Event Sustainability Guide 2026 - The Brewery

August 30, 2023

Sustainability has become an important aspect of event planning and management for both private and corporate events. As the world embraces the growth of environmental consciousness and sustainable practices, it's key that conferences and events adopt more green, environmentally-friendly methods to minimise their ecological impact.

So, we’re going to explore not only why it’s important to make your event more sustainable but also share easy, practical tips to make your conference, awards ceremony or corporate summer party a more eco-conscious event.

Sustainability in events

Without realising it, many events and conferences have a significant ecological footprint by generating waste, consuming high levels of energy, and emitting carbon emissions. By adopting sustainable practices, it’s possible to mitigate and reduce some of these negative impacts and create a positive change. In addition, making changes so your event is more sustainable also demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility and shows that you are actively working to reduce environmental harm and support sustainable practices.

And remember, it’s not all about making lots of changes at once. Start by making small changes, like only using biodegradable disposable items, and work your way up to larger changes, like only using renewable energy sources.

How to make a conference more sustainable?

Mindful planning

When organising your next event, consider sustainability from the very beginning and the very first meeting. Consider choosing event dates and locations that will minimise the travel for your guests. Not only will it reduce their travel carbon emissions, but also the length of time they have to travel; a win-win situation. Also, why not look at digital tools to reduce your paper waste and help streamline your communications? Sending an e-invite straight to their calendar will help save time and money, as well as help ensure no one will miss it.

Another way to plan mindfully is to look at using local suppliers. This is a great way to support local businesses and reduce transportation emissions.

Energy efficiency

Considering your energy usage is a crucial step for creating a sustainable event. Using energy-efficient lighting and equipment can help minimise your energy consumption; plus, using natural lighting and ventilation can also help reduce the amount of energy your event is using. Don’t forget to remind everyone who is part of the event to turn off all lights and electronics when they’re not in use as part of your energy-saving practices.

Sustainable transportation

Getting your attendees to and from the event can be one of the major contributors to your event’s carbon emissions, so look at ways to encourage everyone attending to use public transport options or share car lifts to the event. Perhaps if a lot of attendees are attending from the same location, consider running a coach shuttle service that everyone can use.

For people attending from a little further afield, consider arranging a carbon-offsetting scheme through tree-planting projects or by supporting renewable energy projects. This way you’re not stopping anyone from attending, just reducing the environmental impact they’re having.

Responsible food and drink choices

Food and drink play an important role in any event and by making careful choices, they can also help make your event more sustainable. Seek out local suppliers who can supply your event with organic and seasonal ingredients. Not only are you supporting local suppliers and farmers, but you’re also reducing the food miles and carbon footprint of your food and drink.

You should also look at only catering for those attending. We know that you don’t want anyone to go hungry, but reducing the amount of excess food that you’re producing will minimise your food waste.

Waste management

Looking to implement effective waste management strategies is also a great way to make your conference more sustainable. Set up recycling stations with separate areas for different materials, and see what materials you can compost. Also, look at encouraging your guests, attendees and any speakers to bring re-useable bottles and cups to use at your water refill stations.

In addition, look at how you can use any excess food. Instead of simply disposing of it, are there any local charities, food banks or community kitchens that would gladly take it off your hands? If not, look at composting options and save it from the bin.

The Brewery; the best choice for a sustainable venue in London

The Brewery is one of London’s largest and most attractive events venues, specialising in offering event organisers a bespoke space and service to ensure the client’s vision becomes a reality, but in a sustainable manner. We are therefore working to minimise our environmental impact and introduce more sustainable practices such as looking at energy conservation, water conservation and waste minimisation. We have also moved away from single-use plastic items and work with local food suppliers where possible to continue making exceptional food.

How We Can Help You with Your Waste Management Post-Event

We’ve partnered with Event Cycle to offer you the opportunity to have a significant impact on your post-event waste management while contributing to a circular economy.

Event Cycle is your go-to specialist when it comes to Asset Dissolution. They work their magic by repurposing leftover event materials - think graphics, giveaways, set pieces, and more - by connecting them with charities, community groups, and social enterprises. The process couldn't be simpler: check which items Event Cycle can accept, organise the collection through your event planner, and watch as Event Cycle finds new homes for your donations with their network of UK charitable organisations.

By choosing this eco-friendly and green solution, you can reduce your event's carbon footprint, promote recycling and conservation, all while supporting some fantastic causes. But that's not all - this straightforward method also comes with a certificate and success story to share on your social media. Make a sustainable impact and give your leftover event materials a second life with Event Cycle!

If you would like to find out more about our array of sustainable initiatives, contact The Brewery today.

Our team of experts will be more than happy to discuss our unique venue, your requirements and our eco-friendly approach with you.