The organisers of The National Running Show have announced a Sustainability Policy for the events taking place in Birmingham on 25th-26th January 2020 and in London on 13th-14th June 2020.
With the award-winning show now preparing for its third and biggest year at Birmingham’s NEC, and looking forward to an inaugural event in London next summer, the aim of the Sustainability Policy is to offset the environmental impact of the event at every stage in the production chain.
The show will be taking a number of measures to help visitors and exhibitors manage the impact of their attendance at either show, whilst also challenging its contractors to be more sustainable.
Sustainable initiatives include working with Energy Revolution to offset travel to and from the event. The Travel Carbon Calculator will be promoted to exhibitors and visitors and the entire National Running Show team will be offsetting the carbon impact of their travel in this way.
Further measures include printing the show guides on A5 recycled paper, providing 100% biodegradable visitor bags in partnership with Runderwear and encouraging exhibitors to use reusable fabric graphics.
The National Running Show is also working closely with its main contractor, Freeman, who have their own detailed and extensive sustainability policy. With the majority of Freeman’s work involving the production of exhibitions and events, Freeman is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its operations, with many of its systems designed for re-use over many years. From shell schemes to furniture, floor coverings and electrical installations, Freeman will be supporting The National Running Show in providing environmentally responsible solutions for the 2020 events.
Venue initiatives specific to the event at the NEC include the venue being a zero to landfill venue, with an average recycling rate of 80%. The NEC also has a policy that waste should not travel more than 30 miles from site, which helps to minimise carbon emissions and support local businesses: all recycling, general waste, food waste, glass waste, metal waste and wood waste is therefore transported to local plants for sorting and re-use. Waste is utilised for energy and to generate electricity, and compost is sold to local farmers as fertiliser. Discarded items are also donated to local community groups for re-use and to support community projects.
The National Running Show has always been conscious of its environmental footprint and the release of an official Sustainability Policy is a highly positive step for this fast-growing show.
The National Running Show is the UK’s biggest independent running exhibition and more than 60,000 visitor ticket registrations are expected for the 2020 show in Birmingham. The event will once more bring together runners, sports brands, retailers, nutrition experts, race organisers, communities and expert speakers for a weekend-long celebration of running.
Mike Seaman, Director of Raccoon Events, commented: “We are delighted to release our Sustainability Policy for The National Running Show and to be working with many different people to reduce the environmental impact of the show from 2020 onwards. The running community as a whole tends to have good environmental awareness and we hope that our sustainability practices will be well received and mirrored by both our visitors and exhibitors. It is important that we all take responsibility and do our bit to protect the planet. We have plenty of exciting plans in place for 2020 and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the show in Birmingham in January and then in London in June.”
View the Sustainability Policy for The National Running Show Birmingham and The National Running Show London. Anyone wishing to discuss the Sustainability Policy or suggest new initiatives can contact Mike directly at [email protected].
The third edition of The National Running Show in Birmingham takes place on 25th-26th January 2020. Tickets cost £10 for both days and are available at nationalrunningshow.reg.buzz.
The National Running Show London takes place on 13th-14th June 2020. Tickets are currently free at nationalrunningshowlondon.reg.buzz.
The National Running Show B2B Networking Dinner takes place at 7pm on Saturday 25th January. Go to nationalrunningdinner.com for information and tickets.