Sustainability Guide

At RenewableUK we understand that our events can have an important environmental, social, and economic impact. That's why we work to integrate sustainability into our events and aim to get the balance right for social inclusion, environmental protection, and economic growth. We're committed to working closely with our exhibitors and sponsors to ensure the exhibition, and associated build, are as environmentally friendly as possible. 

We have put together these sustainability guidelines to help all our exhibitors and their stand contractors make their stands more sustainable. Please make sure you read this section carefully and make special note of the banned materials.

• Digital first: Consider replacing printed promotional materials with digital alternatives, such as brochures displayed on screens or portable devices.
• Sustainable merchandise: Choose items made from sustainable materials and sourced locally to minimise transportation impact. Avoid single-use plastic packaging for merchandise or giveaways.
• Prohibited plastic: The use of plastic, including packaging, cups, and bottles, is strictly forbidden. RenewableUK reserves the right to enforce this policy by requiring the removal of non-compliant items.
• When planning the design of your stand, apply the 5 Rs: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle. For example:

                               o Rethink: replace dangerous chemicals or materials with others that are less

                                  harmful to people and planet

                               o Reduce: reduce volume and weight

                               o Reuse: reuse materials

                               o Repair: repair damaged materials instead of throwing them away

                               o Recycle: give use to materials that would otherwise be thrown away

The following materials are strictly prohibited at any RenewableUK exhibition:

• Single-use MDF panels or non-recyclable core construction materials.
• Incandescent lighting; opt for energy-efficient alternatives.
• Single-use vinyl flooring.
• Non-recyclable carpets.
• The use of plastic, including packaging, cups, and bottles, is strictly forbidden 

Sustainable stand materials

• When using wood, wooden elements, or cardboard for your stand, ensure:
  • that it is FSC or PEFC labelled and/or 
  • that it has a certain percentage of recycled material and/or
  • that you know how its reuse will be monitored long term.
• When using an aluminium frame construction, ensure:
  • that it comes from manufacturers that use 100% renewable energy and/or
  • that the manufacturer has an environmental management system certified to ISO 14001 or EMAS standards, or equivalent
  • that you reuse the aluminium and when it is no longer in use; that you take it to an authorised waste management facility for recycling. Aluminium is indefinitely recyclable.
• Choose textiles with recycled or organic content and ensure post-event reuse or recycling.
• Use modular systems and avoid single-use materials for structural components. Consider frameworks and infills that can be repurposed for multiple clients.

Apply the 5 Rs: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle. 

For example:

• Avoid hazardous or non-recyclable materials.
• Use energy-efficient lighting (eg LEDs).
• Incorporate modular designs to enable reusability.

Reducing transport impact

• Prioritise local contractors and suppliers to minimise travel distances.
• Ensure transport and delivery use low-emission vehicles or alternative fuels.
• Plan packaging for multiple uses, employing recyclable or reusable materials

• Ensure your stand design includes access ways for wheelchair users.
• Create layouts that facilitate free movement for all visitors, including those with mobility aids.

• Plants and decor: Use natural potted plants, renting where possible. Plan their post-event donation to local organisations.
• Eco-friendly signage: Use compostable or biodegradable materials instead of vinyl or foamcore. Design signs for reuse at future events.
• Packaging reduction: Limit packaging, favouring recyclable materials like cardboard or paper, and avoid Styrofoam entirely.

• Reuse and donate: Reuse stand components or donate them to community organisations (eg textiles for repurposing, plants for replanting).
• Waste separation: Sort materials into recyclable streams to ensure compliance with sustainability standards, and ensure its transport to authorised facilities.

Exhibitors and contractors must submit a sustainability form reporting on the following:

1. All materials used in stand construction, noting certifications (eg FSC, recycled content).
2. Details of waste generated, separated by type (eg cardboard, metal, textiles) and quantities sent for recycling or reuse.
3. Energy-efficient measures implemented, such as LED lighting or renewable power usage.
4. Transport and logistics: transport methods and steps taken to reduce emissions, including local sourcing and crew travel arrangements.
5. Post-event actions: plans to reuse or donate materials (eg plants, textiles) and recycling efforts.
6. Sustainability innovations: any unique practices or initiatives implemented beyond the guidelines.

Exhibitor Sustainability Recognition Scheme

To better understand the impact of all our exhibition stands, and to support the sustainability efforts of our exhibitors, Global Offshore Wind 2025 is offering an Exhibitor Sustainability Recognition Scheme. The scheme, which is simple and quick to participate in, will enable us to assess our exhibitors and publicly recognise those who demonstrate the highest standards of both environmental and social sustainability. Deadline: 2 June.

Global Offshore Wind 2025 Space Only Contractor Sustainability Form

If you have a Space Only stand, your stand contractor must submit a separate stand contractor sustainability form by 16 May.