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In this guide, we highlight a range of sustainable event spaces and hotels across Manchester that are designed to support lower-impact, more responsible events - without compromising on quality or experience. Earth Day 2026 centres on the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”, highlighting the role individuals and organisations play in driving environmental progress. For event organisers, this means making conscious choices around venues, suppliers and operations - decisions that can significantly reduce the environmental impact of meetings and conferences.
Since opening in May 2024, Co-op Live has rapidly emerged as a global leader in venue sustainability, securing several high-profile awards and accolades, including BREEAM Excellent rating and the first venue of its kind to achieve A Greener Arena's highly commended accreditation. The venue’s ground-up design includes use of 100% electric and renewable energy, solar and rainwater harvesting, and a zero-waste direct to landfill policy. A net zero building at scopes 1 and 2, Co-op Live also operates a reusable cup system, negates single use plastic bottles, and embeds its planet-first ethos across its fan, staff, and artist engagement - from a designated walking route, to eco-friendly fan travel options, and sustainable corporate partnerships.
At Manchester Central, sustainability is embedded in how they operate and deliver events. They’re proud to have held a Gold ECOsmart certification since 2024, reflecting their ongoing commitment to high environmental standards.
They focus on practical improvements that reduce their environmental impact and support communities around them. This includes investing in infrastructure and technology to reduce emissions, improved waste tracking, embedding sustainability into procurement and tender processes, and building carbon literacy within teams to strengthen environmental understanding. The impact of this over the past year has resulted in a 53.9% reduction in food waste and general waste collections reducing by 50%.
Sustainability is central to YOTEL Manchester Deansgate’s identity, captured in its focus on reducing travel’s carbon footprint and encouraging more conscious choices. Energy use is reduced through renewable solutions from 24 rooftop solar panels that help power hotel operations to a heat recovery system that optimises air circulation. While the building itself incorporates the preserved Dalton House structure, using reclaimed materials in its interiors.
YOTEL Manchester is certified by BREEAM In-Use, recognising its strong ongoing environmental performance. This accreditation reflects the hotel’s commitment to energy efficiency, waste management, guest wellbeing and more.
At The Edwardian Manchester, sustainability is thoughtfully considered across meetings, conferences and business events. For organisers wishing to take sustainability further, the hotel can offer support across both event delivery and group accommodation. The events team can provide guidance on practical initiatives such as reducing waste, using digital materials and making more considered food and beverage choices, helping events align with wider ESG objectives.
Aviva Studios, home of Factory International, is setting a new benchmark for sustainable events in the heart of Manchester. Purpose-built and operated by Factory International, the venue brings together flexible event spaces, technical capability and a clear commitment to reducing environmental impact - supporting organisers who want to deliver lower-impact meetings, conferences and business events without compromising on creativity or production standards.
Environmental performance is monitored across building operations, programme delivery and community engagement, with a commitment to regular reporting on priorities such as energy management, transport-related emissions and responsible procurement. This measurement-led approach helps organisations evidence progress against ESG objectives and demonstrate due diligence to internal and external stakeholders.
Meet Manchester Well is a designated resource for event planners to ensure that events coming to Manchester are delivered as sustainably as possible.
