Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the events industry. From green credentials and accreditations to commitments towards net zero, it’s crucial for venues to stay up to date on sustainable practices.
Exhibition News takes a closer look at five UK exhibition venues that are leading the way with their sustainability efforts and are committed to creating a greener future for the events industry.
Manchester Central
Manchester Central has achieved ISO 20121 certification for sustainable event management. They are committed to energy efficiency, waste reduction, and offsetting carbon emissions through various initiatives.
The venue has partnered with the ‘Play It Green’ initiative, aimed at rebalancing the carbon footprint of their staff. Their core team of 125 people will have 13 trees planted per team member each month, amounting to 19,500 trees annually. This effort not only offsets their collective carbon footprint but also supports social and environmental initiatives. Additionally, 10% of their membership fee is donated to St Anne’s Hospice. Staff also receive weekly tips for reducing their carbon footprint, fostering a strong sustainability culture.
Excel London
Excel has set a goal to become net-zero by 2030 and is a founding partner of the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative. The venue focuses on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and the use of renewable energy sources.
In October 2023, Excel published its Sustainability Strategy, outlining its long-term goals across five key pillars to drive ethical and sustainable business practices. Some key achievements include becoming carbon neutral in 2022 and being the first UK venue to achieve PAS 2060 status. Excel uses 100% renewable electricity and has maintained over a decade of zero waste to landfill, earning it the ‘Triple Crown of Sustainability’ accolade.
SEC – Scottish Event Campus
As part of their Green Champions programme, the SEC is committed to achieving net-zero by 2030. They have been certified under ISO 20121 for sustainable event management and are working on renewable energy initiatives and waste reduction.
Their strategy focuses on climate, governance, partnerships, people, and resources. The SEC is actively supporting ‘Trees for Life’, a conservation charity aimed at restoring the Caledonian Forest in the Scottish Highlands. Since 2007, the SEC has helped plant over 158,669 trees, contributing significantly to reforestation efforts.
Business Design Centre (London)
The Business Design Centre is both B Corp certified and Carbon Neutral, with a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. Their efforts include using renewable energy, managing waste responsibly, and placing a strong focus on social responsibility.
The centre has been working to reduce its carbon footprint for over 14 years, and any remaining carbon emissions are offset through Climate Impact Partners, a global leader in carbon market solutions. This partnership helps fund projects that reduce and remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Olympia Events
Olympia Events has achieved ISO 20121 certification, demonstrating its commitment to reducing environmental impact. The venue has implemented a range of sustainable initiatives, including energy efficiency measures, waste management strategies, and reducing the carbon footprint of its events.
Olympia has been a sustainability leader for over 15 years, having sent no waste to landfill and recycling 98% of its waste. It was one of the first UK event venues to join the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, and it offers post-event sustainability reports to organisers, promoting ongoing improvements.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be daunting. Small steps can spark a ripple of change, inspiring others to follow and create a larger impact.
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