Sustainability

Bristol, Bath, and the west of England are home to some of the UK and Europe’s most influential companies focussed on sustainable economies, including Tridos Bank, the Travel Foundation and the Soil Association.  Our impact on people and planet are at the heart of everything we do in the region.

Our aim is that the business events industry in the region addresses economic, social, and environmental sustainability, and that event organisers and delegates are provided with information to help them make good choices.

In 2015, Bristol was the European Green Capital, with a year long programme of events, and this legacy remains.  In addition to this, Bristol is the UK's first Cycling City, acknowledging the city's growing status as one of Europe's most bike-friendly destinations and is the hub of Britain's national cycle routes and home to Sustrans - Britain's leading sustainable transport charity. 

Bristol is also a Gold Sustainable Food City, recognising the positive work undertaken across the city’s food system, seeking to solve social, environmental, and economic issues.

Travel choices

For those travelling within the UK, rail provides a great option to arrive sustainability into our city centres, as well as reaching some venues through local stopping stations.

Bristol Temple Meads, Weston-super-Mare and Bath Spa stations are both located in their respective city and town centres, with Bristol Parkway serving the area north of Bristol. 

As the largest station, Bristol Temple Meads has connections both across the UK, and so any delegates unable to reach Bath, Weston-super-Mare, or other destinations directly, can usually change at Bristol Temple Meads.  The travel time to Bath can be as little as 11 minutes.  Find out more about our discounted delegate fares with GWR on their network.

Delegates departed rail services at Bristol maybe able to reach their destination by public ferry service or private boat hire can be arranged as well to wow your guests.

There are public bus services to Bristol, Bristol Airport, and other destinations.

Details are included in our Travel Information section.

There are Clean Air Zones in central Bristol and Bath, and so details should be shared with delegates in advance to check vehicle compliance. Please note, that different standards apply to each city, so if you intend of visiting both, please check both websites.

Bristol Vehicle Check link 

Bath Vehicle Check link

Walkable cities and venues

The region is blessed with over 400 parks and green spaces which provide a natural habitat for wildlife, help improve air quality and relaxing spaces for delegates.

Within the city and town centres, many venues are walkable from the station, or each other.   For more information about the closet venues to the railway station, coach station, and each other please contact us.

Sustainable venues

Many of the venues in the region have been independently accredited to recognise their commitment to sustainability, either through the Green Tourism Business Scheme or Green Keys.

These venues are committed to improving their carbon impact through energy use, supply chains and responsible business practices.

Many will be happy to discuss local food menus and local supply chains.

You can find a list of these venues here or contact us for more information.

Volunteering Opportunities

While we have many charities and organisations who welcome volunteers to help acheive their objectives, many will need longer term support that a one day volunteer programme.

If your company is looking at volunteering, why not try Neighbourly.  This Bristol based business can connect businesses with volunteer programmes or where opportunities exist  www.neighbourly.com/corporate-volunteering 

www.neighbourly.com/solution/product-surplus

There are monthly clean ups of Bristol Harbour, and all are welcome.  More details can be found at Clean Up Bristol Harbour

More about key sectors in the region

The West of England has set an ambitious goal for tackling climate change, committing to net zero carbon by 2030.

Invest Bristol and Bath have excellent resources that showcase key sector strengths in the region as well as those specifically Clean Tech and Energy and Food and Drink Innovation.

More about sustainability in the region

You can find the region’s Climate and Ecological Strategy here.