What’s your name and what do you do?
My name is Sarah Lindsay, Assistant Director Sustainability and Customer Experience, at Farnborough International and I have been with the business for over 15 years.
I only had sustainability added to my remit officially in June 2023, however, I have been a passionate advocate for many years. Now my mandate is to deliver positive change and ensure Farnborough International hits its Net Zero targets.
What are you most excited about in taking part in the Sustainable Events Show 2025?
We are very excited as a team to be exhibiting alongside like-minded peers within the wider events industry. Sustainable operations, choices and resources are not something just one company can reach on their own, we need to work together to ensure the full supply chain and adjacent sectors are on the journey with us, so we can embrace these positive strategies and hit Net Zero.
What specific steps has your organisation taken to reduce the environmental impact of the events you help produce?
Last year we launched Destination Zero, our commitment to becoming a leading sustainable business, events venue and organiser. In line with the UK Government, UK Events Industry, and the Global Aviation Industry’s Net Zero targets, we are committed to achieving Net Zero for all greenhouse gas emissions within our direct or indirect control and aim to reduce our emissions by 50% by 2030 through following our carbon reduction plan.
Encompassing our award-winning venue and internationally renowned event portfolio, Farnborough International operates sustainability best practices across four strategic pillars to be able to deliver exceptional events and experiences for years to come.
- Energy: We are committed to reducing energy-related emissions through renewable power, efficiency and smart infrastructure. Our rooftop solar array generates over 30% of annual electricity needs, with all purchased power coming from certified renewable sources. Additional measures include LED lighting, intelligent building systems and the use of HVO in temporary generators.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle: We ensure zero waste goes to landfill by partnering with an award-winning waste supplier that recycles 98% of waste, converting the rest to energy. All cleaning products used onsite are non-hazardous and selected to reduce packaging waste. Clear processes and responsible sourcing support a circular, environmentally conscious approach across the venue.
- Partnerships: We build strong partnerships by prioritising sustainability in client support, supplier selection, and ongoing collaboration. Suppliers are chosen based on aligned environmental policies, with audits ensuring continued compliance. We ensure our team are engaged in sustainability goals, and carbon data is actively analysed to drive future improvements.
- Wellbeing & community: We promote wellbeing through free water refilling stations and a culture that supports mental health, diversity, and inclusion. We have policies to safeguard against modern slavery, and our community engagement activities include supporting local and industry charities, schools and colleges, organisations and events.
What new technologies or innovations is your company using to create more sustainable event experiences?
We invested £1 million in increasing our solar panel operation at our award-winning Exhibition & Conference Centre. The new solar panel arrays, put in place by Empower Energy, occupy 5780sqm of space on the roof of its largest event space, Hall 1, the equivalent of 29 tennis courts.
At 1.2MW, the expanded system now produces over 1MW of usable electricity for the site on a sunny day, making the venue self-sufficient for its live events held in Hall 1, including globally attended exhibitions, meetings and product launches. Following the instalment of the new technology, the venue generates 30% of its annual electricity needs via solar power.
Can you share how your company is promoting the use of sustainable materials or reducing waste in the events industry?
Sustainability considerations are part of our supplier procurement process. Collaborating with our industry-leading supply partners, we aim to inspire and support our clients in achieving their own goals by offering more sustainable choices across operations, logistics, catering and on-site facilities.
British seasonal produce takes centre stage on our menus from our catering partner, Levy, and the team there prioritise local sourcing wherever possible. Since 2021, Levy have banned air-freighted fruit and vegetables, opting for sustainable, plant-forward dishes featuring low carbon impact, nutritionally rich stars like wild venison.
Best live event:
Largest and most iconic event I have been to was Oasis, Loch Lomond, Scotland in 1996!
