The Royal Horticultural Halls & Conference Centre is a Grade II listed veune and is fully compliant with ISO 14001 and BS 8901standards. Over the years we have introduced a variety of policies to improve our environmental efficiency and minimise waste, including sourcing local produce whenever possible, waste management and most recently energy recovery through the harvesting of waste. The two standards set benchmarks for planning and managing sustainable events of all sizes and types, and their guidelines apply to all aspects of the supply chain. Compliance with them contributes greatly to the RHH’s long-term strategy of having a positive impact on the environment, community and business offering.





Floor coverings
Where event organisers use floor coverings, a term of hire makes it a condition that these must be recyclable. We do not dictate to exhibitors which flooring contractor to use, so long as they offer a full recycling service.

Waste seperation and recycling
When an event finishes, our staff will collect together everything left behind - including wood, glass bottles, plastics, packaging, cardboard and so on - and send it for recycling. Exhibitors and organisers don't have to do anything extra, and there is no charge for this.

Energy from waste
We carefully manage energy and minimise waste to enable clients to achieve a high level of sustainability for their events.

Whilst many other venues send waste which cannot be recycled to landfill sites, The RHH is offering a greener alternative. All general waste from the Halls is sent to generate power at the SELCHP energy recovery facility in Deptford, which generates enough electricity for 50,000 London homes. In addition, any residues left after the process are used as aggregates in road building. As only local waste management facilities are used, the whole system also limits ‘waste mileage’ and fuel usage.

Facilities
We have replaced our light bulbs with lower-energy, longer-life alternatives. The hand dryers in the Halls’ toilets use up to 80% less energy than other types, so are much better for the environment. Even things like changing to natural, biodegradable hand soap and 100% recycled paper products will slow down deforestation and water pollution.

Plenty of natural light and ventilation means a reduction in how much air conditioning and lighting is used.

Corporate literature
All leaflets and inserts produced by us are printed on 50% FSC certified paper and 50% recycled paper.

Ambient decorations
We ensure that the Halls are decorated with potted rather than stem cut flowers and plants. The majority of cut flowers are grown in monocultures and treated with insecticides and pesticides and once harvested are transported – sometimes hundreds of miles by air – in temperature controlled units where they can expect a short shelf life emitting, rather than absorbing, CO²

Travelling
We encourage visitors and staff to use pedestrian routes and public transport, so reducing traffic congestion and pollution. Additionally, Westminster County Council has recently installed more bicycle parking racks and free motorcycle bays in Vincent Square.

Useful websites:
www.organisethis.co.uk
www.greenmeetings.info
www.positiveimpactevents.co.uk
www.oursouthwest.com/SusBus/gevents.html

Eco-friendly SWAG:
www.conquer.co.uk