Legacy in Action: How GL events UK is shaping sustainable event infrastructure

GL events UK takes legacy seriously, ensuring that the events it supports leave a positive impression on host areas without causing lasting environmental harm. With extensive experience in event overlay, the company understands sustainable event management is key for event organisers. Consequently, it is equipped to operate in even the most sensitive locations, from historic landmarks to fragile ecosystems, ensuring these areas remain virtually untouched by temporary infrastructure.

Each year, GL events UK strives to minimise its carbon footprint further and improve its sustainability practices. Under the guidance of sustainability specialist Jamie Connolly, the company has mapped out a clear roadmap towards becoming a more sustainable business. This article explores the specific steps GL events UK is taking to provide sustainable event infrastructure and outlines its ambitious goals for a greener future in the events industry.

GL events UK is currently focused on assessing its material risks across the entire supply chain in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of its carbon footprint. This involves gathering detailed data and information to establish a carbon inventory, which will provide a clear picture of the company's environmental impact across all business units.

By compiling this carbon footprint data, GL events UK is preparing to announce its baseline year. This baseline will serve as a critical reference point for measuring progress and tracking performance against the company’s long-term sustainability goals. In line with the Group's global targets, GL events UK aims to achieve a 50% reduction in event-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a complete reduction by 2050. This structured approach ensures that the company’s sustainability efforts are both measurable and aligned with its broader commitments to environmental responsibility.

The business is committed to achieving year-on-year reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across its entire supply chain. The primary goal is to meet the broader Group targets of a 50% reduction in event-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Beyond internal goals, GL events UK is dedicated to supporting its customers and clients on their own sustainability journeys, helping them to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their events. This includes providing sustainable event solutions and sharing expertise to enable customers to minimise their environmental impact.

Additionally, GL events UK is actively working with key suppliers to promote greenhouse gas reductions throughout the supply chain. By collaborating closely with partners, the company seeks to ensure that sustainability efforts are consistent and impactful across all levels of event production and delivery. This holistic approach underscores GL events UK’s commitment to driving meaningful change across the event industry.

To drive meaningful progress toward its sustainability goals, GL events UK is taking several key actions. One major initiative involves activating Sustainability Champions across each of the business units. These champions are responsible for supporting the company’s overarching sustainability objectives and ensuring that environmentally conscious practices are embedded throughout the organisation.

In collaboration with key suppliers and external partners, GL events UK is also focused on developing innovative solutions that will reduce its greenhouse gas footprint. By working together to introduce more sustainable alternatives to the market, the company aims to not only meet its own targets but also help shift the broader events industry towards more eco-friendly practices.

Additionally, GL events UK is actively developing a detailed roadmap and strategy in alignment with Group-wide goals. This strategic plan will provide a clear path for achieving the company’s ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, ensuring that all efforts are coordinated, measurable, and impactful. By taking these actions, GL events UK is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future within the events sector.

GL events UK is taking a proactive, comprehensive approach to shaping a more sustainable future for the events industry. By prioritizing environmentally conscious practices and reducing its own carbon footprint, the company is not only committed to meeting internal sustainability targets but also helping clients and partners achieve their own eco-friendly goals.

As a leader in the industry, GL events UK is well-positioned to drive meaningful change. By taking a holistic approach that incorporates both internal actions and external collaboration, the company is ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of its operations, leaving a positive legacy for future generations and a greener, more responsible events industry.