How to organise a sustainable event? With climate change hitting the headlines more than ever, it’s a question many have been asking in the meetings and events industry. We all have our role to play and we can certainly make our industry greener. So, we give you our top 10 tips to run your sustainable event.

1. Choose a venue that uses green energy

You will have to look for a venue which is using green and renewable energy. At Friends House, we use 100% renewable electricity provided by Good Energy.

2. Think about transport links

Choosing a venue with excellent transport links, using public transports and organising travelling groups will help reduce your events’ carbon footprint. A well-connected venue, such as Friend House, in Euston, is easy to get to. As a matter of fact, we have reduced our carbon footprint per delegate per day by 30% since 2017.

3. Support local businesses

Think local for your event. Local sourcing enables to cut down costs in the supply chain and supports local employers and businesses. It also means less carbon emissions as transport times are shortened.

4. Get in the recycling loop

Using recycled materials for your collaterals contributes to a zero waste to landfill objective. Less waste gets the closed loop recycling going. It also helps saving trees and protecting animals’ habitats. One more reason to go green!

5. Think about the community

Well, more than a community, your event should take into account the communities. First of all, yours: you want to ensure that delegates have a great experience, in a safe and sustainable venue. Second: the community around the venue. A sustainable venue means less pollution for the area and more ties at a local level. Third: the larger community. Sustainable events respect the environment and ensure future generations’ development. Our garden is an oasis of green and peace in the city. It is open to all during the day, and your delegates can enjoy their breaks in the sun (hopefully!).

6. Look for accreditations

They are a sign that the venue has been independently assessed for their green policies. Friends House is both Green Tourism Gold and ECOsmart Platinum accredited. We must be doing something right!

7. Remember: your delegates are diverse

All your delegates should be able to attend your event. The venue must be accessible to all, and all delegates should be treated equally and as fairly as possible. Consider event dates do not clash with religious holidays as well.

8. Learn from others

You certainly know someone who ran a sustainable event or you have heard about green and ethical venues (like ours!). Contact them, see what they can tell you about their sustainability policies. What is their carbon footprint? What do they do differently from others? Also, research the best practice in the sustainable event sector.

9. Embrace organic and locally-sourced food

To be sustainable, an event must include fresh and/or seasonal, organic, and locally-sourced products. Sustainable food means high-quality products that are traceable and your delegates will undoubtedly appreciate their unique taste, and sometimes their originality.

10. Contact us!

Friends House has a renowned experience in sustainable events. With us, events don’t cost the earth! To book your sustainable event or learn more about our offer, email our events team at events@quaker.org.uk or call 020 7663 1100. Our friendly team will advise you on packages and find the right space for you.