In 2022, the IET achieved the silver Investors in the Environment Accreditation for the sustainable practices across the organisation, including IET Venues, as well as a platinum ECOsmart Accreditation, which is given to only a few exceptional hotels and venues that show extensive measures taken to fully embrace environmental sustainability.
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Top 7 Sustainable Venues In London
Friday 11 August 2023
As one of the greenest capitals in the world, with over 3,000 parks and green spaces, London is one of the top cities globally for environmental sustainability. With that in mind, companies are keen to shift the focus onto making their meetings and events more sustainable than ever...
Check out our top 7 sustainable London venues:
1. The Royal College of Surgeons - The View
RCS has a 'Sustainability in Surgery Strategy' which outlines how they plan to embed financial, environmental and social sustainability with ethical purchasing into everything they do.
With Panoramic views of the London landscape, and located less than five minutes’ walk from Holborn station, The View was one of the newest most eagerly anticipated venues to open in 2021. Whether you are hosting a conference, meeting or drinks reception, the venue has a variety of beautiful and unique spaces with a capacity from 10 to 300 people.
Expect seasonal menus from Searcy's, which celebrate the best of British and sustainable produce, along with expertly crafted wine and champagne lists.
30 St Mary Axe, London is the address of perhaps the most unusual, and sustainable building in the UK. Sustainable innovations in the building include a reduced wind load, and a cooling system within that draws air through panels in the façade. These have been made possible by the building’s sleek aerodynamic profile. Subsequently the Gherkin uses half as much energy as other comparable office buildings, with abundant natural light also a major feature.
Another venue catered by Searcy's, their sustainable practices pledges include an assurance to reduce the use of plastic, switching to metal cutlery, china crockery and glassware for food consumed in all venues. Where disposable packaging is unavoidable, it will be minimised and aligned with the company’s strict waste management protocols. Furthermore, they have also completely eliminated the use of plastic straws across all of their venues and events. In order to tackle food waste, they have introduced a set of food waste reduction rules and a new, seasonal minimal-waste conferencing and events menu. Suitable for 2 - 250 guests.
3. The Barbican
No surprises here, the cultural hub that is the Barbican does more than their fair share for our planet. In line with the City of London Corporation's Climate Action Strategy, they commit to reducing carbon emissions from their own operations to net zero by 2027, and by 2040, this will also include their supply chain.
Their strategy will set out the steps they plan to take to deliver their ambitious carbon reduction targets and improve overall environmental performance into the future. The venue have committed to introducing a Zero to Landfill policy, where all waste is reused, recycled or composted where possible, using 100% renewable electricity throughout the building and installing a number of filtration systems in the staff, public and catering areas, which includes providing their own sparkling and still water for events. Their coffee is 100% carbon neutral, and they have introduced Vegware packaging for their sandwiches which uses a combination of compostable wrap and cardboard. A perfect venue for conferences, AGMs, photoshoots, product launches, meetings and receptions, the spaces are suitable for 20 - 2000 guests.
Friends House is a versatile and unique venue. Their 32 meeting rooms and event spaces can accommodate meetings from 10 to 1,000 delegates. All event spaces have complimentary WiFi access, and a wide range of AV equipment is available to hire. With a number of awards under their belt, this ECOsmart Platinum venue recognises and supports eco-friendly hotels and conference venues that meet certified standards of sustainability. They are one of the few London venues to be Green Tourism Gold accredited and one of the founding members of the Camden Climate Change Alliance.
There are recycling points on every floor of the venue and in every office space and they have signed the Meetings Industry Association’s 20PercentLess pledge – committing to reduce their use of single-use plastics by a further 20% by 2025. Getting ahead of the curve, the venue removed all the single-use plastic from their meeting rooms a few years ago and they have three beehives on the roof' contributing to the Euston ecosystem by pollinating the flowers and trees in the area, beginning with their own garden. Interestingly, the venue have even tackled the environmental consumption of meat within their menus and have reduced the amount of animal products in their meeting room catering. At a minimum, their menus are 40% vegetarian and vegan.
The new, purpose built venue, Events @ No 6 has been built with sustainability as a fundamental part of its design, build and operating elements. A significant operating element is the events held within their (environmentally friendly) walls and they're fully committed to minimising the footprint that the activities at Events @ No 6 leave on the environment. Along with their accredited suppliers, they've created a handy check list for bookers that you can utilise during the planning stages of your next event to reduce the environmental impact, without diminishing the overall impact! Not only is there an automated lighting system that will operate only when required, to reduce energy consumption along with solar panels on their roof, they also have an integrated chill beam system which helps the building self-regulate its temperature control. This avoids the need for energy-wasting air conditioning.
Of course, they prioritise and source local and seasonal produce to help support small and independent businesses and their chefs reduce food waste through creative recipes that ensure they make the most out of every menu. Facilities include a variety of bright meeting rooms hosting from 2 to 210 guests with in-built AV, flexible breakout spaces and a large cloakroom. The flexible spaces are available weekdays, evenings and weekends and can accommodate fine dining for up to 150.
In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, Oceandiva London leads the way in sustainable event venues. The vessel incorporates numerous eco-friendly practices, including energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction and recycling initiatives, and the use of locally sourced and sustainable materials. By choosing Oceandiva London, you can host your event with peace of mind, knowing that you are minimising its environmental impact. Even better? Oceandiva London is the first revolutionary C02 neutral event vessel on the River Thames.
Oceandiva London stands as a testament to innovation and creativity in event venue design. Its unique floating setting, coupled with its versatility, customisation options, and stunning views of the River Thames, make it an unrivalled choice for those seeking an extraordinary event experience. Oceandiva London promises to surpass your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime. Embark on an unforgettable journey and let Oceandiva London redefine the way you celebrate.
Some of the many initiatives the venue has in place mean that none of the building’s daily waste goes to landfill, it is either recycled or incinerated then converted into energy; the venue recycle all glass, paper, ink/copier cartridges, batteries, light fittings plastics, cans, and food; CO2 emissions are limited by optimising the use of gas and electricity and these services are reviewed bi-annually, plus they're always investigating using ecological suppliers; the catering team will offer edible waste food to staff to consume on site (due to health and safety it can’t be offered externally); and customers can choose items from a Food Equilibrium (Food EQ) menu, which involves reducing the amount of meat protein within a dish, without sacrificing flavour in the selections to name just a few!
The above are just some of many great sustainable venues available to hire in London. Our team of free venue finding experts are on hand to create the perfect shortlist of venues in London for your next event.
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Author
Clare Phillips
Managing Director, Venue Search London
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