The movement toward sustainability has taken the event planning world by storm over the past few years. With the rise of global warming and global leaders making policies to reduce our carbon footprint, it’s time for eventprofs to do their part to plan events that are as eco-friendly as possible. That starts with choosing to host events at venues that make concerted efforts toward sustainable practices. Sustainable practices include limiting the use of meat products, switching to renewable energy, having a recycling program in place, using local suppliers, etc.
Below is a list of eco-conscious and sustainably minded venues in the London area.
15Hatfields
- Eliminating the use of all single-use plastics (from the venue itself and across their entire supply chain)
- The general manager for the venue is a sustainability ambassador for the Meeting Industry Association
- Uses 100% certified renewable energy
- The building itself is equipped and decorated with recycled materials
The View in The Royal College of Surgeons
- 111 solar panels
- Uses sensor-controlled lights
- 98.5% of waste is recycled
- Three-star Food Made Good accreditation by the Sustainable Restaurant Association
- No waste goes to the landfill
Searcys at The Gherkin
- Champagne sourced from Drappier, the first-ever carbon-neutral Champagne house
- Three-star Food Made Good accreditation by the Sustainable Restaurant Association
- Coffee is sourced from Extract Coffee Roasters, a sustainable roaster
- Uses a local supply chain
- Plant-focused menus, zero-waste dishes
Read more about Searcys at The Gherkin
The Violin Factory
- On-site water filtering system, saving plastic water bottles
- Energy comes from 100% renewable sources
- Public transport options nearby
- Green Tourism Gold accredited
Read more about The Violin Factory
BMA House
- Reduced their delegate carbon footprint by 69% over the past four years
- Reduced water usage by 5.4 million liters per year
- One of only three venues in London to be Green Tourism Gold accredited
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Created a ‘Clean Air Walking Route’ from King’s Cross to BMA house, which takes guests off busy main roads to back streets where air pollution is 57% lower
The HAC
- Champagne sourced from Drappier, the first-ever carbon-neutral Champagne house
- Require suppliers to use recyclable packaging and reusable containers
- Ensures up to 90% of seasonable fruits and vegetables are grown in the UK, reducing the carbon footprint of transportation
- Increasing plant-based options
Friends House
- ECOsmart Platinum venue
- One of only three venues in London to be Green Tourism Gold accredited
- Reduced animal products, all menus are at least 60% vegetarian and vegan
- Rainwater harvesting system
- Only purchase green energy
- Recycling points on every floor and in every office space
Lord’s Cricket Ground
- 100% wind-generated electricity, which has reduced their carbon footprint by 80%
- Uses reusable cups
- Separated waste streams including glass, food, cardboard, wood, metals, electronic waste and batteries, paints, and solvents
- Unused food is donated to local charities, while food waste is used to create a ‘biogas’ which can be used to generate electricity
