Greengage CEO, Andrew Perolls, visited Chicago Booth London Conference Centre to learn more about the venue’s approach to sustainable operations and event delivery.
Located in the heart of the City of London, the ECOsmart-certified centre offers a modern meetings and events environment where sustainability has been designed into both the building and its day-to-day operations. The venue’s ECOsmart certification recognises its commitment to improving environmental performance and supporting more sustainable meetings and events.
A venue designed with sustainability in mind
The Chicago Booth London Conference Centre is a BREEAM-certified venue, recognised for high standards of environmental performance, sustainability and innovation. Its approach aligns with the University of Chicago Booth School of Business’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility and forward-thinking design.
Sustainability measures are integrated across the building, including:
- Energy-efficient systems for lighting, heating and cooling, supported by smart building technologies that help minimise environmental impact.
- Comprehensive recycling and waste reduction programmes, with clearly labelled recycling stations placed throughout the building.
- Water conservation initiatives, including water-saving fixtures and systems that monitor usage and quickly address leaks.
- Sustainable procurement practices, prioritising eco-friendly and recyclable materials across operations, catering and event supplies.
- Encouragement of low-carbon travel, with excellent public transport links and infrastructure that supports cycling and pedestrian access.
The venue is also home to major sustainability-focused industry events, including the Sustainable Events Show and the CN Sustainability Summit, reinforcing its role as a hub for conversations about the future of responsible events.
Sustainability in the fabric of the building
During the visit, several features stood out that demonstrate how the team incorporates sustainability into the building’s everyday experience.
The Chicago Booth conference centre sits within an ultra-modern structure that integrates environmental thinking throughout its design. A roof garden introduces greenery and provides an outdoor space that contributes to the building’s environmental performance.
Active travel is strongly encouraged through extensive bike storage facilities, complemented by an on-site bike maintenance service that makes cycling to work easier for staff and visitors.
Water is filtered and bottled on site, reducing reliance on single-use plastic and unnecessary transportation. Across the building, recycling stations are clearly labelled to make responsible waste management simple for guests and event attendees.
The use of real plants throughout the interior spaces adds a natural element to the environment, helping create a healthier and more welcoming atmosphere.
One particularly notable feature is the building’s digital environmental display systems.
Screens throughout the space present live performance data, including water consumption, recycling rates and air quality, alongside guidance on how individuals can reduce their carbon footprint. This transparency helps make sustainability visible and encourages behavioural change.
Supporting sustainable events
With its combination of strong infrastructure, operational practices and sustainability-focused programming, the Chicago Booth London Conference Centre demonstrates how event venues can actively support the transition towards more responsible meetings and events.
The visit offered valuable insight into how venues can embed sustainability into policy alongside the everyday experience of the property – from design and facilities to operational transparency and user engagement.
For the Greengage team, it is an encouraging example of how venues across the industry are continuing to raise the bar for sustainable event delivery.
Find Chicago Booth London on our ECOmap
The Chicago Booth London Conference Centre is also featured on ECOmap, Greengage’s online directory of ECOsmart-certified venues and organisations committed to improving sustainability across the travel, meetings and events sector.
Event organisers and corporate bookers can explore ECOsmart-certified venues through ECOmap to identify locations that are actively working to reduce their environmental impact and support more responsible event delivery.
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About the author:
Andrew Perolls is founder and CEO of Greengage. He is uniquely positioned as both a business travel & events expert and a keen advocate of environmental sustainability. He set up the company to provide independent advice and support to businesses wanting to embrace a greener approach.
Andrew’s previous experience includes UK and international company Board roles with Business Travel Direct / Reed & Mackay, BCD Meetings & Events and CTM. His specialism is accelerated business growth through organisational transformation, cultural change and strategic marketing & communications.
