At UKREiiF, sustainability isn’t just a tick-box exercise, it’s at the heart of everything we do. Since our inception in 2022, we’ve been ISO 20121 Sustainable Event Management accredited, and from day one our mission has been clear: to create an inspiring, world-class event that puts people and the planet first.

So, how are we doing it?

Going Digital to Cut Waste

One of the biggest changes we’ve made is introducing our mobile app. Not only does it make life easier for delegates, but it’s also saved the equivalent of 688,000 printed pages. That’s a huge step towards cutting unnecessary waste. And for those times when something printed is essential, like our event map, we’ve gone for biodegradable paper stock, a little extra investment that makes a big difference.

Even the small details matter. Our lanyards are made from recycled PET materials and, once the event is over, they’re collected and recycled again through The Recycle Yard, ready to be reused at community events in Leeds.

Cutting Carbon and Smarter Energy Use

We know reducing carbon is one of the biggest challenges for large events. That’s why we’re reporting on our carbon footprint so we can measure and manage our impact more effectively. We’ve also cut down our reliance on generators by tapping into new venue power supplies and existing infrastructure. When generators are unavoidable, they run on Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which is far cleaner than traditional fuels.

On top of that, energy usage is carefully monitored in partnership with our venue teams, and because the venue runs on a renewable energy tariff, our power is as green as possible.

Supporting Communities and Local Business

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment, it’s also about people. Since we began, we’ve grown our donations to community interest companies by more than 600%, supporting smaller businesses and grassroots projects. We also funded transport for over 200 students from London and Manchester to come to the event, opening up opportunities to the next generation.

When it comes to suppliers, we choose carefully. From biodegradable event maps and cardboard magazine racks to locally sourced food vendors, we make sure procurement decisions support both the planet and the local economy.

Greener Travel Choices

Getting thousands of people to Leeds could have a huge environmental impact, but we’ve made it easier for delegates to choose sustainable travel. In previous years,  LNER has offered a 25% discount on train tickets, while First Bus provided a shuttle services from Leeds Station. For local journeys, we encourage water taxis, cycling (with bike sheds on-site), and even walking, with the help of maps from Leeds City Council. And for those up for a challenge, Club Peloton even organises a cycling trip to Leeds from other regions!

Reducing Waste, Reusing Materials

We’re proud to say none of our event waste ends up in landfill. A detailed waste report is produced after each event, giving us clear visibility of what’s recycled, reused or repurposed. In 2025 we also installed refillable water stations across the site so delegates can ditch single-use bottles and stay hydrated the sustainable way.

Championing Diversity and Inclusion

A truly sustainable event isn’t just environmentally friendly, it’s inclusive too. At UKREiiF we’ve made sure our speaker line-up has a strong balance of male and female voices and those from different backgrounds and experiences.

We’re also proud to work with partners like Regeneration Brainery, who have their own dedicated space at the event, as well as organisations including Black Professionals in Construction, Building Equality, Women in Property, Freehold, and RTPI. By offering free access to their members, we’re helping ensure that opportunities within the industry are open to everyone.

Sharing Our Journey

We are passionate about sharing what we’ve learned- whether it’s through LinkedIn Live sessions, industry podcasts, or thought leadership blogs, we want others in the industry to benefit from our experience. We also celebrate our partners through the Sustainability Champion Initiative, shining a light on those who’ve gone the extra mile to make UKREiiF more sustainable.

Recognition for Our Efforts

Our commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. We’ve been shortlisted and even won awards for our social value work under ISO 20121, and our delivery partner GES shares our accreditation too, so we’re aligned in our vision to create the most sustainable event possible.

Looking Ahead

For us, sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s who we are. From cutting carbon and waste to supporting local communities and championing diversity, we’re determined to show that large-scale events can be run responsibly without losing any of the buzz and energy that make them special.

UKREiiF isn’t just an event. It’s a movement towards a greener, fairer, and more inclusive future, and we’re proud to be leading the way.