Midlands-based events venue, Telford International Centre, has outlined its latest sustainable investments.
Recent developments include the replacement of all lighting in its 10,000sqm of exhibition halls to LED lights – estimated to save over 70% in electricity.
It has also installed new fast-charging (22kWh) electric vehicle charging points, which are open for anyone visiting the centre or staying at one of its on-site hotels.
Existing sustainable investments include energy-saving appliances, water-saving taps, event-by-event utility usage monitoring, ‘switch off’ policies for facilities and the removal of all single-use plastics.
The bigger picture: industry collaboration
The latest developments also demonstrate the centre’s commitment to the Association of Event Venues’ (AEV) sustainability principles.
Telford International Centre is a member of and actively contributes to a cross-association sustainability working group comprising the Association of Event Venues (AEV), the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) and the Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA).
The group brings together venue and wider event industry representatives to share best practice and plans for delivering on carbon neutrality, Net Zero and social responsibility ambitions.
Progress across the working group’s members is self-assessed against the AEV’s criteria, where 12 principles are outlined under three focus areas: environment, education and collaboration.
Telford International Centre has been a member of the sustainability group since 2019 and is using the principles as a guide to evolve its action plan and to help prioritise sustainability projects.
Duncan Rae, group food and beverage director, Telford International Centre, said: “Our latest investments show we are progressing towards our target to be Net Zero by 2050 by targeting key operational areas. Embedding a sustainability plan is a step-by-step, long-term commitment supported by prioritised financial investment and team engagement.
“It is driven by our responsibility to all our clients, attendees and employees to develop systems and processes that put this at the heart of our operational and reputational practice.”
