With the impacts of climate change posing increasing risks, individuals and industries are being asked, “How can we reduce waste?” The events industry is no different, and the transition to a sustainable events is increasingly necessary.
We speak to Alessandra Pittini, Senior Events Executive at the British Retail Consortium, to learn more about how our event space, The Form Rooms, puts sustainability at the heart of operations, as well as the three simple changes event coordinators can make today to kickstart the journey to low-waste sustainable events.
Why event spaces should prioritise sustainable events
A 2018 study from Ecobooth found that the UK events industry produces, on average, around 100,000 tonnes of waste each year. This ends up either burned or in landfill; both options cause damage to the environment.
While the figure of 100,000 tonnes of waste from Ecobooth is shocking, it’s unsurprising when you investigate the impact events can have on the environment. Resources such as disposable cups, name badges, plates and cutlery, writing utensils, and even goodie bags can add up over time, making up part of that 100,000-tonne figure.
In Europe, from 2026, venues will be charged with providing sustainability data on their event operations. While the UK doesn’t currently have these sustainability regulations, that doesn’t mean venues and coordinators shouldn’t begin taking steps towards sustainable events today.
Alessandra states, “I believe the UK event industry is very good anyway – they’re doing research and creating courses around sustainability in events, even if there is no legislation. The UK event industry is thinking ahead.”
Plus, as views on climate change become an increasing priority for consumers, positioning your event space as a sustainable option could lead to environmental and financial benefit.
Alessandra continues, “Every [event stakeholder] – event organisers, venues, caterers, AV companies – plays a key role in achieving zero-waste events.”
What simple changes can you make today to promote sustainability in events?
1. Evaluate your event sustainability
Before enacting changes, Alessandra encourages event coordinators to pause; one of the most impactful changes you can make is to evaluate your current operations. Spend time – maybe three or six months – assessing how your event space currently works, asking:
- How much waste do we create, and where does that waste come from?
- Are we using energy efficiently?
- Are we making choices that promote sustainability, such as in catering or everyday activities?
2. Create informed sustainability goals
Once you have a view on the answer to these questions, then you can begin setting realistic goals.
- How can we reduce food waste by 5% by 2026?
- How do we create a paperless option for our events?
With these goals, informed by your data, any changes you make will be targeted, informed and high impact.
3. Implement small, consistent changes
Creating sustainable events doesn’t happen overnight – but fortunately, it doesn’t have to. Alessandra shares some of the small changes your event space can begin making today, often at low cost, to create positive momentum towards sustainability, for environmental benefit and better bottom lines.
- Switch to local suppliers
A word of caution from Alessandra: don’t choose your suppliers just based on their accreditations. Without a generalised sustainability accreditation system, you cannot know the requirements. Plus, choosing an accredited vendor further away is likely less environmentally friendly than choosing a local option. Assess whether local vendors can offer you a sustainable solution and limit the travel time.
- Prioritise low-carbon catering
Red meat, like beef and lamb, has a higher carbon footprint than vegetarian and vegan options. That doesn’t mean your events should go fully vegetarian (unless you’d like to!), but prioritising options that reduce carbon, such as sustainably sourced fish, chicken and vegetables, can allow for a diverse range of foods with a lower carbon footprint.
- Encourage attendees to consider sustainability
As Alessandra says, “Everyone has a role to play in creating a zero-waste event,” and that includes your attendees. Simple changes, such as encouraging attendees to return unused stationary, bring their own reusable cup, and be mindful of the impact of late cancellations on food waste, can move the dial on your overall event sustainability.
Beyond your event, you can still have a positive influence on attendees. Encouraging attendees to reach your venue on foot, by bike, or by public transport; these all play a crucial role in your overall event sustainability. Consider your venue and the facilities nearby, like tube stations, bike rentals, bike sheds, and footpaths, to maximise impact.
How does The Form Rooms create sustainable events?
Led by Alessandra, The Form Rooms has undergone its own sustainability journey. We’re proud to share some of the changes made in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, such as:
- Choosing local vendors for in-house catering
- Prioritising low-carbon options such as vegetarian and vegan foods where appropriate
- Informing both event coordinators and attendees of the impact of food waste
- Prioritising public transport options when communicating with attendees
- Considering natural lighting for our event spaces, reducing electricity use
- Introducing reusable and biodegradable cutlery for drinks and catering, encouraging attendees to bring their own
- Recycling coffee grounds into compost, biofuels and more through Recorra
Our journey towards event sustainability is ongoing and constantly changing. Keep up to date with our latest changes in our monthly newsletter, or see for yourself with a tour of our space.
Make your next event greener – without the extra cost
Across the UK, there is an increased emphasis on environmental change and net zero; the events industry is a vital part of that transition. Beginning your journey towards sustainable events doesn’t have to be immediate or expensive. As our events expert Alessandra Pittini explains, some of the most beneficial changes you can make can be done at no cost.
And if you’re interested in hosting your next event at a sustainable venue in Central London, The Form Rooms is here to support you – visit our venue in Covent Garden (easily accessible by public transport, of course!), or contact our helpful team to start planning your next event.
