Lime Venue Portfolio details how it is striving towards a sustainable future

arlier this year , isla launched its first Temperature Check for the events industry . The study , which kicks off an annual benchmarking exercise for the industry ’ s efforts in creating greener events , was one we entirely endorse .

Equally , while much of the report showed a gargantuan task for the industry as it strives to become more sustainable , there were signs of positivity , specifically around food . The report read that 55 % of all meals recorded are now meat-free , showing a trend toward plant-based catering and stated that ‘ This can reduce emissions by up to 97 % per meal , making this one of the easiest and most effective actions to take to reduce carbon emissions .’

Lime Venue Portfolio has been a contributor in bringing this

“ Scope Three ... is about trying to effect suppliers and partners in our world to support our ambitions “

discussion up the news agenda , raising awareness of the importance of plant-first eating and creating evidence , information , menus and products that make it easy to switch .

Route map However , this is low hanging fruit when it comes to sustainability , the hard bit is about to begin . For us , this involves three major projects .

The first is Scope Three emissions , those that are not directly controlled by you or your business . For instance , a few years back we committed to zero air freight . We don ’ t have any aeroplanes , but we were able to affect a tiny part of the transport industry . This is about trying to effect suppliers and partners in our world to support our ambitions . Our Meetings For Change Day Delegate product is built on this change ; 80 % of ingredients are British grown , 40 % of our event menus are plant-forward , with a focus on only seasonal fruit and vegetables .

We also believe in zero waste and are working with responsible and Fairtrade suppliers in line with our climate promise . Our efforts in creating a sustainable food system to help reverse climate change is part of our commitment to support our parent company to reach net zero by 2030 .

The second is more ambitious . The way food is farmed is not in keeping with the nature and it ’ s time that the previous 3.5bn years of evolution has its say , rather than the last 100 years of mass farming . Our BioHub at Ings Farm is already making a difference . We ’ re seeing the ‘ nature-based-design ’ aspects of the project ( quite literally ) bear fruit , and we ’ re seeing carbon being put back into the soil , not taken out of it .

Lastly , we are now looking to legacy . How can the events we host leave long term and lasting benefits for communities , locally , nationally , and globally . What can large numbers of people do when they are brought together and asked to do something good .

Lime Venue Portfolio are making it easy for event professionals to book a sustainable event at one of their 80 leisure attractions , sporting stadiums , racecourses , exhibition and conference centres and purpose-built training and residential venues . CN

l www . limevenueportfolio . com enquiries @ limevenueportfolio . com 0845 517 0617