How to plan a sustainable corporate event in London

Why sustainability matters for corporate events in 2026

Corporate events can carry a significant environmental footprint, particularly when large numbers of people, suppliers and materials need to come together for a single day. Travel, catering, production and waste all play a part, which is why clients, guests and internal teams are paying closer attention to how events are planned.

A lower-impact event still needs to feel enjoyable, professional, and appropriate for the audience. The difference is that practical choices are made with more thought from the start, from the location and menu to the materials used on the day.

For companies planning corporate events in London, the venue is one of the most important decisions. Guest travel can be one of the largest contributors to an event’s overall carbon footprint, and that choosing a venue with easy public transport access can make a meaningful difference. Responsible catering and credible environmental credentials can also help organisers make more informed choices without overcomplicating the planning process.

What B Corp certification means for your event partner

B Corp certification helps organisers assess whether a venue’s sustainability commitments are embedded in how the business is run, rather than a single initiative or marketing claim. It looks at areas such as environmental impact, people, community and accountability, giving clients a more rounded view of the organisation behind the event.

Regent’s Events achieved B Corp certification in 2025. For corporate clients, this adds another layer of confidence when choosing a London event venue, particularly when environmental responsibility is part of the brief from the beginning.

How to make an event sustainable from the planning stage

Responsible planning is much easier to build into an event before the main decisions have been made. Once the venue, format, suppliers and schedule are already fixed, there is often less room to reduce waste or choose lower-impact options without creating extra work.

The planning stage is the right time to look at what the event genuinely needs. A half-day conference, awards dinner and summer networking reception will each place different demands on the venue, catering, production and guest experience. Decisions around attendance, travel, set-up, service and supplier access can then be made with the format in mind, rather than treated as separate sustainability measures later.

It also helps to keep the brief focused. An event with a clear purpose is usually easier to plan responsibly because there is less temptation to add unnecessary materials, décor, production or activity. From the first planning conversation, sustainability should be considered alongside budget, audience, timings and guest experience.

Sustainable catering for corporate events

Food and drink play a central role in the guest experience, which makes catering one of the most practical areas for improving sustainability. Seasonal menus, carefully planned quantities, plant-based dishes and thoughtful service formats can all reduce waste while still creating a strong impression.

Regent’s Events’ food and drink offering is delivered on site by its in-house caterers, Houston & Hawkes, who are also B Corp certified. This supports joined-up menu planning, service timings, and event logistics, from bowl food and grazing boards to canapés, formal dining, or a larger street-food-style concept.

Good catering choices should reflect both the audience and the occasion. A breakfast briefing may need efficient service and lighter options, while a summer reception may suit sharing dishes or stations that encourage movement.

How to make your events more sustainable without increasing cost

Making an event more environmentally conscious does not always mean adding new suppliers or increasing the budget. In many cases, it comes from using fewer materials, making better use of what is already available and avoiding last-minute decisions that create extra cost.

Digital invitations and online agendas can reduce print spend. Seasonal menus offer better value because ingredients are planned around availability. Reusable signage, simpler décor and carefully chosen room layouts can also help reduce waste without making the event feel less complete.

Supplier planning can make a difference too. Working with a venue that has in-house catering, established processes and trusted supplier relationships can reduce duplication, transport and unnecessary coordination. When sustainability is built into the brief early on, it can support a more efficient and more responsible event.

Planning a sustainable event with Regent’s Events

Planning a lower-impact corporate event comes down to making practical choices early and working with a venue that can support them. Location, catering, supplier coordination and guest experience all influence how responsible the final event feels.

At Regent’s Events, we offer a central London setting for businesses planning meetings, conferences, away days, summer parties and formal receptions. Our B Corp certification, in-house catering partnership and experience across different corporate formats help organisers create events that feel professional, enjoyable and more carefully planned from the start.