In an era where the pressing issue of environmental conservation has garnered heightened attention, the concept of sustainability has gained prominence across various sectors. Event venues are no exception to this paradigm shift. Their substantial environmental footprint, stemming from their vast scale, energy consumption, and waste production, underscores the need for change. Nevertheless, there is a burgeoning 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
Encouraging visitors to use public transport or close to urban areas can encourage attendees to use eco-friendly transportation options, reducing the carbon footprint of the event. 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., most notably the Eco Shuttle bus ticket and the park and ride offered by our 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. Did you know that 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 can also lower operating costs.
3. Water Conservation
Water is a precious resource, and Westpoint has recently installed low-flow faucets and water-efficient landscaping, reducing both our water consumption and power in heating less water.
4. Waste Minimisation and Recycling
Along with local business extensive waste reduction initiatives, encompassing recycling, composting, and the adoption of reusable products. These measures effectively decrease the volume of waste directed to landfills and promote resource conservation. W 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 eliminating single-use plastic and opting for biodegradable or reusable tableware which has significantly reduced waste.
WE now offer multiple use, branded Polycarbonate cups at all of our bars with a managed system for collecting in the cups – at large events ( such as World Darts!) 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 such as DAAT Volunteer Engagement Day when we invite over 300 Devon Air Ambulance Volunteers to our site and they get to see the helicopter land on our lawn. Our Annual Firework Display is run by Exeter Round Table and DAAT and has raised over £100,000 We open our arena for educational programmes about sustainability including the annual Farmwise event, where over 1,500 local schoolchildren get to experience the understand about farming in Devon and who food is produced on local farms
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