The Unseen Challenge of Odour Management at Events
Large-scale events, from the Olympics to international festivals and expos, bring people from all over the world together. Attention often focuses on athletes, performances, or attractions. However, there’s an important behind-the-scenes challenge. Odour management at events is crucial to ensure a pleasant environment for visitors, staff and participants.
Why Odour Management Matters at Big Events
Events of this scale generate unique odour challenges. Food vendors, waste collection, transportation, and temporary facilities all contribute to potential odour issues. Poor odour control can affect the visitor experience, lead to complaints, and harm local communities.
Organisers increasingly recognise the link between environmental standards and visitor satisfaction. Incorporating air quality and odour management into event planning demonstrates responsibility and enhances the overall experience.
Many event organisers have also made specific environmental commitments, such as aiming to achieve carbon neutrality. These goals often include improved air quality and lower odour emissions.
How To Implement Effective Odour Management at Events
Effective odour management relies on the same principles, whether it’s a stadium, festival site, or urban event. It requires precise measurement and analysis. Plus, the implementation of targeted strategies to mitigate potential odour sources.
This could involve all sorts of strategies. For example, daily odour monitoring ensures any issues get resolved promptly. There should be collaboration with local waste management services, food vendors and transportation authorities to minimise odour generation. There may also be innovative solutions such as biofilters and odour-neutralising agents. These kinds of strategies can help keep the air fresh and pleasant.
Focusing on air quality and odour management sets a standard for future events. It enhances the experience for everyone involved. It also underscores the importance of environmental considerations in event planning.
Case Studies: Lessons from Major Events
Past events highlight the importance of careful odour management at events.
Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics 2026
Organisers placed sustainability and environmental performance at the forefront of their planning and operations. Their clean energy focus and comprehensive planning frameworks provide important lessons for odour management at events. In particular, reducing reliance on high-emission generators and carefully controlling waste-related odours in temporary venues. Linking odour and air quality improvements to broader environmental efforts can further reinforce their value in event planning.
This is also an opportunity to contribute to a broader shift, showing athletes, spectators and future host cities that cleaner energy solutions are increasingly viable for events of this scale.
Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee – statement to the Associated Press.
Paris Olympics 2024
Carbon neutrality goals and careful coordination with local services reduced the impact of odours on athletes and spectators.
Beijing Winter Olympics 2022
Indoor venues required specific ventilation and waste management solutions to maintain a pleasant environment.
Glastonbury Festival (UK)
The iconic Glastonbury Festival has long prioritised sustainability. Measures addressing waste treatment, sanitation logistics and renewable energy directly help reduce the potential for offensive odours.
Setting Standards for Future Events
Integrating odour management into planning not only improves current events, but also sets a standard for the future. Environmental considerations are now a central part of hosting responsibilities. This is true from international sporting competitions to global festivals.
By prioritising air quality, organisers enhance safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction for everyone involved.
Speak to the Odour Experts
Silsoe Odours has extensive experience in assessing and managing odours. To speak with an expert, contact us on 01525 860222, info@silsoeodours.co.uk, or by clicking the button below. You can also follow us on LinkedIn.
Article updated 24th February 2026
