Events bring people together, spark ideas and create lasting memories. But they also have a footprint. From energy use and transport emissions to leftover catering and discarded materials, the events industry has historically generated significant levels of waste and carbon. Recent research by sustainability specialist event:decision highlights just how substantial that impact can be. Its State of Sustainability report found that the average event generates 117 tonnes of CO₂e.
The good news is that meaningful change is possible if you ask the right questions ahead of your event. When working with your planner or venue, small choices can make a big difference. By focusing on sustainability from the outset, you can design an event that not only achieves its objectives but also leaves a lighter mark on the planet.
Here are five key questions to ask your planner that will help reduce the environmental impact of your event.
Ask your planner: How is waste separated at your venue? How many streams are available in both the front and back of house?
Waste management is one of the most visible signs of how sustainable an event can be. The more streams available, the more likely materials will be properly reused, recycled, or repurposed instead of heading to landfill.
At RCP London Events, we’ve partnered with First Mile to ensure that no waste from events goes to landfill. Instead, waste is carefully separated into as many as 19 different streams. This includes everything from food waste and flexible plastics to coffee grounds, cooking oil, glass and even clothing. Each stream is processed in a way that maximises recovery and minimises environmental impact.
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Our team also undertakes quarterly audits to monitor contamination in waste streams and train staff to improve processes. For example, all cleaning staff at our venue receive site-specific training in waste and recycling processes, ensuring high standards and accountability across the board. This kind of attention to detail ensures that clients can be confident that their events are not contributing unnecessarily to landfill.
By asking your venue about waste separation and recycling policies, you can ensure your event supports a circular economy rather than a throwaway culture.
Ask your planner: What happens to leftover food? Do you offer meat alternatives in your menus?
Food production is a major driver of greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss and water consumption. The good news is that conscious catering choices can make a real difference.
Leftover food is a common issue in events, and venues should have clear policies for reducing, donating or composting it. At RCP London Events, food waste that cannot be donated for human consumption is separated and sent for aerobic digestion, creating renewable energy and compost.
Plant-based dishes have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to meat or dairy-heavy alternatives. That’s why we actively list vegan and vegetarian dishes first on all menus. This subtle nudge encourages clients and guests to consider more sustainable choices without compromising on flavour or presentation.
Asking how a venue handles both menu design and post-event food waste is essential. By working with caterers who prioritise plant-based options, seasonal sourcing and responsible waste management, you can reduce the environmental footprint of your event catering while also delighting guests with fresh, innovative dishes.
Ask your planner: Do you use green energy?
Every event relies on power, from lighting and AV equipment to heating and cooling. But the type of energy used to deliver these essentials makes a big difference to its environmental footprint. Brown energy, generated from fossil fuels, increases CO₂ emissions and accelerates global warming. Green energy, by contrast, comes from renewable sources like wind, solar and hydro, making it a far cleaner choice.
At RCP London Events, we’re proud to operate on 100% renewable energy. As part of the Royal College of Physicians, we also disinvested from fossil fuel companies three years ahead of our scheduled target. In addition, we’ve introduced LED lighting across the entire venue, significantly improving efficiency and reducing energy use over time.
When you ask your venue whether they use green energy, you’re encouraging the wider adoption of renewable power in the events industry. It’s also worth exploring whether your AV suppliers and production partners share the same commitment to sustainability.
Ask your planner: What measures do you have in place to conserve water?
From catering and sanitation to venue maintenance and landscaping, events rely heavily on water.
Progressive venues are now adopting strategies to conserve water, whether that’s through low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems or responsible landscaping practices. At RCP London Events, for instance, we compost garden waste onsite and use wormeries to create soil enhancers for our historic gardens, helping to reduce the need for intensive watering or chemical fertilisers. This is only one of the environmental considerations our Garden team takes to preserve the ecosystem of our Medicinal Garden, read more here.
By making water part of the sustainability conversation with your planner, you’re ensuring that this critical resource is valued and protected for the future.
While waste, catering, energy and water conservation are four of the biggest areas to address, there are additional steps you can take to make sure your event is as responsible as possible.
Accreditations such as ECOsmart by Greengage, IACC Green Star and Green Meetings require venues to demonstrate a robust, measurable approach to environmental management. Choosing accredited venues like RCP London Events gives you peace of mind that best practice is being followed. Find out more about our certifications and recognitions on our Environmental Sustainability page.
True sustainability isn’t just about the environment. Ask your planner how the venue supports staff training, community engagement and diversity.
RCP London Events is part of the Royal College of Physicians, a registered charity, and all profits from venue hire go directly towards advancing medical education, supporting healthcare professionals and improving patient care across the UK. Our Social Responsibility page is a great resource if you wish to find out more about how choosing RCP London Events for your event can make a meaningful difference.
Finally, don’t underestimate the role your attendees play. By communicating clearly about recycling points, offering plant-based menu highlights and explaining why you’ve chosen a green venue, you encourage guests to actively participate in making the event more sustainable.
Every event has an impact, but by asking the right questions, you can make choices that minimise harm and maximise positive outcomes. By holding the events industry accountable, you not only create a better experience for your guests but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.
Sustainability is an integral part of how we operate at RCP London events. From 19 different recycling streams and 100% renewable energy to our emphasis on plant-based catering and conservation initiatives, we aim to set the standard for responsible events in London.
Royal College of Physicians, 11 St Andrews Place
Regent’s Park, London, NW1 4LE
Registered charity no. 210508
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