With over eight million tonnes of plastic being thrown away each year, single-use plastic is fast becoming one of the world’s most discussed topics. Countless organisations, businesses and events are turning to more sustainable methods and ExCeL London is no exception.
To add its weight to the global sustainability movement, ExCeL has taken certain steps to reduce its plastic waste. Our podcast host, James Dickson, invited ExCel London’s senior marketing manager, Julia Galbraith, to discuss the changes made throughout the venue.
By its nature, the events industry is very wasteful: supplies and products are brought in only to be discarded when the event is over. ExCeL posed the question, “what little steps can we take to significantly reduce the amount of waste that we generate?”
The answer initiated ExCeL’s campaign that publicly stated: “we are 100 per cent committed to reducing the amount of single-use plastic generated by [us].”
The campaign involved installing permanent water fountains to allow guests to fill their own reusable bottles. By doing so, the venue saved a staggering 40,000 plastic bottles in the first three months.
Though this has impacted revenue generated from drinks sales, Julia stated that there is now a moral obligation to “do the right thing”. It also gives credit to consumers who are taking sustainability into consideration and carry with them reusable cups and bottles.
ExCeL London welcomes four million visitors every year so the “little steps” taken by the venue have created a huge impact. Julia commended the customers and clients of ExCeL for having a positive reaction to the new measurements: “We have been met with absolutely no resistance.”
Podcast: Erdal Kilinc, Deal Room Events, discusses networking at live events
Podcast: Michael Weiss, from Ai4, explores AI applications
Podcast: Jez Paxman from Live Union on the 'Anatomy of a Delegate'
Podcast: Dan Mason & Andy Sexton from 2LK discuss experiential marketing
Podcast: Mandy Mahil joins us from Mango Pie
Podcast: GL events UK & EIGHT PR discuss ‘The Good Event Guide’
Geoff Revill on KrowdSafe winning funding to improve event security after 2017 terror attacks
Podcast: Crucial FX’s Mark Rivkin discusses the Origin experience
Ravi Chalaka from Jifflenow on ROI
GL events UK & Ryder Cup unite to create 42nd golf tournament
Lime Venue Portfolio & HBAA’s, Jenner Carter, talks mental health first aid #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Nils Braude discusses new Twickenham East Stand
Richard Belcher – should I be using live-streaming to increase exposure of my event?
Too big to succeed
How to climb the Google ladder with your event website
Practical uses of technology at Bournemouth 7s Festival
Podcast: CEO and co-founder of Tito, Paul Campbell describes the fickle relationship between integrity and success
ExecSpace CEO, Emma Little talks ‘Behind The Business’
Using technology to improve simple issues at outdoor events
Join Podbean Ads Marketplace and connect with engaged listeners.
Advertise Today
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Aligned Money Show
Gorse Culture PODcast : The H.R. Detective Agency!
HCI Leadership Revolution
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money