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Plan a sustainable event

Think about sustainability from the start of planning to make it a key part of your event. The following suggestions may help you.

Encourage people to walk, cycle, or use public transport to get to the venue. This helps reduce emissions. Choose a venue that is easy to reach by these methods.
Check for nearby WM bike and scooter stations. If there is no station close by, you can request one near your venue on the West Midlands Cycle Hire website.

Have low-flow water fixings or grey-water systems. Low-flow fixings use less water. Grey-water systems recycle rainwater.
Use composting toilets instead of chemical ones. They are better for the environment and the waste can be used as fertilizer.

Try to choose venues that have LED lighting and hire LEDs. They reduce energy use and emissions, and are just as effective as halogen lights.
Think about lighting levels. Does every space need to be brightly lit?
Use renewable energy, such as solar. It helps reduce emissions and can be bought from energy companies.
Choose temporary solar generators instead of petrol or diesel. They are more eco-friendly.
Measure the event's carbon emissions, including all suppliers. This helps identify the biggest emission sources and allows you to prioritise your efforts.
Consider carbon offsets. If you cannot reduce all emissions, pay into a local offset scheme. You can also donate to green charities or ask attendees to commit to carbon reduction actions.

Make sure recycling stations are easily accessible. This encourages recycling and reduces general waste.
Use digital tickets and advertising. This reduces paper waste.
Install water bottle refill stations. This encourages reusable bottles and reduces single-use plastics. Severn Trent Water might be able to help with this.
Use reusable crockery and cups. This reduces plastic waste and aligns with our policy and government guidance.

Promote sustainability to attendees. Inspire them to change their behaviour and reduce their carbon footprints.

Serve locally produced and sourced food. This reduces emissions from food transportation. Choosing seasonal food also cuts down on food miles.
Offer vegan and vegetarian food options. Plant-based meals have lower emissions. Use sites like Klimato to calculate food emissions.
Consider a sustainable catering certification. Use it in promotional materials, such as Food for Life.

If you have any questions or need more help, email our Route to Net Zero Carbon team at routetozerocarbon@birmingham.gov.uk.

Page last updated: 13 May 2026