Going Green for Your Events
In today’s world, where the environmental impact of every industry is under increasing scrutiny, event organisers have a responsibility to make sustainability a top priority. The choices we make when planning events, from the venue to the catering, can significantly affect the environment.
Choosing a sustainable venue is a key step towards minimising that footprint, ensuring that gatherings—whether for conferences, meetings or corporate events—don’t come at the expense of the planet. ‘You. Smart. Thing.’ (YST) have welcomed the team at Hire Space, the UK’s leading venue-sourcing marketplace, to bring you five standout London venues that are leading the way in sustainability, showing that eco-conscious events can be both stylish and impactful.
Why Going Green is Essential in Events
The urgency of addressing climate change is undeniable. Global temperatures continue to rise, ecosystems are under immense pressure, and industries are being called upon to reduce their carbon footprints. The events industry, often overlooked in environmental discussions, is a significant contributor to resource consumption, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. From large conferences to small meetings, events can produce substantial amounts of waste, including energy consumption, water usage, food waste, and travel-related carbon emissions.
Sustainability in events goes far beyond eliminating plastic straws and single-use cutlery. It’s about rethinking every aspect of an event, from the choice of venue to the energy sources that power it, production, suppliers and even the travel options for attendees. For instance, venues powered by renewable energy can greatly reduce carbon emissions, while sustainable food sourcing such as using local suppliers and having more meat-free options, can lessen the environmental impact of catering.
Our Top Green Venue Picks
When it comes to finding the perfect venue for an eco-friendly event, it’s essential to choose spaces that prioritise sustainability. This is a great way to start your sustainable journey at the core. Let’s not forget the all-important location, choosing a venue that is in close proximity to public transport links is key to reducing the impact of delegate travel.
As venue experts, we at Hire Space have carefully curated a selection of venues committed to reducing their environmental impact and ideally located, making it easier to plan a green event and letting you focus on other valuable sustainable goals. Let’s dive right in.
1. BMA House
BMA House seamlessly blends historic charm with a strong commitment to sustainability, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious events. Located in central London, this Grade II listed venue has woven sustainability into its core operations, ensuring that it meets the needs of modern event planners prioritising environmental responsibility. From its zero-to-landfill policy, where waste is recycled, composted or repurposed, to its use of 100% renewable energy, BMA House takes a comprehensive approach to reducing its environmental footprint.
Location: Euston
2. Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is a leading venue in London’s arts and events landscape, renowned for its strong commitment to sustainability. As a hub for conferences, corporate events and cultural gatherings, the Barbican is at the forefront of eco-friendly event spaces, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2027. The venue has introduced a host of sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation systems and comprehensive waste recycling initiatives, ensuring minimal environmental impact. A standout feature for event organisers is the Barbican’s partnership with local and sustainable food suppliers, offering organic and fair-trade catering options, making it a top choice for eco-conscious events.
Location: Barbican
3. RSA House
RSA House is an exceptional venue for events, offering both elegance and sustainability in the heart of London. Known for its forward-thinking approach, the venue is powered by 100% renewable energy, making it a great choice for eco-conscious conferences, meetings and corporate gatherings. With over 90% of its waste recycled and food leftovers composted, RSA House is committed to responsible waste management. Its event catering is equally impressive, featuring seasonal, locally sourced produce that supports sustainable dining. For organisers looking to reduce their event’s carbon footprint, RSA House promotes low-carbon travel options for attendees and offers sustainable event packages, aligning your event with ethical practices.
Location: Charing Cross
4. The Brewery
The Brewery, a renowned venue in central London, takes its corporate social responsibility (CSR) seriously, with sustainability being a core focus. It actively reduces its carbon footprint by using 100% renewable energy and strives to reduce waste through a comprehensive recycling and composting programme. The Brewery also supports sustainable travel options, encouraging clients to choose eco-friendly transport. This historic venue also focuses on local sourcing, ensuring that event catering is both sustainable and delicious, making it a great choice for eco-conscious event planners.
Location: Moorgate
5. Church House Westminster
Church House Westminster is a leading venue for sustainable events, integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of its operations. Perfect for conferences, corporate meetings and receptions, the venue runs entirely on 100% renewable electricity and uses efficient heating and cooling systems to minimise energy consumption. With a zero-to-landfill waste policy, Church House excels in waste management while also supporting local biodiversity, thanks to its proximity to Westminster’s green spaces. The venue also goes a step further by offering clients expert advice on how to reduce their event’s carbon footprint, from sustainable catering options to eco-friendly transport solutions.
Location: Westminster
Sustainability in the events industry is not just a trend, it is a necessity for protecting our planet and setting your business up for long-term success. Venues such as those listed, are leading examples of how environmental responsibility can be successfully integrated into event planning. As more venues adopt sustainable practices, event planners have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to make choices that align with global environmental goals much more easily. It’s all about doing what you can, wherever you can and starting with your venues is a great way to start.
To find out more about sustainability in events, check out our sustainability hub here.
Ready to go green for your next event? Explore the best sustainable venues on Hire Space and make your event truly stand out while supporting a greener future.
