Taking action to ensure a sustainable future

Decarbonising the events industry, together

At RX, we’re serious about sustainability. We are founding members of the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge to make our company, our events and the wider events industry net zero. We commit to being net zero by 2040 and to make a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. In 2023 we published our pathway to net zero, setting out our reduction strategy with key milestones for all our events.

Given the complex nature of our supply chain and the emissions associated with a show, it is only by working together as an industry that we will be able to reduce our impact. We are building a company of net zero heroes to take action and ensure a sustainable future. It’s only by working together as an energy industry that we will achieve our goals.

Sustainability is a key factor, and this year, we’re working to make our net zero goals inclusive of all visitors and exhibitors, for the most carbon friendly Oceanology International ever. With 91% of exhibiting companies already taking measures to reduce their event impact on the environment, we are diving into new practices this year on how to make stands more sustainable, as well as taking measures to recycle more, and decarbonise the supply chain.

Our main focus for our sustainability this year lies in reducing our consumption of disposable materials, and instead investing in new methods of sustainability, like reusable lanyards, badge holders, and more. If you’re interested in learning more or have an affinity for improving the carbon footprint of your company, come together to exhibit with us.

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What are we doing for sustainability at Oceanology International?

Net Zero Carbon Events

RELX signed The Climate Pledge which commits RX to net zero no later than 2040. The Net Zero Carbon Events industry roadmap recommends companies address all three Scopes. RELX, our parent company monitors and reports our Scope 1 and 2 emissions so this document will focus on the event-related Scope 3 emissions regardless of which stakeholder (venue, organiser, general service contractor, etc.) ultimately reports the emissions.

Event Production

Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of digital signage where possible, and eco-friendly printing processes used by our suppliers. Employing water-based inks, they ensure a clean printing experience without harmful VOCs.

Our signage is designed for easy recycling, contributing to a greener future. The non-dated signage allows for continual reuse, emphasizing our dedication to environmentally responsible practices.

Our shell scheme stands as a versatile, eco-friendly solution, serving multiple events year after year. All light fittings feature energy-efficient LED lights, reducing power consumption and the need for frequent replacements.

In line with our commitment to sustainability, the exhibition-specific carpet is recovered post-show and recycled, repurposing it into new, environmentally friendly products.

Recyclable items

Items provided to exhibitors and visitors, such as lanyards and badge holders are now recyclable. Join us in our commitment to sustainability!

Carry Less, Collect more

As a company, for over 5 years RX has been investing and developing a more streamlined and sustainable event experience with our cutting-edge digital tools designed for both exhibitors and visitors. Say goodbye to paper waste and hello to efficiency. Seamlessly collect and manage onsite information with our innovative solutions. No need to carry around or display printed brochures and cards, have a lighter and more sustainable experience.

Energy

Excel London is immensely proud of their sustainability credentials, most notably being certified carbon neutral in 2022 – alongside being the first UK venue to achieve international recognised PAS 2060 status. Excel London also procures 100% renewable electricity, sends zero waste to landfill (and have done for more than 10 years), earning the 'Triple Crown of Sustainability' and even housing one of the UK's largest wormeries.

Waste

Excel London has operated a zero waste-to-landfill policy since 2012, with 71% of waste recycled in 2021 and the remaining 29% used to create refuse-derived fuels. Excel London is also home to one of the largest commercial wormeries, containing 300,000+ worms to recycle food waste.

Food & Beverage

Water fountains are installed throughout the venue boulevard, resulting in 200,000 fewer plastic bottles used every year. Over 50% of venue catering menus service plant-forward, vegan or vegetarian options, which rises to 100% of the Oi in-hall options.

Join us on our path to sustainability -
every step together counts towards making a sustainable future.

The RX Sustainability Pledge for Events

As a leading event organiser we bring whole industries together which can advance sustainability – playing a role in educating and influencing behaviour with a large number of stakeholders.

Our events have an impact, and we are committed to minimising those that are negative while continually seeking ways to positively contribute to sustainable development.

Our approach is guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, prioritising those where we can have the greatest impact and demonstrating leadership through programming and content across our events.

Join us on our journey towards creating a lasting, sustainable impact on the events business. The RX Roadmap to Net Zero sets out how we will reduce carbon emissions and waste at all our events along with supporting venues to make sustainable supplier choices and power our events with clean, renewable energy sources. It's going to take dedication and industry-wide collaboration, but we're ready!

Download RX Roadmap to Net Zero

A message from RX

At RX, we are serious about sustainability. We are founding members of the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge to make our company, our shows and the wider events industry net zero. We commit to being Net Zero by 2040 and to make a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

In 2023 we will publish our pathway to net zero, setting out our reduction strategy with key milestones for all our shows. Given the complex nature of our supply chain and the emissions associated with a show, it is only by working together as an industry that we will be able to reduce our impact. We are building a company of net zero heroes to take action and ensure a sustainable future.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals

Environmental

We want to ensure responsible consumption and production throughout the value chain of our events. Our priorities include reducing waste and eliminating materials that cannot be reused or recycled. We are committed to working with our suppliers and exhibitors to ensure sustainability is considered at all stages of an event and seek to select suppliers and partners who demonstrate a responsible approach to managing their environmental impact.

We are committed to reducing our contribution to climate change by reducing the carbon intensity of our operations and by working in partnership with venues, suppliers, exhibitors and delegates to better understand and achieve emissions reductions across our industry.

We will work with each of the industries we serve to provide content that supports their own priorities to decarbonsite their operations.

Social

We believe that our events are important platforms for the industries we serve to visibly progress their goals of gender equality and the empowerment of all women. As the Organiser, we are committed to ensure each of our events has content, leadership and engagement to further gender equality.

Equality enables business progress. Different perspectives bring innovation, new ideas and greater discussion, leading to better decision-making and outcomes. Our events are platforms for the industries we serve to demonstrate where people feel valued, have equal opportunities and benefit from equality, regardless of their gender, gender identity, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability status. Through this we will reduce inequality within and across countries.

Economic

Our events have a role to play in promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. We are committed to supporting productive activities, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encouraging the formalisation and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises through our face-to-face and digital platforms. We respect labour rights and work to provide a safe and secure work environment for all those involved in the delivery of our events.

We believe that our events have an important role to play in advancing understanding, debate and action across industries in support of the Goals. We are committed to inspiring action, fostering partnerships and demonstrating leadership through sustainability programming across our events.

RX

RXUK Sustainability

Our Sustainability Stories

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