Olympia’s event business has released its annual Grand Plan report, showcasing its ESG activity and results for 2024, and progress towards net zero.
The Grand Plan, Olympia’s ESG strategy, focuses on three key areas across Community, Environment and Collaboration where the business can deliver maximum impact for the events industry, its local community and the environment. Driven by 22 sustainability ambassadors from across the company and its service partners, the programme aims to drive meaningful change by reducing the venue’s footprint on the environment, serving as a hub for the local community, and collaborating with all stakeholders to accelerate sustainable action.
The report revealed key insights into the venue’s reduction and waste management practices, reporting a 33% YOY reduction in food waste per cover, and therefore associated carbon emissions between 2023-2024. The venue continued to successfully divert 100% of waste from landfill for its 13th consecutive year and slightly increased its recycling rate from 98% to 98.22%. The venue also donated 2.4 tonnes of surplus food to local charities through its ongoing partnership with City Harvest.
Commenting on this progress, Siân Richards, Head of Sustainability at Olympia Events, said: “These annual reports ensure we are on track to meet the requirements set out in our roadmap to net zero and can communicate this progress transparently with the rest of the industry. While it offers a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate all the successes throughout the year, it equally provides an opportunity to identify areas for further improvement.”
To better inform its carbon footprint, the venue issued a bespoke emissions reporting tool to its top 75% emitting suppliers to gather more reliable data and help measure Scope 3 emissions. The venue also co-funded an industry-wide carbon literacy training programme, providing accessible education for event professionals to enhance their understanding of carbon impact and climate action.
“There is still a long way to go to reach our goal of net zero by 2050 and with 92% of our carbon footprint coming from Scope 3 emissions, fostering collaboration with our network of suppliers and partners must form a key part of our approach going forward.”
Siân Richards, Head of Sustainability, Olympia Events
Several significant contributions were made to the community in 2024. A total of £55,000 was raised and donated to charity, and through its charitable trust, the venue provided over £27,000 in grants to local schools and community projects, supporting education and enrichment programs for students and residents. Additionally, Olympia staff volunteered 280 hours for various community projects throughout the year.
Olympia Events’ CEO, Andy O’Sullivan reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability by stating that it forms a key part of the business’ corporate strategy and is fundamental to Olympia’s overall mission.
“Our team’s dedication and hard work in driving practices across the business that not only reduce our environmental impact and enrich the lives of our local community, but are also industry-leading, is something I’m incredibly proud of. Innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for positive change is at the heart of how we operate and is certainly where we’re headed with the launch of the destination later this year. I’m excited to see how the team will continue to push boundaries, as we no doubt continue to make strides in this area.”
Andy O'Sullivan, CEO, Olympia Events
Read Olympia’s full 2024 Grand Plan report here.
Watch The Grand Plan video here.