London is absolutely teeming with event venues from sophisticated private dining to world class exhibition space and everything in between. It is an event organiser’s dream destination. But how does it match up to it’s competitors for sustainable venues in London?
The event industry is learning so much about sustainability (read more about that here) that this is increasingly becoming a factor in the client request for venue options.
Here are some of our favourite and award winning venues and their sustainable credentials.
The RSA (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce)
We are using this venue for an event this month to launch the Digital Community Leaders Report. This report has been created from a survey we carried out earlier this year into digital communities. The event space is intimate for our panel discussions and suitably smart for the business community that are attending.
Green Initiatives: The RSA is committed to sustainability and has implemented various eco-friendly measures, including energy-efficient lighting and heating systems.
Waste Reduction: They have a strong focus on waste reduction, recycling, and responsible sourcing, aiming to minimize their environmental impact.
Sustainable Catering: The venue offers sustainable catering options, emphasizing locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint of their events.
The IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology)
We’ve used this venue a few times, for the BIMA conference and for a high end celebration of a national charity with royalty in attendance to celebrate 70 years of the charity.
Sustainable Design: The IET’s London venue, Savoy Place, boasts sustainable design elements such as energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, as well as smart technology for room control.
Sustainability Certifications: It has achieved ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.
Eco-Friendly Catering: The IET offers sustainable catering options, with menus that incorporate locally sourced and ethically produced ingredients.
Tobacco Dock
This is one of our favourites because there’s so much flexible space and it is cool.
Historic Restoration: Tobacco Dock, a historic venue, has undergone a renovation that includes sustainable features like LED lighting, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting.
Efficient Energy Use: The venue is known for its commitment to reducing energy consumption through energy-efficient systems and smart climate control.
Waste Management: They have comprehensive waste management and recycling programs in place to minimize waste sent to landfills.
BMA House (British Medical Association)
Tucked away near Euston and King’s Cross we love this venue and have used it for meetings and social events.
ISO Certification: BMA House holds ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system, signifying its dedication to sustainability.
Sustainable Sourcing: The venue prioritises sustainable sourcing for catering services, ensuring that ingredients are ethically and environmentally responsible.
Energy Efficiency: BMA House has implemented energy-efficient lighting and heating systems to reduce its carbon footprint.
Royal College of Surgeons
We love the convenience of this venue especially coupled with the terrific light, making it one of our favourites.
Community Engagement: Apart from offering an elegant setting for events, the venue actively supports medical research and education, contributing to the local community.
Sustainable Practices: The Royal College of Surgeons implements sustainable practices in its operations, aiming to reduce its environmental impact.
Accessibility: Located in a prime central London location, the venue promotes sustainability by being easily accessible by public transportation.
Searcy’s at The Gherkin:
We love this stunning venue especially as we think it has to hit the top sustainable venues in London with a view!
Panoramic Views: Searcy’s at The Gherkin utilizes innovative technology and design, including energy-efficient glass, to provide stunning panoramic views of London.
Sustainable Catering: The venue offers sustainable catering options, focusing on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to reduce food miles.
Waste Reduction: Searcy’s at The Gherkin places a strong emphasis on waste reduction and recycling in its daily operations.
The Barbican:
Everyone’s been to an event at the Barbican at some point, and despite its “love it or hate it” Brutalist design the Barbican has some excellent green credentials.
Energy Efficiency: The venue has invested in energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, aligning with its commitment to sustainability.
Green Spaces: The Barbican is surrounded by green spaces, providing a refreshing environment for events and a connection to nature.
Community and Arts: The Barbican actively engages with the local community and promotes the arts, contributing to a vibrant and sustainable cultural scene in London.
Sustainable Features
Sustainable features are the key component for us considering what makes these venues one of our favourite sustainable venues in London. Let’s explore these a little further taking a look at some of the unique features in sustainability of these spaces.
Commitment to Green Practices
A good sustainable venue demonstrates a strong commitment to green practices. This includes measures such as energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, waste reduction programs, as well as sustainable sourcing for catering services. Venues like The RSA and Royal College of Surgeons are known for their dedication to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that events held here have a minimal environmental footprint.
Accessibility and Location
Accessibility plays a vital role in the sustainability of an event venue. Opting for a location that is well-connected by public transport reduces the carbon footprint associated with attendees’ transportation. We like The Barbican and BMA House for this feature as they are conveniently located near public transportation hubs.
Eco-Friendly Design
A sustainable venue should feature an eco-friendly design that minimizes its resource consumption. Tobacco Dock, with its stunning industrial architecture, showcases how a historic venue can be adapted to modern sustainability standards, including LED lighting and green roofs.
Versatile Spaces
Versatility is another essential aspect of a sustainable venue. Spaces like the IET and Searcy’s at the Gherkin offer adaptable layouts that can cater to various event types and sizes. This ensures that the venue is used efficiently, reducing the need for additional resources and space.
Community Engagement
Venues that engage with their local communities in positive ways contribute to a more sustainable event experience. The Royal College of Surgeons, for instance, not only provides a stunning setting but also supports medical research and education, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
Sustainability Certifications
To validate their commitment to sustainability, many venues seek certification from recognized organizations such as the Carbon Trust or ISO 14001. These certifications assure event planners and attendees that the venue adheres to stringent sustainability standards. BMA House, for example, proudly holds an ISO 14001 certification for its environmental management system.
Innovative Technology
Incorporating innovative technology is crucial for a sustainable venue. The Gherkin’s Searcys venue exemplifies this with its panoramic views of London. This is made possible through energy-efficient glass and smart climate control systems.
Overall choosing a sustainable venue for your event in London means there’s lots to consider. This list of our 7 favourite sustainable venues London is leading by example in the city’s sustainability efforts. They showcase the importance of green practices, accessibility, eco-friendly design alongside versatility, community engagement, certifications, and innovative technology in creating memorable, connected and environmentally responsible events.
Great venues enable us as organisers to reduce our ecological footprint and support our client’s sustainability goals. That’s our 7 favourite sustainable venues in London – what are some of yours?
