10 Sustainable Venues Leading the Way in 2025
Sustainability is no longer a side note in event planning — it’s a core expectation. From carbon reduction to community impact, venues across the UK and Europe are rethinking how they host meetings and events.
At Venue Path, I’m always on the lookout for spaces that don’t just talk about sustainability but actively embed it in their operations. Here are ten that stand out for their commitment to doing things better — from net-zero hotels and purpose-built green venues to forward-thinking conference centres.
(Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list — there are many other brilliant venues working hard to make meetings and events more sustainable. These are simply ten I’d highlight for their strong practices and measurable progress.)
The Studio Venue Group (UK-wide)
With venues in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow, The Studio holds Greengage ECOsmart Gold and Platinum accreditations. They use 100% renewable electricity, prioritise plant-based catering, and have eliminated single-use plastics across all locations.
voco Zeal Exeter Science Park (by IHG)
The UK’s first branded net-zero carbon hotel, designed to Passivhaus and BREEAM Outstanding standards. Powered entirely by renewables, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable hotel and meeting-space design.
Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre
A Verified Net Zero Hotel, operating without gas and powered by 100% renewable electricity. Meetings here are supported by low-carbon menus, eco-certified suppliers and advanced energy-efficient systems.
Etihad Stadium, Manchester
Beyond matchdays, the Etihad is one of the city’s most forward-thinking venues for meetings and events. It runs on 100% renewable power, operates a zero-waste-to-landfill policy, and partners with local suppliers to reduce food miles and waste.
Treehouse Hotel Manchester
Opened in March 2025, Treehouse Manchester brings a playful yet purposeful approach to sustainable hospitality. Built using reclaimed and natural materials, the hotel runs on 100 % renewable energy and operates with a strict zero single-use plastic policy. Living walls, rooftop gardens and local partnerships make it a standout example of how urban hotels can blend creativity with genuine environmental responsibility.
ICC Wales
Purpose-built with sustainability at its core, ICC Wales runs on renewable electricity, champions biodiversity and water reduction, and engages organisers to deliver greener conferences and exhibitions.
Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)
The EICC operates on 100% renewable energy and applies circular-economy principles across its catering and waste systems. It was one of the first UK venues to sign the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, with transparent reporting on its progress.
The Barbican Centre (London)
One of London’s most distinctive arts and conference venues, the Barbican is carbon-neutral in operations, sources 100% renewable electricity, and maintains ISO 14001 environmental management certification. Its catering team is Food Made Good Gold rated and focused on seasonal, locally sourced menus.
The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD)
Constructed as a carbon-neutral building, The CCD integrates renewable energy, waste reduction and responsible sourcing throughout its operations. Its sustainability team actively supports clients in hosting ISO 20121-aligned events.
Hotel Arts Barcelona, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel (Spain)
Certified BREEAM In Use Excellent and Biosphere Certified, this luxury coastal hotel runs on 100% renewable energy and has committed to reducing energy use by 30% and water by 40% versus 2019 levels. It blends five-star hospitality with genuine sustainable practice for meetings and incentives.
These highlights are based on publicly available sustainability information and certifications — credit to the venues and teams continuing to lead the way toward greener events.
Planning Events with Sustainability in Mind
If you’re planning an event and want to understand how to make your choices more sustainable, read my practical guide:
👉 https://venuepath.co.uk/insights/planning-events-with-sustainability-in-mind a step-by-step look at how to build sustainability into your sourcing, suppliers and delegate experience.
Final Thoughts
Every year, more venues are making real progress: whether that’s switching to renewable energy, reducing waste, supporting biodiversity, or rethinking how people travel to events. The shift towards sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress.
Choosing a sustainable venue is one of the simplest and most visible ways to make your event more responsible and to show attendees and stakeholders that your brand values action over aspiration.