From Now - Small Switches, Big Impact: Celebrating Earth Day and Renewable Energy

Every year on April 22nd, millions of people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day, a global moment to reflect, recharge, and take action for the planet we call home. At its heart, Earth Day is about protecting what we love: clean air, healthy ecosystems, and a future where people and nature thrive side by side.

This year’s theme? Renewable energy. From solar panels soaking up sunshine to wind turbines dancing in the breeze, renewable energy is all about powering the world in a way that doesn’t cost the Earth (literally). These sources replenish faster than we can use them, and they come with a much lower carbon footprint. Renewable energy generates little to no greenhouse gases in their generation, protects biodiversity and powers a future where people and the planet thrive – think cleaner air, thriving wildlife, and guilt-free gadgets charged by sunshine.

By committing to using renewable energy over fossil fuels, you can cut emissions by up to 95%! (SOURCE📚) So if your event runs on renewables for just one day, you could save enough energy to power over 700 hot showers. Who knew saving the planet could feel like a spa day?

So we thought we’d celebrate some of our favourite venues and suppliers that are either powered by renewable energy or even generate their own through clever design.

Plus, take part in our Earth Day quiz to be in with a chance of winning some amazing prizes from the venues mentioned below. Happy Earth Day!

Take the Quiz!

Apricity, London

When chef-owner Chantelle Nicholson opened Apricity in Mayfair, she and the team made a bold call: to ditch the gas and run an all-electric kitchen. Powered by renewable energy, it’s a win for the planet, and for the team, too. Induction cooking means less heat, easier cleaning, and a more comfortable working environment.

Apricity has championed sustainability from day one, from its zero-gas kitchen to its thoughtful, seasonal menus, earning and retaining a Green Michelin Star since 2023.

An image of the inside of the restaurant. It is light and airy, the walls are bare with pinky plaster and exposed features, the tables and chairs are made from wood and are laid out ready for dinner.

Down Hall, Essex

The beautiful estate Down Hall is showing how historic venues can make meaningful strides when it comes to sustainability. Set within 110 acres of woodland and gardens, the estate is guided by a five-year woodland management plan focused on protecting biodiversity, from planting new trees to supporting native species.

Behind the scenes, their in-house CSR team is driving planet-friendly progress, including an on-site water plant, switching all bulbs to LEDs, growing seasonal produce in their gardens, and a switch to recycled glass bottles to reduce plastic waste and transport emissions. And with EV chargers ready for guests on arrival, they’re making it easier for visitors to lower their own footprint too.

At Down Hall, sustainability is rooted in thoughtful stewardship, working with the land to create something truly lasting.

A bird’s eye view of Down Hall which is an historic manor house. It is surrounded by fields and woodland.

EartH, Hackney

Once a 1930s cinema, now a vibrant arts and cultural hub, EartH in Hackney is proof that old buildings can have a bright, green future. Powered by 100% renewable energy, this community-focused venue blends heritage with forward-thinking values, offering a versatile space for music, filming, cooler-than-your-average conferences and experiential events. From cutting carbon to celebrating creativity, EartH shows that cultural spaces can be both electric and eclectic.

An image of the inside of the EarH theatre taken from next to the stage. There is a band on the stage who are playing to an audience who are sat watching.

Hôtel Madame Rêve, Paris

This stunning 5-star hotel right in the heart of Paris shows that sustainability is never a trade off when it comes to luxury. Designed with the wellbeing of both guests and the planet in mind, Hôtel Madame Rêve produces its own renewable energy by incorporating solar panels across its beautiful rooftop, which heats over 50% of its water during sunny season. So next time you’re in Paris, enjoy a cocktail at the ROOF and enjoy the panoramic views.

A bird’s eye view of the roof of the Hotel Madame Reve, which is covered in solar panels.

The Green House, Bournemouth

The Green House Hotel in Bournemouth is one of the UK’s leading eco-hotels, combining boutique comfort with serious sustainability credentials. An on-site Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit efficiently generates both electricity and heating for the hotel, reducing carbon emissions and energy waste. They also harness solar power and send surplus energy back to the grid.

From furniture made with reclaimed materials to rooftop beehives and a low-waste kitchen, every detail is designed with the planet in mind. Proof that going green doesn’t mean compromising on style, service, or a great night’s sleep!

An image of the front of a Victorian manor house which has been converted into a hotel.

Forest Bikes, London

Travel is the biggest cause of emissions when it comes to events, so let’s think now about how we get to and from our venues. Instead of offering your speakers and guests a free taxi home at the end of your event, why not provide those who live close by with some minutes on London’s only B Corp certified ebike, which is powered by 100% renewable energy. Not only will you be minimising carbon emissions on their journey, given the average speed of a car in London right now is about 7mph, they’ll probably beat everyone else home!