Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have” for conferences and events – it’s a responsibility, an expectation, and increasingly, a marker of quality.
At Academic Venue Solutions (AVS), sustainability is something we actively explore together. Through shared learning, member case studies and expert insight, our Sustainability Group focuses on what actually works – helping venues and event organisers move from intention to action.
Recent member blogs and discussions, including contributions shared during the latest AVS Sustainability Group call, highlight the many ways sustainability is being brought to life across the AVS network.
🌱 Practical sustainability from AVS member venues: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham Conferences and Events team has shared a series of insightful blogs that explore how sustainability can be embedded into conferences and large-scale academic events.
Rather than focusing on policy alone, these blogs highlight practical, achievable actions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining a high-quality delegate experience.
Key reads include:
- How we’re making conferences greener
A look at the operational steps being taken to reduce the environmental footprint of conferences, from planning and delivery to supplier choices.
🔗 https://conferences.bham.ac.uk/2025/10/02/how-were-making-conferences-greener/ - Sustainability in action: the RGS Conference
A real-world case study showing how sustainability principles were applied to a large academic conference, demonstrating what’s possible at scale.
🔗 https://conferences.bham.ac.uk/2025/05/14/rgs-conference/ - Ten top tips on how to run a sustainable event
A practical, no-nonsense guide offering quick wins and realistic actions that event organisers can implement immediately.
🔗 https://conferences.bham.ac.uk/2024/09/22/ten-top-tips-on-how-to-run-a-sustainable-event/
Together, these blogs provide a strong foundation for venues and organisers looking to make sustainability part of everyday event planning.
🌍 Designing conferences with care: University of Strathclyde
Sustainability is not only about environmental impact – it’s also about people, wellbeing and inclusion.
A great example of this broader approach comes from the University of Strathclyde, who recently hosted the Nordic Social Pharmacy Conference at their Technology and Innovation Centre.
The conference was designed around two clear commitments: delegate wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Practical measures included:
- digital-first programmes to minimise printed materials
- clear guidance on recycling and sustainable travel options
- encouragement of reusable water bottles and refill stations
- plant-forward catering and reuse or recycling of conference materials
Wellbeing was also embedded into the programme itself, with accessible sessions such as chair-based yoga, guided meditation and stretch breaks – supporting focus, inclusion and a calmer delegate experience.
The full case study explores how these priorities were delivered in practice, and the positive impact they had on delegate feedback and overall experience:
🔗 Designing an academic conference with care (University of Strathclyde case study) NORDIC case study
♻️ Industry guidance shared with the AVS Sustainability Group
During the most recent AVS Sustainability Group call, members were joined by Richard Walker from Marketing Manchester, who shared a suite of practical resources used to support sustainable events across Manchester.
The guides focus on delivery rather than theory, helping venues and organisers make informed, realistic decisions at every stage of the event lifecycle.
Resources shared included:
- Sustainable Events Guide – a comprehensive framework covering planning, operations, suppliers and measurement Sustainable_Events_Guide_19_May_v3_97b2ae51-bd2b-439d-86d6-bbe4cd95ed6e.pdf
- Manchester Sustainable Events Checklist – a practical checklist to support planning and internal reviews Manchester Sustainable Events Checklist.pdf – Zoho WorkDrive
- Social Impact & Legacy Guide – guidance on creating positive social value and long-term community impact Social Impact & Legacy Guide.pdf – Zoho WorkDrive
- Menu for Change – is a Manchester-based campaign aiming to raise £3 million over three years by encouraging businesses to reduce corporate event food waste and donate the savings. Partnering with The Greater Manchester Environment Fund and Marketing Manchester, it supports community food projects to tackle food poverty and environmental crises. MENU FOR CHANGE | Open Kitchen MCR
These tools reinforce a consistent message echoed across AVS members: sustainability doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be intentional.
🤝 Working together on sustainability
What’s clear from AVS member blogs and expert insight is that there’s no single “right” way to run a sustainable event. Sustainability is a journey – and one that’s far more effective when experiences, challenges and successes are shared.
Through the AVS Sustainability Group, members continue to:
- share real-world case studies and examples
- learn from each other’s approaches
- and build confidence in making changes that are right for their venues, clients and communities
To stay up to date with sustainability resources, member stories and how AVS is working collaboratively across the sector, visit the Academic Venue Solutions Sustainability page, where updates and insights are shared regularly.