainable best practices. The government could require a green event plan during funding applications, ensuring sustainability is integrated from pre-event planning to post-event teardown.

Similar requirements are already in place by UK Sport since 2023. To facilitate the local industry's adaptation, a phased approach with up to HK$1 million in bonus funding for voluntary submissions could be introduced. MICE events, largely commercially funded, also take place in government-affiliated venues like the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and AsiaWorld-Expo.

As these venues approach contract renewals, the government can integrate green operating clauses into tender processes, greening the broader MICE industry by mandating venue-level environmental standards. To support organisers in identifying verified green suppliers, a centralized green supplier directory should be established, managed by the government alongside accredited bodies like the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency.

Finally, to address the "green premium" of sustainable alternatives, which can range from 16 to 40% more expensive, the government could launch an e-green voucher scheme offering subsidies to organizers that procure goods and services from verified suppliers. By integrating green standards into event infrastructure, Hong Kong can maintain its competitive edge as an event host, attracting global organizers while contributing to global sustainability efforts.