Sustainability made international headlines in late 2015. The Paris Climate Conference - COP21 reasserted the urgency to act for climate and the environment. So what can event professionals do at their own level? Sustainability has become a major factor in event professionals’ check lists. However, they sometimes struggle to balance cost-efficiency and sustainability. It’s also said to be expensive, time-consuming and extra paperwork. Well, the first good news is that, it’s not true! The second good news is that we love sustainability at Friends House and we’re Champions at it – Camden Council said it! The third good news is that we are going to help you draft the perfect sustainable event. How? Find out by reading our Top 10 tips to run a sustainable event.

3. Here, at Friends House we use 100% renewable electricity made of:
- Wind (54%),
- Solar (21%),
- Hydro (4%),
- Biogen (21%).
If you consider having a sustainable event, you’ll have to look for a
venue, which is using green and renewable energy.

5. Choosing a venue with good 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 find.
No lost delegates anymore!

7. Think local for your event: choose local suppliers. Local sourcing enables
to cut down cost in the supply chain and supports local employers and
businesses. It also means less carbon emissions as transport times are
shortened. Organic Lea provides us with fresh salads, delivered by bike
and grown in the London Borough of Waltham Forest.

9. 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!

11. Which community are we talking about here? Well, more than a
community, your event should take into account the communities. First,
yours: you want to ensure that delegates have a great experience, in a
safe and sustainable place. 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.

13. Maintaining transparent relationships with suppliers and stakeholders
encourages a more ethical approach to your event. Healthy relationships
helps prevent any kind of bad surprises in your invoice, for example, and
ensures a smoother work process.

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

17. You certainly know somebody who ran a sustainable event or you have
heard about green and ethical venues. Contact them, see what they can
tell you about their sustainable policies. What is their carbon footprint?
What do they do differently from others? Also research the best practice
in the sustainable event sector. Our environmental policies are available
here: www.friendshouse.co.uk/our-values-environment.

19. To be sustainable, an event must include fresh, organic, locally-sourced
and Fairtrade products. Sustainable food means high quality products
that are traceable and your delegates will certainly appreciate their unique
taste, and sometimes their originality. It also contributes to the local
economy and on a larger scale helps farmers in developing countries.

21. 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 Sales and 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!