The NEC picks up Eco Award

For its commitment to responsibly managing the environmental impact of its operations. The Birmingham venue picked up the Eco Award at the prestigious Exhibition News Awards on 10 April. 

The ninth annual Exhibition News Awards recognise the achievements of individuals and companies that power the exhibition industry. The Eco Award is a new category that was launched this year to recognise the companies that look to be sustainable, environmentally friendly or help the local community.

Brian Pell, Director of Operations at the NEC, said: “We take our commitment to the environment seriously and are always looking for new ways to make our operations ‘greener’.  

“Since launching our on-site waste pre-treatment centre, we have achieved zero waste to landfill and are committed to ensuring that any waste that travels off site for further processing never travels more than 30 miles. We have also recently teamed up with Severn Trent Water to launch a new Anaerobic Digestion Plant where over 120 tonnes of the venue’s food waste will be sent each year.

“We are extremely proud that our hard work and commitment to the environment is recognised on a regional and national level, as well as by our piers in the live events industry.”

The NEC’s green credentials also includes the respected and sought after BS EN ISO 140001 certification; a £460k investment in smart meters and new on-site low emission shuttle busses.

The latest award win further enhances the NEC’s environmental credentials and adds to an impressive list of award wins, which includes; the Birmingham Post Business Awards “Environmental Award”, the “Best Waste and Recycling Scheme” award at Birmingham City Council’s Sustainability and Recycling Awards and the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Sustainability Award.