Sustainability

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

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.  

• VisitBritain event sustainability guidance   

• The Sustainability Hub for Events (SHE)   

• TRACE by isla carbon measurement tool

• event:decision AI-powered carbon footprint tracker

• The region’s Climate and Ecological Strategy

• Key regional sector strenghts Clean Tech and Energy and Food and Drink Innovation from Invest Bristol and Bath.

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.

• Bristol Clean Air Zone Vehicle Check    

• Bath Clean Air Zone Vehicle Check  

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.

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. 

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.