The Venues Collection is taking steps to deep decarbonisation with live data, innovative technology and a hands-on sustainability champion, Martin Lyons, the group’s estates manager.
With five residential event venues, many properties over a century old, Lyons has been instrumental in modernising these historic buildings without losing their charm, leading the installation of next-gen technologies and driving behavioural change on-site.
Key technological upgrades have been rolled out across all venues to boost sustainability and efficiency, including energy monitoring systems are now in place at every site, voltage optimisers to cut electricity consumption and reduce energy waste and new energy-efficient boilers.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems now generate 540,000 kWh of renewable energy on-site each year.
Water-saving measures, including low-flow shower heads and smart water management, are delivering annual savings of 640,000 litres.
Additionally, on-site composting systems are turning food, paper, and cardboard waste into nutrient-rich compost through aerated processes.
“Retrofitting historic venues is far from simple,” said Lyons.
“We’re balancing heritage with innovation, installing energy-efficient tech, overhauling heating systems, and using live data to help make better decisions for our business, guests and the planet.”
Recently, all venues have achieved Green Meetings accreditation at the ‘Silver’ level. Over the past 12 months, CO₂ emissions have been reduced by 500 tonnes. Water conservation efforts have saved 640,000 litres annually, while targeted energy monitoring has led to a 12% reduction in electricity use at one site. Additionally, smarter boiler systems have cut gas consumption by up to 46% in some venues.
The Venues Collection has also introduced energy league tables across its venues, encouraging friendly competition and sharing best practices. Each venue receives tailored audits and dashboards to empower on-site teams to reduce consumption and drive real change.
Lyons has also run sustainability workshops with everyone in the business, from front line staff to central teams so they can understand why it is so important, how it affects them and our customers.
“We’re not just talking about deep decarbonisation, we’re building it from the inside out, led by people who truly care,” said Joanne Barratt, managing director of The Venues Collection.
“We, as an industry need to be doing better now. The work Martin is doing is inspiring our entire team – and even influencing other parts of our parent company, Compass Group.”
Alongside infrastructure change, the group’s Future First Charter keeps its goals on track, supported by zero waste to landfill, carbon-labelled menus, the planned installation of solar-powered EV charging, and a biodiversity strategy across its 80-acre estate.
Pictured: Milton Hill House, Oxforshire, part of The Venue Collection
