As sustainability is reshaping the events industry. One of the most prominent trends is the rise of eco-friendly venues. Across the UK, more and more business venues and hotels are leading the way. They’re adopting green initiatives, from energy-efficient operations and water conservation to waste reduction, ethical sourcing, and support for local communities.
We’re focusing on a selection of venues that place sustainability at the heart of their operations. These stand-out spaces are not only delivering exceptional events but doing so with a strong commitment to the planet.
voco Zeal Exeter Science Park
Our first pick takes us to IHG’s first net-zero carbon hotel, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park. Situated at the entrance of Exeter Science Park, the South West’s centre of activity for businesses in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM).
This premium four-star hotel stands out with its sustainable design, which earned a BREAAM Outstanding rating, a renowned sustainable buildings certification. In alignment with 2050 sustainability targets, the hotel also leverages cutting-edge solar panel technology, ensuring it generates more electricity than it consumes.
As with all voco branded hotels, voco Zeal Exeter Science Park has been designed to help guests unwind and feel at ease with the use of neutral tones and contemporary features throughout the guest rooms and public spaces. When it comes to business, The Boardroom provides a bright, professional space for up to ten delegates.
Holiday Inn Cambridge
Holiday Inn Cambridge has recently joined IHG’s Meeting for Good program. This program ensures that it’s a venue where you can contribute to positive change and eco-friendly practices at every meeting, conference and gathering.
This forward-thinking venue prioritises sustainability with plastic-free water service, energy-saving lighting
policies, and the elimination of single-use items. Digital signage supports waste reduction while enhancing
navigation. By removing notepads, pens, and plastic bottles as standard, the venue promotes eco-conscious
events without compromising functionality or guest experience.
Ready to plan a meeting that does good? Holiday Inn Cambridge is ideal for events for up to 120 delegates in
their fully equipped, versatile meeting rooms in a purpose-built Academy Conference Centre. There’s also a 15-acre field for outdoor events and team-building activities.
Mercure Swansea Hotel
Mercure Swansea Hotel has been awarded a Green Key certificate. This achievement reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to reducing its impact on the planet and promoting eco-conscious practices throughout its operations.
Green Key is an international eco-label for tourism facilities. Since 1994, this has been a leading standard of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry.
The nine meeting rooms at Mercure Swansea Hotel are designed to provide a comfortable and professional space for you to conduct business meetings. Each room is equipped with high-speed Wifi and audiovisual equipment and surrounded by beautiful grounds.
Wyboston Lakes
Wyboston Lakes boasts two fantastic and sustainable venues in Bedford.
The Woodlands Event Centre is a purpose-built venue with 16 flexible spaces, designed with the next generation in mind. There’s plenty of space inside and out. From breakout rooms to an on-site restaurant, this venue lends itself to large and bespoke events.
Their second venue, The Willows Training Centre, is ideal for training and learning events. It was recently refurbished to a high standard. The venue now hosts a range of bright, open spaces with natural daylight. Comfortable furniture completes the setting, creating the perfect environment for learning.
Wyboston Lakes takes sustainability seriously. They’ve installed 3,200 solar panels to provide renewable energy. The team also uses responsible energy management practices and efficient equipment to keep usage down across their sites. That’s not all; they have also planted 30,000 trees and shrubs, which have benefited the local wildlife.
Sopwell House
Nestled in 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside in St Albans, the Sopwell House team have been busy enhancing sustainability and ESG values in every aspect of their operations.
The garden team at Sopwell House has been hard at work creating dedicated spaces for wildlife. This improves biodiversity and provides natural sources of food and shelter. A new kitchen herb garden has also been introduced, featuring fresh ingredients such as fragrant lavender and aromatic basil. These additions not only enhance the flavour of dishes but also bring a touch of nature to the overall guest experience.
Sopwell House has recently partnered with the RSPB and installed nest boxes within the grounds to help save swifts. These wonderful birds are vital summer visitors to the UK whose numbers have dropped by over 58% since 1995, placing them on both the UK’s Red List and the IUCN European Red List. With only around 59,000 breeding pairs left, they face extinction.
Book a sustainable event with Findmeaconference:
01775 843410
reservations@findmeaconference.com