Sustainability

At the Wellcome Genome Campus, we incorporate environmental and social sustainability into the decisions that we make across all areas of our work. Our Campus is recognised for its strong environmental management and has achieved external sustainability accreditations.

We operate renewable energy systems, promote green travel, and actively support biodiversity across our gardens, parkland and wetlands. However, in response to the scientific argument on climate change and the global demand being placed upon our natural resources, we wish to maximise the positive impact we could have over the next ten years, both locally and globally. To do this we have a Campus Environmental Sustainability Strategy and roadmap.

Green Meetings Gold Award

The Conference Centre has been awarded Gold Green Meetings accreditation by Green Tourism, the world’s largest sustainable certification programme.
This recognises organisations that operate responsibly, reduce environmental impact, support their community, and provide accessible and inclusive experiences for visitors and staff.

Below is an overview of some of the areas contributing to this award.

Environmental sustainability

Energy

Our campus operates an energy management system certified to ISO 50001:2018, with regular monitoring and clear reduction targets.

• Dedicated energy and decarbonisation strategy
• Solar panels installed on the Mulberry Court accommodation roof and elsewhere on campus
• Efficient heating and hot water systems
• Over 50% LED lighting across campus
• Automated lighting systems to minimise unnecessary energy use

Waste

We operate a comprehensive waste management system and monitor waste generation across campus buildings.

• Segregated recycling streams including cardboard, metal, glass, cans and soft plastics
• Waste data tracked by collection location to identify reduction opportunities
• Food waste weighed and sent for anaerobic digestion
• Full compliance checks on all waste contractors and licences

Learn about our catering partner’s commitment to reduce food waste in supply chains.

Our teams also implement circular waste practices:

• Used cooking oil is converted into biodiesel onsite for campus vehicles
• Coffee grounds are reused as compost or soil conditioner
• Green waste is composted and reused in gardens to improve soil health and reduce irrigation needs

Dedicated compost bays across the Conference Centre gardens and residential areas further reduce transport emissions and support soil biodiversity.

Reducing single-use items

We actively review and reduce single-use materials across the venue.

• Plastic water bottles replaced by corridor water stations in accommodation
• Canned water served in bars
• Plastic-free Clipper tea bags
• Coffee beans delivered without packaging
• Recyclable cups and reusable cups available
• No plastic cutlery or disposable condiment sachets

Chemicals

Environmentally responsible cleaning products and systems are used across the campus.

• Paraben-free soaps and toiletries
• Integrated pest management prioritising non-chemical methods
• Minimal use of pesticides or herbicides

Water

Water usage is monitored across all facilities, with a target to reduce consumption by 25%.
Measures include:

•  Automated flushing systems in some facilities
• Campus-wide water monitoring and reduction strategy

Carbon

The campus has a carbon management plan to track and reduce emissions. This includes investment in renewable energy technology and monitoring of energy generation onsite.

Procurement

Suppliers and tenders are screened Campus-wide for their commitment to:

• Sustainability
• Ethical trade practices
• Equality and responsible employment

Biodiversity

Our grounds team actively supports and enhances wildlife and habitats across the campus landscape.
Examples include:

• Habitat trees created from fallen timber, now supporting protected stag beetles
• Woodchip from garden waste used on woodland paths
• Bird boxes built from untreated pallet wood

Events

Travel

We encourage low-carbon travel options for delegates by promoting group travel and public transport. Active travel is supported through infrastructure such as bike racks.

We monitor business and staff travel, and are aware of the type of transport and distances travelled.

Catering

Food and drink served at our events are ethically and responsibly sourced, with a focus on seasonal and locally produced ingredients to reduce food miles.

Our catering partner Restaurant Associates holds the highest Food Made Good accreditation from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and is committed to Net Zero by 2030.

Visit our food sustainability page to find out more about our Restaurant Associates' sustainability actions and pledges.

Technology

We invest in technology to reduce environmental impact, including:

• Fully equipped hybrid and virtual meeting facilities
• Digital solutions that reduce printed materials and event waste

Recreation facilities

Delegates can enjoy a range of low-carbon leisure activities during their stay, including:

• Running routes around the Campus and beyond
• Tennis court access
• Trim track and outdoor gym
• Cycle facilities including racks and lockers

History

We have and exhibition about local culture and history in the Hall Foyer as well as online.

Social sustainability

Equality

We aim to make our venue inclusive and accessible for all visitors.

• Accessibility features across the venue
• Participation in the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme to support guests with hidden disabilities
• Equality and inclusion training and policies that ensure all our customers, staff, and suppliers are treated fairly and equally.

Visit our accessibility page.

Well-being

We support the wellbeing of both staff and delegates.

• Staff wellbeing included in induction training
• Extensive outdoor spaces and recreation facilities
• Balanced menu options supporting health and wellbeing
• well-established practises, procedures, and policies to ensure the health and safety of our customers and staff that include all COVID -19 related measures, which were over and above those recommended by Government.

Community

Staff are encouraged to contribute to the community through our volunteering programme, which offers two paid volunteering days each year.

We donate surplus food via Olio, the local sharing app, which is redistributed in the local community.