Going Green: London for Ethical and Sustainable Events

Turfalgar Square transformed a London landmark into a village green

London and Londoners recognise the extraordinary impact that climate change will have on their city and the world, so issues of sustainability are at the forefront of the way London is run and the way it is planning for the future.

If your organisation is looking for a host city that is focused on reducing its impact on the environment, then London is an obvious choice. You’ll find venues and suppliers with environmental policies in place and infrastructure built to operate in a greener, more sustainable way.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

The Mayor’s Climate Change Action Plan aims to reduce London’s carbon footprint to 60% below 1990 levels by 2025 – 25 years ahead of the UK’s target.

It aims to achieve this through reducing household and company emissions, improving energy efficiency and rolling out renewable energy supplies.

The Central London Congestion Charging Zone has already reduced carbon emissions in the city centre and over the six years up to 2006 London was the only major world city to see a shift away from private cars to public transport, cycling and walking.

Improving Air Quality

London is leading on environmental improvement in its recently launched Low Emission Zone. The zone covers the whole of greater London and uses a pollution charging scheme to encourage heavy goods vehicles to cut their health-threatening emissions.

Waste and Recycling

In order to meet self-sufficiency targets, London will need to manage 85% of its waste by 2020.

The Mayor's Waste Strategy aims – through waste reduction, reuse and recycling – to ensure that municipal waste doesn’t compromise London’s future as a sustainable city.

Over 90% of Londoners now have access to recycling schemes, including recycling initiatives aimed exclusively at businesses.

Energy

London aims to supply 25% of its own energy by 2025, and more than 50% by 2050, by moving to local, lower-carbon energy supplies.

The city has also started work on systems to convert waste into usable, clean sources of energy. There are ongoing projects that aim to harness solar, wind and even tidal power.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility

As part of Visit London’s sustainability strategy we encourage all of our partners to formulate environmental strategies – and we will highlight venues and services that do so.

The Mayor's Green Procurement Code provides practical advice and support for London-based organisations that are committed to reducing their environmental impact through responsible purchasing.

By adhering to the code or choosing to support venues and suppliers who have signed up to it, you can ensure that you reduce the impact of your activities on the environment.

In addition, the UK’s National Standards Agency has formulated BS 8901, a set of requirements for the events industry that provides a framework for companies to reduce carbon emissions and waste, improve efficiency, reduce environmental impacts and provide positive social impacts.

Green tourism for London

Green Tourism for London is an independent accreditation scheme that helps venues, services and accommodation providers to reduce their environmental impact. By choosing accredited suppliers you can be sure of reducing the impact of your London event.