With climate change climbing ever higher on the agenda and COP30 on this week, the events industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact.
The numbers are stark: the UK events sector alone produces around 100,000 tonnes of waste each year. A large amount of this ends up in landfill or is incinerated, both of which are damaging to the environment. But while the challenge is significant, it’s not insurmountable.
At The Form Rooms, a flexible bookable space nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s woven into the space itself.
Making sustainability work and why it matters for event spaces
Events, by their very nature, can be resource intensive. Think disposable cups, name badges, plates, cutlery, and even those well-meaning goodie bags – all of it adds up.
While the UK doesn’t currently have strict regulations around event sustainability, the tide is turning. From 2026, European venues will be required to provide sustainability data on their operations, and the UK industry is already taking proactive steps, with research and training leading the way.
As Alessandra Pittini, Senior Events Executive at the British Retail Consortium, puts it: “Every event stakeholder plays a key role in achieving zero-waste events.” And with consumers increasingly prioritising climate-conscious choices, positioning your venue as a sustainable option isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for business.
Three simple steps to kickstart sustainable events
So, how can event spaces make meaningful changes without breaking the bank or overhauling everything overnight? The Form Rooms’ approach is refreshingly practical, focusing on three key steps:
- Evaluate Your Current Operations
Before making changes, take stock. Alessandra recommends spending a few months assessing how your event space currently operates. Ask yourself:
- How much waste do we create, and where does it come from?
- Are we using energy efficiently?
- Are our choices—catering, materials, logistics—promoting sustainability?
This honest evaluation forms the foundation for targeted, high-impact improvements.
- Set Informed, Achievable Goals
Once you understand your starting point, set realistic goals. For example:
- Can we reduce food waste by 5% by 2026?
- How do we create a paperless option for our events?
With clear, data-driven objectives, every change you make is purposeful and measurable.
- Make Small, Incremental Changes
Sustainability efforts require consistent, manageable improvements. Some of the most effective changes are simple:
- Transition to local suppliers: Choose vendors close to your venue to cut down on transport emissions. Don’t be swayed solely by sustainability accreditations – sometimes the greenest choice is the one on your doorstep.
- Prioritise low-carbon catering: Red meat has a high carbon footprint, so consider offering more vegetarian, vegan, or sustainably sourced fish and chicken options.
- Encourage attendee participation: Ask guests to bring reusable cups, return unused resources, and be mindful of late cancellations, which can lead to food waste. Promote walking, cycling, or public transport to your venue.
The Form Rooms: making sustainability work
The Form Rooms has put these principles into practice, creating a blueprint for sustainable events in Central London:
- Local vendors supply in-house catering, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan options.
- Both coordinators and attendees are informed about the impact of food waste throughout the planning process.
- Public transport is prioritised in all communications about reaching the venue.
- Natural lighting is used wherever possible to reduce electricity consumption.
- Reusable and biodegradable cutlery is standard, and guests are encouraged to bring their own.
- Coffee grounds are recycled into compost and biofuels.
This journey is ongoing, with regular updates shared via a monthly newsletter and opportunities for visitors to see the changes first-hand.
Greener events, without the extra cost
The good news? Many of these changes come at little or no extra cost. As Alessandra explains, some of the most impactful steps are also the simplest.
However, an easy way to ensure your event is sustainable is to place your trust in a sustainable venue. Choose a venue that embodies sustainability – The Form Rooms in Covent Garden is ready to help you make a positive impact, without compromising on quality or convenience.
Looking to book in December? We still have some great deals on offer for last-minute bookings – get in touch with our Customer Success team to discuss your event plans, or join our mailing list to ensure you’re informed of the best deals on offer at our space into the new year.
