Unique Venues Birmingham wins prestigious sustainability award

Unique Venues Birmingham has been awarded the Greengage ECOsmart 2023 Silver Award in recognition of their work towards achieving greater sustainability. To achieve this award, businesses undertake an extensive accreditation process.

Greengage ECOsmart is a business travel and events industry certification that recognises organisations who can demonstrate a comprehensive approach to environmental sustainability within their business and who promote a green approach with their clients. It is increasingly recognised as the credible and affordable marque that organisations can display to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and achievement of recognised standards.

For the last few months, Amy Tregellis, Events & Technical Project Coordinator and Joanne Jenkinson, Hospitality Director at UVB, have been following the extensive Greengage accreditation process to enable UVB to gain this award which reflects their commitment to sustainability. Part of UVB, the Library of Birmingham has a BREEAM accreditation for its sustainable build, and now it is great to see UVB have its own recognition for its work towards greater sustainable practices. UVB has an ongoing commitment to work with conference and event organisers to confidently reduce and track the carbon footprint of hosting their event at a UVB venue.

To reduce food waste, UVB continues to partner with Let’s Feed Brum to donate surplus food from events to those in Birmingham who are living on the streets. All UVB clients have the option to donate the food and soft drinks left over after their event.

UVB has strived to make lasting changes in their business and sustainable measures implemented include selecting locally sourced suppliers with sustainable practices wherever possible. UVB no longer places pads and pens directly on the conference tables, but provides them in one central place, requesting delegate only use what they need. All stationery is made from recycled products, and they provide water in glass bottles instead of single-use plastic.

Suzanna Reid Barreiro da Silva, Managing Director at UVB says “We are proud to be recognised in our work towards adopting sustainable practices and lowering our carbon footprint. UVB is among the many UK businesses leading the way towards greater sustainability and in offering clients a more eco-conscious choice when it comes to hosting events. We are continually striving towards adopting more sustainable options across everything we do.