Sustainability | Horizon Leeds | meetings and conferences

Sustainability and Horizon Leeds

When we say that we are passionate about sustainability and the legacy we create, we mean it.

Fed up with the lack of digital-led venues in Leeds, NHS Confederation realised that the only way to achieve what they needed, was to pay through the nose to bring all the tech into hotel rooms, or do it themselves. So, when the third floor of Brewery Wharf, Leeds, became available, the chance to create something which could support NHS Confederation members, and the wider healthcare industry, became a reality. With many ideas on the drawing board, sustainability was already at the heart of the development process for the venue.

NHS Confederation is the membership organisation that brings together, supports, and speaks for the whole healthcare system in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Opening our event venue and facilities to all businesses, whilst ensuring rates remained low for healthcare providers, is a win win. Businesses can hold events at Horizon Leeds knowing it contributes to their own sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals. Plus, every pound they spend contributes to supporting the NHS Confederation.

A Greener Future is on the Horizon

Yearly pledges for lower impact and long-term gains 

Since our doors opened in 2014 our approach has not changed and, as a venue, it is important we address all areas of sustainability. To ensure, therefore, we retain an holistic approach, as part of our business objectives we create yearly pledges that fall into the following categories:

Social Sustainability Pledges
  • Provide free venue space to a charity once a quarter
  • Whenever possible, unwanted event catering will be donated to St Georges Crypt in support of those in need
  • Create an annual calendar of school, college and university talks to support and encourage new talent

How we support our local community in a positive and meaningful way. Discover more about Horizon Leeds Social Sustainability Pledges.

Environmental Sustainability Pledges
  • Supporting our clients’ sustainability goals
  • Green Meetings accreditation
  • Sustainable stationery policy
  • Guaranteed product repurposing options
  • Sustainable cleaning strategy

How we reduce the impact of the activity on the planet. Discover more about Horizon Leeds Environmental Pledges.

Economic Sustainability Pledges
  • Promoting reduced rates for NHS organisations
  • A green procurement strategy

How we embed green economics into our operations. Whether that be via suppliers or through access to services for the public sector and charities. Discover more about Horizon Leeds Economic Pledges. 

Find out what we’re doing to ensure we’re sustainable across all areas:

  • The venue is situated near major public transport hubs, including Leeds train station, Leeds bus station, Leeds Dock water taxi and close-by stops for the park-and-ride services
  • All transportation details are shared with our clients in pre-event information packs and via our website
  • Cycle storage facility available onsite for staff and delegates

  • All lighting in the venue is LED and where possible areas are motion sensor controlled, ensuring lighting is only on when required
  • We use 100% renewable energy and are always looking at ways to reduce the venue’s energy consumption
  • Ensuring all heating, coffee machines and technology is switched off on an evening

  • The venue does not use disposable crockery, glassware or utensils
  • Compostable takeaway cups, lids and stirrers are used for takeaway refreshments
  • The venue aims to achieve a ‘zero to landfill’ for all waste management. All general waste (everything which can’t be recycled) is sent off to be made into energy. The process is called refuse-derived fuel’. Not only does it save on landfill, but it also reduces carbon emissions involved with landfill
  • The venue ensures single-use plastics are kept to a minimum and encourages clients to also avoid

  • Our cleaning team is committed to using chemical-free and sustainable cleaning products as often as possible making the switch to Odorbac Tec – 100% Organic in 2021
  • Odorbac is non-hazardous, non-irritating, noncarcinogenic, environmentally friendly, and fully biodegradable. Tested to BS EN 1276 and BS EN 14476 protocols
  • All soap dispensers are refillable to ensure no single-use plastics are used
  • Aiming to reduce laundry requirements we only use tablecloths for dinner service

  • Locally sourced food created by a local supplier
  • Full vegan menus are available
  • Standard buffet menus are 50% vegetarian and vegan
  • Work with local homeless charities to donate leftover catering
  • Fairtrade coffee and traceable supply chain with SCA Green Professional Certification and UTZ certified
  • Removal of microplastics from teabags
  • Provide a variety of plant-based milks
  • The venue operates a water purification system on-site to eliminate unnecessary water bottle usage, transportation and waste, all water is served in reusable glass bottles

  • The venue has adopted the use of digital signage for all events however when paper signage is produced it is laminated for multiple use and displays are reused
  • We have a paper-free administration system including online contracts, customer summaries, invoicing and banking
  • Pens are made from recycled coffee beans

  • Providing a Broadcast Studio which enables clients to provide comms and training to remote delegates worldwide. This will minimise domestic and international travel
  • The venue offers a variety of virtual and hybrid packages providing an inclusive and sustainable option
  • We provide in-house AV including screens, projectors, cameras and microphones to minimise the movement of equipment
  • Breakout rooms include whiteboards which replace flipcharts

Our commitment to improving our sustainability also means we can support your CSR goals. We’d love to talk to you about your sustainability ambitions and how our values can support yours.

Serious about sustainability? So are we.

Green Meetings Accreditation

The new standard for sustainable meetings and events

Green meetings accreditation pending | Horizon Leeds | CSR

For over 25 years Green Tourism has assessed and accredited sustainable business practice. Now, they’ve created a new standard, specific to meeting and event venues.

Consolidating our commitment and credentials around reducing our impact on the planet, we’re working towards our Green Meetings accreditation.

Discover more on the Green Tourism website.