If you’re planning a company summer drinks party, why not make it sustainable? Not only does it demonstrate your corporate social responsibility, but it will create a memorable experience for your team
Summer in London is perfect for corporate events. Here’s our ultimate guide to organising an eco-friendly and enjoyable summer soirée for your clients or team.
1. Venue selection: embrace green spaces
London boasts numerous green venues perfect for an outdoor summer party. Opt for locations with sustainable practices, like solar-powered lighting or zero-waste policies. Venues like The LookOut in Hyde Park offer beautiful natural settings with eco-friendly facilities or you could bring the outside inside, at a venue like The Barbican Conservatory which uses 100% renewable electricity and filtration systems throughout their building and have committed to becoming net zero by 2024,
2. Eco-friendly transportation
Transport is a crucial sustainability aspect. Encourage public transport use, carpooling or even cycling. Provide guests with detailed information on the best routes and options. For a unique touch, consider hiring eco-friendly shuttles or offering bike rental services.
3. Sustainable catering: delight with local and seasonal produce
Food and drinks are at the heart of any party. Partner with caterers who source local, seasonal produce, minimising carbon footprint and supporting local businesses, such as Jimmy Garcia Catering who offer a 10 mile London menu. Offer plant-based options which are generally more sustainable than meat-heavy choices. Choose local breweries and wineries that practice sustainable production. Include organic or biodynamic wines and craft beers in your menu.
4. Minimise waste: say no to single-use plastics
Eliminate single-use plastics. Opt for reusable or compostable plates, cups and cutlery. Ensure proper waste segregation stations are available for recycling and composting.
5. Sustainable decor: creativity meets eco-friendliness
Decorations set the mood but often end up as waste. Use biodegradable or reusable decor items like fabric banners, potted plants, or LED lights. Avoid balloons and single-use items.
6. Engage through sustainability
Educate and engage your guests about sustainability. Include fun facts about your eco-friendly choices in the invitation, the event program or through signage around the venue.
7. Energy efficiency: light up sustainably
For evening events, energy-efficient lighting is key. Use LED lights or solar-powered lamps. They provide the perfect ambiance while being environmentally friendly.
8. Eco-friendly invitations
Send digital invitations to reduce paper waste. If physical invites are a must, use recycled paper and eco-friendly inks.
9. Supporting entertainers
Hire local entertainers and musicians, reducing travel-related carbon emissions and supporting the local arts scene.
10. Sustainable party bags
If you’re giving away goody bags or swag, ensure the items are useful, ethically sourced and environmentally friendly. Think things like reusable water bottles, bamboo travel cutlery or eco-friendly gadgets. If you’re including merchandise, make sure it’s sustainable, like organic cotton t-shirts or bamboo fibre caps.
11. Carbon offsetting for the event
Calculate the carbon footprint of your event and invest in carbon offsetting initiatives. This could involve planting trees or supporting renewable energy projects.
12. Collaborate with like-minded suppliers
Work with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. This might include sustainable packaging and materials producers, eco-friendly decorators, or green transportation companies.
13. Water conservation
Ensure that water is used efficiently. Opt for water-saving taps located around the venue and encourage guests to use water judiciously.
14. Reduce, reuse, recycle
Adopt the three R’s rigorously. Reduce waste wherever possible, reuse items and ensure everything that can be recycled is recycled.
15. Volunteer opportunities
Incorporate a volunteering element into your event, like a local park clean-up before or after the event. It’s a great team-building activity, reinforces the message of sustainability and can be aligned with your CSR values.
16. Feedback and continuous improvement for future sustainability
After your company summer drinks party in London, seek feedback from attendees on their thoughts on the sustainability aspects and canvas ideas for future events. This will help you understand what worked and what can be improved. View each event as an opportunity to improve on sustainability practices. Stay informed about new eco-friendly trends and technologies that can be incorporated into future events.
Hosting a sustainable company summer drinks party in London requires thoughtful planning and a commitment to eco-friendly practices. By focusing on key areas like transportation, catering, waste management and decoration, you can create an event that’s not only enjoyable but also aligns with your company’s sustainability values. Remember, every small step towards sustainability makes a big difference.
For more ideas, or for information about hosting corporate events and celebrations don’t hesitate to contact the Evolve Events team. We possess the experience and local knowledge to assist you with venue finding, activities and logistics to create unforgettable experiences.
TEL : 020 7610 2808 – EMAIL : anna@evolve-events.com