In an era where the pressing issue of environmental conservation has gained heightened attention, the concept of sustainability has gained prominence across various sectors. Event venues are no exception. Their substantial environmental footprint, stemming from their vast scale, energy consumption, and waste production, underscores the need for change. Nevertheless, there is a movement focused on transforming event venues into more eco-friendly spaces, driven by green initiatives and environmentally conscious design.
At Westpoint, sustainability is all about making sure that our event spaces have a minimal negative impact on the environment. This involves reducing waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions while also considering the well-being of attendees and the local community.
1. Location and Transportation
We encourage many of our events to provide private coach transport from across the region and many events put on free coach transfers from Exeter St David’s Train station, most notably the Eco Shuttle bus ticket and the park and ride offered by two of our largest events: the Fireworks and The Devon County Show. The local No 9 / 9a buses Stagecoach Bus Service stops outside our main gates . Additionally, we provide bicycle racks ( and have shower facilities on site) and will soon be able to offer electric vehicle charging stations.
2. Energy Efficiency
Event venues consume a significant amount of energy, mainly for lighting, and heating. Westpoint has over 800 solar panels on the roof of our building that provides 60% of the electrical consumption required to run our arena. These systems are not only better for the environment but significantly lower operating costs.
3. Water Conservation
Water is a precious resource, and Westpoint has recently installed low-flow faucets, reducing both our water consumption and power in heating less water.
4. Waste Minimisation and Recycling
.We recycle over 90% of the waste that comes through our doors with the help of Devon Contract Waste Management and sponsors Coastal Recycling
5. Eco-Friendly Food and Beverage Practices
Sourcing local, organic, and sustainably produced food and beverages for our delegates and events can reduce the carbon footprint associated with catering. We strive to eliminate single-use plastic and opt for biodegradable or reusable tableware, which has significantly reduced waste.
We provide multiple use, branded Polycarbonate cups at all of our bars with a managed system for collecting in the cups – at large events we typically use over 4,000 reusable cups rather than 40,000 single use plastic cups – a massive saving, both financially and environmentally.
6. Community Engagement
Engaging with the local community is an essential aspect of our sustainability. This can involve supporting local environmental initiatives such as The Woodland Trust Free Trees for Farmers Initiative, providing space for community events at our expense. WE host an Annual Firework Display run by Exeter Round Table and Devon Air Ambulance Trust which has raised over £100,000 for local charities. We open our arena for educational programmes including the annual Farmwise event, where over 1,500 local schoolchildren spend the day learning about farming in Devon and how food is produced on local farms. We also host an annual sustainable farming conference, Rootstock, that in aimed at South West farmers planning a more resilient, profitable, regenerative way of farming.
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