Corporate social responsibility events

At The Brewery, our aim is to establish ourselves as the go-to destination for local, national and international events, and we are committed to taking the forefront in sustainable event delivery. With this in mind, we strive to minimise the negative social, environmental and economic impacts our events have on the society. We are dedicated to preserving the legacy of our Grade II listed building, ensuring its history and significance are carried on for generations to come.

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Sustainable venues in London

Discover London's premier sustainable event venue at The Brewery. From our intimate Sugar Rooms to the grandeur of King George III, every space reflects our commitment to social and environmental responsibility. We take pride in employing sustainable practices throughout our venue, showcasing waste minimization, carbon-neutral programs, and a reliance on renewable energy sources. At The Brewery, we skilfully fuse flair with sustainability, making us the top choice for an elegant and eco-conscious celebration in the heart of London.

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Energy Conservation

We reduce the lights, power and HVAC during set-ups, de-rigs and when rooms are not in use. Our staff go around the venue to ensure this is done and report daily on it.

The lights and HVAC are also adjusted on a day-by-day basis, depending on the season, type of events and amount of guests per room. We enforce a “no idling” zone in our Loading Bay and have appropriate signage to remind drivers to turn off their engines. We have installed electric hand dryers in all of our public washrooms to replace paper towels.

Our energy is sourced from renewable sources. We have replaced a lot of our light fittings with LED fittings and motion sensors, this will continue as we upgrade areas.

Waste Minimisation

We recycle glass, tins, plastic, cardboard, paper, cooking oil, electronic waste, and hazardous waste and toner cartridges. Staff are trained to separate waste at source and to recycle and reuse when possible. We do not send any waste to landfill as waste that cannot be recycled is taken by waste carrier and converted into energy. Recently, we have installed an ORCA food digester that uses aerobic composting process to liquefy food waste on-site, and discharge safely the liquid through the existing waste water system.

We donate surplus items left over from events to charities and local primary schools or reuse them in-house if appropriate, e.g., notepads and pens. Leftover food is served in the Brewery staff canteen and where possible unprocessed food is donated to our charity partner, Single Homeless Project.

We’ve also partnered with Event Cycle to offer you the opportunity to have a significant impact on your post-event waste management while contributing to a circular economy. Read more about this fantastic initiative here.

Water Conservation

Our toilet cisterns have either low flow or dual flush systems installed and the urinals have
sensors installed. We save water by installing automatic taps in the newly refurbished washrooms.
We offer still and sparkling drinking water in large containers or glass bottles filled in from our tap water
filter system. We have water meters installed and can provide data on building water use if requested.

Single Use Plastics

We have moved away from many single use plastic items and we now offer a fully compostable range of disposable ware for events. This includes straws, water cups, coffee cups and lids, food boxes, napkins and cutlery.
We ask of clients that, should they wish to use confetti in their events, it is biodegradable. We have replaced single use cable ties with strong hook and loop reusable straps. Saving a minimum of 10,000 cable ties annually. There are items of single use plastic that, sadly, do not have a suitable alternative in non-plastic materials, but we will work with suppliers to move away from these and other items as soon as alternatives become available.

Low Food Miles

Our chefs order food from suppliers as close to The Brewery as possible. Most of our fish comes from the Sussex coast, from ‘first-sale’ suppliers to cut our elongated delivery networks.

Our fruit and veg comes from Spitalfields Market where are our supplier sources 60% from local counties. They are part of the “Social Association” and “Red Tractor” accredited, as are our 100% UK meat suppliers. Our breakfast tea is “Rainforest Alliance” certified and our herbal teas come from the Brew Tea Co. who are a “Certified B Corporation”, a company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. Their bags are 100% plastic-free and compostable.

Sustainable Procurement Policy Statement

Other Practices and Policies

We worked hard to achieve the Sustainable Events Management Systems accreditation (ISO 20121:2012) in 2013 and were recertified in 2016, 2019, and 2022. The standard focuses on continuous improvement across all areas of our sustainability efforts and is overseen by our dedicated Quality Assurance Director.

In 2024, the ISO standard was revised, and the new revision outlines more ethical, eco-friendly, and socially conscious practices, focusing on inclusivity, human and children’s rights and supply chain management. We were audited against the new standard (ISO20121:2024), and we were awarded the certificate in July 2025.

