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. The event organisers reserve 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: 
  • Rethink: replace dangerous chemicals or materials with others that are less harmful to people and planet
  • Reduce: reduce volume and weight
  • Reuse: reuse materials
  • Repair: repair damaged materials instead of throwing them away
  • Recycle: give use to materials that would otherwise be thrown away

The following materials are strictly prohibited at Global Offshore Wind:

• 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.

Did you know that exhibitors who choose reusable stands can reduce stand waste by up to 80%? Reusable stands are also typically safer, cleaner, easier and more reliable to build.

Better Stands is a global programme designed to ensure that the core elements of exhibition stands are reused. By committing to the Better Stands framework, you can help us reduce the environmental impact of Global Offshore Wind 2026 and demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to sustainable and socially responsible events.

What’s in it for you?

- A higher quality, more attractive and sustainable stand.

- The opportunity to showcase your organisation’s sustainability credentials.

- Smoother, more efficient build up and breakdown periods.

- Reduced construction time and lower associated costs.

- Significant reductions in waste, helping to minimise or remove waste disposal charges.

What do you need to do?

To support Better Stands and contribute to a more sustainable event, we ask exhibitors to:

1. Familiarise themselves with the Better Stands framework(linked below).

2. Share these guidelines with your appointed contractor during the stand design process.

3. Work towards achieving at least Bronze level, meaning the stand structure and walls, platform or raised flooring, furniture, equipment and lighting are all reused.

4. Ensure your submitted stand design clearly demonstrates how the Better Stands requirements will be met.

Stand contractors for all Space Only stands must complete the Better Stands Pre-Show Survey.

To support all exhibitors in meeting the Better Stands guidelines, we will:

• Offer practical guidance and advice to help you identify sustainable solutions that work for your organisation and stand design.
• If all elements of your stand are fully reusable - congratulations, you have already achieved Gold level. Our Better Stands representatives will be onsite during build‑up and breakdown to verify this.
• Provide a post‑event report, sent by email, confirming your Better Stands rating and assessment outcomes.

If you require any further information or guidance on the Better Stands programme, please contact the RenewableUK Events Team at events@renewableuk.com.

Thank you for your support in helping us deliver Global Offshore Wind 2026 in a way that reflects the values of our sector and our shared commitment to sustainability.

• 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.