Sustainability

Let us help you plan sustainable business events in Bristol, Bath and the West of England, using local expertise and venues committed to sustainable practices.

Why Bristol and Bath for sustainable events?

  • 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 Triodos Bank, the Travel Foundation and the Soil Association.
  • Bristol is the only UK city to win the European Green Capital Award in 2015.
  • 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 Walk Wheel Cycle Trust - Britain's leading sustainable transport charity. 
  • Bristol is  a Gold Sustainable Food City, recognising the positive work undertaken across the city’s food system, seeking to solve social, environmental, and economic issues. 
  • West of England is committed to net zero carbon by 2030. You can find the region’s Climate and Ecological Strategy here.
  • Bristol has been an official Fairtrade City since 2005.
  • Bristol has been named the greenest city in England numerous times. 2019 (comparethemarket.com) 2020 (GoodMove) and 2024 (Millets).

 

Organise a sustainable event

Back to Top of List

As an event organiser, there are many ways in which you can support the West of England to help meet its ambitious goal for tackling climate change.

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. 

Find venues with green accreditation in Bristol and Bath

Many of the venues in the region have been independently accredited to recognise their commitment to sustainability. 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. 

Browse green-accredited venues in Bristol and Bath

Event Sustainability guides and toolkits

Back to Top of List

Integrating sustainability practices into event planning is a complex process. We have compiled some useful guides and toolkits below which will help to achieve the sustainability goals of your organisation and event.  

Getting here sustainably: Travel options for delegates

Back to Top of List

Share the information below with your delegates to support low-carbon travel choices.

Getting here by rail

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. The region is served by three central stations:

  • Bristol Temple Meads - Main hub, cross-UK connections, city centre location
  • Bath Spa - City centre location
  • Bristol Parkway - Serves north Bristol and connections from the Midlands and North
  • Weston-super-Mare - Town centre station for North Somerset events

Bristol Temple Meads to Bath Spa takes as little as 11 minutes by train.

Delegate rail discount: Find out more about GWR discounted delegate fares.

Arriving at Bristol Temple Meads: Onward options

Delegates arriving by train at Bristol Temple Meads may be able to reach their end destination by:

  • Public ferry service - a scenic and sustainable option along the harbourside
  • Private boat hire - available to arrange for a memorable delegate arrival experience
  • Walking - many central venues are within walking distance of the station
  • Public bus - services connect the station to Bristol Airport and wider destinations

Full transport details are available in our Travel Information section.

Driving and Clean Air Zones

Delegates travelling by car should be aware that both Bristol and Bath operate Clean Air Zones (CAZ) with different vehicle compliance standards. Share these links with delegates in advance.

Note: The two cities apply different restrictions. If delegates are visiting both on the same trip, they need to check compliance for each city separately.

Walkable cities and venues 

Back to Top of List

Both city centres are compact and highly walkable, with many venues within easy reach of railway stations, coach stops, and each other. Bristol's status as the UK's first Cycling City means cycling infrastructure is strong, and cycle hire is available.

The region has over 400 parks and green spaces providing a natural habitat for wildlife and helping to improve air quality. They also provide delegates with accessible outdoor breaks between sessions and natural spaces for informal networking. 

How can we help?

Back to Top of List

The Visit West Convention Bureau offers free, expert support to help you meet your event's sustainability goals, from venue sourcing and delegate travel planning to connecting you with local sustainable suppliers and experiences.

Need help discussing how your sustainability goals for your event can be achieved? Contact us on events@visitwest.co.uk to discuss. 

Event Sustainability Guides

We have compiled some useful guides and toolkits which will help to achieve the sustainability goals of your organisation and event. Contact us on events@visitwest.co.uk to discuss how your sustainability goals for your event can be achieved.

Make long term positive impacts

We are passionate to work with every event organiser to explore opportunities to deliver a lasting and positive event legacy for each event we host in the city from a social, economic and environmental perspective.

Play your part

As a delegate visiting the West of England region there are plenty of ways you can play your part in taking control of your sustainable event experience.

Bristol's green credentials and accolades

Future Leap LogoBristol Fairtrade City LogoGold Sustainable Food City LogoGDS Global Destination Sustainability Movement LogoBristol Climate & Nature Partnership Partner Logo

 

Ready to plan your event?