The UK government has commissioned companies local to Cornwall to provide sustainable products and secured sustainable energy sources to ensure the G7 Summit held in Carbis Bay will be carbon-neutral.
Taking place from 11-13 June in Cornwall, the G7 summit will comply with internationally recognised quality standard for sustainable events management to be a “green summit”.
There is a heavy emphasis on local and seasonal produce in the catering, with priority given to sourcing produce and goods within 100 miles of Carbis Bay. These include recycled stationary, hand-carved tables and natural soap for use by leaders and delegates during the Summit, while event organisers are also working to ensure the Summit is free from single-use plastic wherever possible.
Sustainable energy sources will also be used, such as cleaner fuels like HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) instead of diesel for any onsite generators, and the government has invested in four carbon offsetting projects in developing countries, including an improved cookstoves project in Uganda, a composting facility in Vietnam and biogas reuse in Thailand.
Alok Sharma, COP26 president-designate, said: “In the fight against climate change, it is vital that we lead by example – which is why the G7 Summit is going to be a carbon-neutral event.
“Our global projects such as hydropower in Laos will help to offset emissions generated by the gathering of world leaders and every coffee cup, pen and notepad used at the Summit will be recyclable or made entirely from recycled materials.
“Our carbon neutral, sustainable G7 Summit is an opportunity to show the world the UK is serious about uniting global leaders to deliver genuine climate action.”
Furthermore, organisers said the event suppliers are delivering wider social value by mentoring programme for people left unemployed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and through careers workshops and online tutorials in digital and virtual skills.
The BSI – the national standards body of the UK – has confirmed the G7 summit is on track to have ISO 20121 certification, displaying a high standard for event sustainability.
Natasha Connolly, sustainability associate director at Arup, the engineering, design and consultancy firm appointed to help the event achieve ISO 20121 certification, commented: “This is an opportunity for the UK to show the world that it can successfully deliver a sustainable international, high profile event ahead of COP26 in Glasgow, and our expertise in sustainable event management will help the Government to ensure the event itself reflects sustainability values.”