We provide facilities and services that meet accessibility requirements, as well as labour practices that guarantee fair and equitable treatment of staff in a safe working environment.

Sustainable Development Policy

Social Responsibility

We insure fair and honest business operations. The Brewery is committed to encouraging and eliminating discrimination in both its role as an employer and as a provider of services. The Brewery aims to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, that promotes dignity, equality and diversity, and that encourages individuals to develop and maximise their true potential. We are committed wherever practicable to achieving and maintaining a workforce that broadly reflects the local community.

The Brewery is supporting Single Homeless Project Charity, a London wide charity preventing homelessness and helping Londoners transform their lives. We support the charity through several initiatives: events, raffles, food donations, helping refurbish homeless centres

Download our Equality and Diversity Policy below.

Equality and Diversity Policy

Economic Responsibility

We make financial decisions based on a commitment to doing good. We do this by:

Delivering first class events solutions in a unique and historical venue
Continually improving our processes and the Event Management System
Exceeding our clients’ requirements and expectations throughout the entire event experience
Applying our knowledge, expertise and passion to lead innovation within the events industry (new sustainable menu, cutting-edge AV, Orca machine…)
Complying with all statutory regulations and other requirements to which we subscribe
Considering the local community and the impact of our activities on the environment
Transparency and external audits

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CSR FAQs

What is a sustainable venue?

A sustainable venue is a space that is dedicated to hosting events in an environmentally responsible manner, with a focus on minimising the ecological footprint of the events it accommodates.

Why host a sustainable event?

Hosting a sustainable event is becoming increasingly essential in today's environmentally conscious society. Events, whether conferences, award ceremonies, or Christmas and summer parties, inherently have a substantial ecological footprint. This footprint includes the generation of waste, high energy consumption, and carbon emissions. By integrating sustainable practices into event planning, organisers can significantly reduce these impacts.

How can venues be more sustainable?

It's not just about large-scale transformations; even small, incremental steps towards sustainability can make a difference. For instance, beginning with the use of biodegradable disposables can set the stage for more ambitious goals, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources. For events that attract attendees from afar, implementing a carbon offset program is a practical approach. The choices made regarding food and drink are also pivotal in creating a sustainable event. By partnering with local suppliers, event organisers can support the local economy while simultaneously reducing the carbon emissions associated with transporting food.

Why is the Brewery the best sustainable venue in London?

From energy conservation efforts that ensure efficient use of resources to water conservation initiatives that reduce wastage, the venue is committed to preserving the environment. Waste minimisation strategies are a critical component of The Brewery's sustainable ethos, with a proactive approach to recycling and composting. By adopting sustainable practices, event organisers at The Brewery can lead by example, demonstrating that it is possible to merge ecological responsibility with the creation of memorable and successful events at our historic and quirky venue.

Is CSR a legal requirement in the UK?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not a legal requirement in the UK; however, aspects of CSR that are enshrined in law exist. For example, under the Companies Act 2006, companies of a significant size must report on their environmental impact and social and community issues in their strategic report. This is often referred to as non-financial reporting.

How does social responsibility relate to the hospitality industry?

Social responsibility in the hospitality industry encompasses a range of practices and policies aimed at making a positive impact on society and the environment while conducting business. This can be done through sustainable operations, local sourcing, employee welfare, community engagement, accessibility, ethical standards, education and training etc.

This approach can attract like-minded clients who value corporate citizenship and wish to align their events with a venue that reflects their own social responsibility goals.

What are philanthropic responsibilities?

Philanthropic responsibilities refer to the voluntary actions and contributions that a business makes to society, which go above and beyond legal requirements or financial interests. These are charitable efforts aimed at improving the well-being of the community, supporting causes, and enhancing the quality of life for individuals outside the scope of the company's direct business operations.

What is the difference between ethical and philanthropic responsibilities?

Ethical and philanthropic responsibilities are both facets of corporate social responsibility (CSR), but they serve different purposes and stem from different motivations within a business's role in society.

Ethical responsibilities encompass the moral obligations a company has to its stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the broader community. Philanthropic responsibilities, on the other hand, refer to the voluntary actions that a company takes to benefit society, often through charitable donations, community service, or supporting social causes.