Our vision is that ELRIG will be a more sustainable organisation and network, focusing on two main pillars of environmental and social sustainability.
As part of this commitment and the creation of our new Sustainability Workgroup, we believe it is important to work with suppliers and venues that align with these values.
Therefore, we are excited to highlight some impressive initiatives led by ExCeL London, our venue for Drug Discovery 2024. ExCeL are leading by example, modeling a more sustainable, resource-efficient and equitable events space.
ExCel’s Sustainability Credentials & Partnerships
- ISO 14001 & ISO 20121: Ensures robust business and event sustainability management standards
- Carbon Neutral Certification: Accounts for the venue’s carbon emissions
- Planet Mark Business Certification: Accredits ExCel’s carbon footprint and reduction commitments.
- Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge: Signatory of the global pledge towards net-zero emissions, and active member in working groups.
- Isla Venue Member and Sustainability Partner: Provides organisers with access to carbon footprint reporting tools, to track the environmental impact of their events.
- AEV Sustainability Working Group Member: This membership supports wider sustainability initiatives across the industry.
Innovative Venue Features
These are just some of ExCel’s sustainable venue features…
- Renewable Energy: All electricity is sourced from renewables, and gas consumption is offset with Voluntary Carbon Offsets.
- Zero Waste-to-Landfill: ExCeL has had a zero-waste-to-landfill policy since 2012, with 71% of waste recycled and the rest used to create refuse-derived fuels.
- Water Conservation: Their waterless urinals save enough water annually to fill 6 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- Food Waste Recycling: They are home to one of the largest commercial wormeries, with 300,000 worms to recycle food waste.
- Plant-based Menus: 25% of catering menus serve plant-forward options, while 80% use British, seasonal produce.
- Living Wall: The promenade features a living wall with 9,000 plants, which remove air pollutants.
Community Engagement and Charity Support
Beyond environmental sustainability, ExCeL is also committed to supporting the local community. They partner with five local charities, including Community Food Enterprise, Newham All Star Sports Academy, and Richard House Children’s Hospice; supporting with social engagement, providing direct funding, and donating leftover food from events.
At ELRIG, we are proud to work with such a remarkable venue, whose initiatives align with our own goals around sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. Working together on Drug Discovery 2024, we aim to create an event that minimizes environmental impact while engaging meaningfully with the community.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our sustainability journey!