Planning a Christmas party should be an exciting prospect – choosing the venue, picking the most tempting menus and going all-in on the excess. But after the party, what happens to the food that wasn’t consumed? How much impact did all that excess have on the planet? This Christmas, why not make your celebration both festive and eco-friendly? Hosting a sustainable office Christmas party not only helps the environment but also sets a positive example for your team and stakeholders. Here’s how you can make your office Christmas party green and unforgettable.

Choosing a Sustainable Venue

The first step in planning a sustainable Christmas party is selecting the right venue. Knowing the right questions to ask can reveal the true sustainability of an event venue. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Accessibility: Choose a venue with good access via public transport, ensuring it is convenient for all guests, including those with disabilities. Venues near major train stations or bus routes make it easier for everyone to attend sustainably.
2. Environmental Policies: Ask potential venues about their in-house environmental policies. Look for places that have committed to reducing their carbon footprint, waste management practices and energy efficiency.
3. Sustainability Focus: Select a venue that prioritises sustainability issues. Make it clear that their commitment to the environment is a significant reason for your choice, encouraging them to maintain and enhance their green practices.
4. On-Site Equipment: Opt for venues that provide in-house technical equipment and support. This reduces the need for transporting additional gear, which can lower the overall carbon footprint of your event

Spotlight on Sustainable Venues

Here are some top sustainable venues in London that can help you celebrate your office Christmas party in style while keeping your carbon footprint in check:

RSA House

• Overview: RSA House is an iconic venue offering a variety of spaces suitable for parties, lunches, dinners, and receptions. Whether you’re planning a large Christmas party for up to 220 guests or an intimate dinner for 20, RSA House has the perfect spot.
• Sustainability Initiatives: RSA House is on track to achieve net zero emissions by 2025. Their green initiatives include minimal food wastage through careful menu planning, food waste collection by Greener than Greener and the collection of waste oil to be turned into bio diesel. The kitchen also runs on 100% green energy with no gas appliances and offers plant-based menus, including vegan fine dining.

Central Hall Westminster

• Overview: As one of London’s largest corporate event venues, Central Hall Westminster offers a range of spaces across four floors, accommodating from 20 to 2,400 guests.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The venue holds a Platinum Venue Award from EcoSmart for its eco-friendly practices. Their CSR policy includes responsible procurement, using local suppliers, recycled materials and biodegradable products. Their on-site catering partner, Green & Fortune, ensures sustainable catering practices. The venue’s central location provides excellent public transport links, making it easy to reach sustainably.

BMA House

• Overview: Located in Bloomsbury, BMA House is perfect for events of various sizes, from grand dinners to intimate receptions. Whether you’re looking to host a show-stopping 200-guest dinner, or organise a glittering drinks reception for 50, you’ll be able to take your pick of stunning rooms.
• Sustainability Initiatives: BMA House has reduced its delegate carbon footprint by 69% since 2018 and decreased water usage significantly. They work with suppliers who share their dedication to corporate and environmental responsibility, offer seasonal menus with food mileage transparency, and feature a sustainable wine list. Their efforts have earned them Platinum ECOsmart and Gold Green Tourism accreditations. Seasonal menu options include food mileage transparency and ‘Wine with a Conscience” sustainable wines lists.

Barbican

• Overview: For a unique Christmas party, the Barbican, Europe’s largest multi-arts center, offers an iconic setting with its brutalist architecture and lush Conservatory, home to exotic fish, terrapins and over 1,500 species of temperate plants and trees, some of which are rare and endangered in their native habitat. The Garden Room is the perfect location for your festive celebrations. It can host up to 300 people for a reception and when combined with the Conservatory and Conservatory Terrace, can accommodate up to 650 people.
• Sustainability Initiatives: The Barbican aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2027 for its operations and by 2040 for its supply chain. The venue has won multiple awards for sustainability and continues to lead in green practices.

11 Cavendish Square

• Overview: This Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse offers classic and modern elegant spaces, including the stunning Orangery for Christmas parties. A mere stone’s throw away from Oxford Circus, there are 20 different rooms to choose from, with capacity for up to 200-300 guests. For Christmas, their opulent and breathtaking Orangery will be the main party space. It comes with an adjacent Courtyard, Green House & Edwards Room and is ideal for private parties as well as larger ones.
• Sustainability Initiatives: 11 Cavendish Square aims for ‘zero to landfill’ waste, with food waste anaerobically digested to create compost for farms and non-recyclable waste turned into clean electricity. The venue is centrally located, offering easy access via public transport, and is a Gold-standard accredited venue with Carbon Smart.

Plan Your Sustainable Office Christmas Party with Evolve

Ready to host a sustainable office Christmas party? Evolve can help you find the perfect venue with our free venue-finding service. Our team specialises in locating venues that match your needs and values. Contact us today to start planning a Christmas celebration that’s both joyful and sustainable.

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For more ideas, or for more information about selecting the perfect event venue and then planning and styling it, don’t hesitate to contact our award winning team. We have the experience and local knowledge to assist you with finding your perfect venue, then curating the entertainment, catering and logistics to create an unforgettable experience.

TEL : 020 7610 2808 – EMAIL : anna@evolve-events.com