Joe Harris, Deputy General Manager at 15Hatfieldsโone of the UKโs most sustainable venuesย shares his Earth Day event planner tips with us. He asks five smart, straightforward questions to help PAs and event organisers identify venues that genuinely prioritise planet-friendly practices over PR spin.
Simplifying Sustainability: 5 Essential Questions Event Planners Should Ask When Choosing a Venue
Navigating the maze of sustainability jargonโterms like carbon neutral, circular economy, and net-zeroโcan be daunting. However, integrating sustainability into event planning doesn’t have to be complex; it requires deliberate action. Sustainability is no longer just a “nice to have”โand the venue you select plays a pivotal role in this imperative endeavour to think sustainably. To cut through the greenwashing and ensure genuine commitment, Joe Harris, deputy general manager of one Londonโs most sustainable venues, 15Hatfields, breaks down the five fundamental questions to pose to potential venuesโฆ
What is your waste management policy and can you show where the waste really goes?
Effective waste management is one of the biggest sustainability blind spots for events. Research by Business Waste highlights that in the UK alone, the hospitality sector each year amounts to a staggering 920,000 tonnes of food waste. Thatโs the equivalent of over 1.3 billion meals wasted annually with the hospitality sector making up 12% of the UKโs total food waste. Even more shocking? 75% of that food waste could have been eaten.
The cost of this waste is enormousโaround ยฃ19 billion per yearโand the environmental toll is just as steep. As an event planner, ask venues not just whether they recycle, but how. Do they have a clear, transparent waste tracking system? Are they separating food waste for composting or donation? Look for venues that go beyond lip service, with policies that prioritise reduction, reuse, and true recyclingโnot just throwing everything into one bin. Here are 15Hatfields for example we have been achieving zero to landfill since 2008.
What sustainable credentials do you hold?
Itโs not enough for a venue to self-declare as โeco-friendly.โ Third-party certifications hold them accountable. Look for recognisable standards like ECOsmart, ISO 14001, BREEAM, or Green Tourism. These verify that a venue meets tough criteria across energy use, materials, waste, and ethical sourcing. Bonus points if theyโve been re-certified recentlyโkeeping up with evolving sustainability standards shows theyโre committed long-term.
Is your energy sourced from renewables, or do you rely on carbon offsets?
The UK’s renewable energy generation has seen significant growth, with renewables accounting for 50.5% of electricity generation in the third quarter of 2024 . However, not all venues have transitioned to direct renewable energy usage. It’s essential to distinguish between venues that genuinely utilise renewable energy and those that purchase carbon offsets as a compensatory measure. Prioritising venues powered by on-site or directly sourced renewable energy contributes more substantially to reducing carbon footprints.โ
What initiatives are in place to reduce single-use plastics and manage water usage?
The UK’s consumption of single-use plastics remains high, with approximately 7.7 billion plastic bottles purchased annually. Events, in particular, can contribute significantly to this waste. For example, major sporting events have been estimated to generate up to 750,000 plastic bottles each. Enquire whether the venue offers mains-fed water stations and encourages the use of reusable containers. Additionally, assess their overall water conservation practices to ensure responsible usage.
Can you provide detailed data to back up your sustainability claims?
Any venue can talk the talk. The ones worth your time can walk the walkโwith numbers to prove it. At 15Hatfields, for example, every client receives a complimentary post-event carbon report. This includes emissions data across five key areas: energy, food, beverages, water, and food wasteโplus estimated savings for choosing an ECOsmart Platinum certified venue. If your venue canโt provide clear, measurable data, that is covering all three scopes of emissions, youโre flying blind. Donโt settle for vague promisesโdemand transparency.
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