Sustainable Event Venues and Hotels in Manchester | Earth Day 2026

If you’re planning events, Manchester has plenty to offer when it comes to sustainable venues and hotels. As more organisers look to reduce environmental impact, the city is becoming a strong choice for greener meetings, conferences and business events.

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.

Co-op Live: For the Planet - Leading venue sustainability

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.

Similarly designed with people and community in mind, Co-op Live is committed to donating at least £1m annually to the Co-op Foundation, and to date has raised over £2.4m for a range of charitable causes. Co-op Live isn’t just an arena, it exists as a blueprint for how large venues can lead on climate action and community impact, creating a better future through live entertainment. 

Manchester Central: Driving Sustainable Conferences and Events at Scale

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%.

This approach is supported by their Sustainability Steering Group, bringing together internal teams to embed sustainability into day-to-day decision-making.

Their commitment to sustainability also extends into events they host and organisers they work with – offering post-event sustainability reporting, seasonal and locally sourced catering options, and partnerships with local charities.

YOTEL Manchester Deansgate: Smart, Low-Impact Stays in the City Centre

Sustainability is central to YOTEL’s identity, captured in its focus on reducing travel’s carbon footprint and encouraging more conscious choices.

At YOTEL Manchester Deansgate, this runs throughout the guest experience, from eco-friendly mattresses and filtered water stations to recycling. The hotel has also introduced “Purple Goes Green” initiative, giving guests the opportunity to opt out of housekeeping in return for food and beverage credit.

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.

Sustainable meetings at The Edwardian Manchester

At The Edwardian Manchester, sustainability is thoughtfully considered across meetings, conferences and business events. From efficient use of resources to mindful supplier partnerships, the venue supports organisers in hosting events with a lower environmental impact, while maintaining high standards of service and comfort.

Manchester is widely recognised as a city with a strong focus on sustainable development, making it an appealing choice for organisations looking to plan more responsible events. Located in the city centre, The Edwardian Manchester benefits from excellent public transport connections and a walkable setting, helping to reduce the need for car travel and associated emissions.

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.

Where helpful, The Edwardian Manchester can also share relevant information to assist with internal reporting or stakeholder communications, including details of sustainability practices and operational considerations. This approach aims to provide clarity and confidence when planning meetings and conferences with a more considered environmental footprint.

Sustainable meetings at Aviva Studios

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.

Sustainability at Aviva Studios is underpinned by governance and transparency. 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.

The venue’s design supports efficient operation, including high-performance building fabric measures that help reduce heating and cooling demand. 

Manchester itself is increasingly recognised as a strong choice for greener events, supported by excellent rail connectivity, a growing active travel network and a compact city centre. With Aviva Studios located in the city core, organisers can enable lower-impact delegate journeys and build more sustainable event programmes, aligned with long-term targets for a carbon-neutral region.

More Sustainable Stays and Venues Across Manchester

Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel

At the Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre, A Verified Net Zero Hotel sustainability is approached as a measurable commitment rather than an aspiration. As part of the Verified Net Zero programme, the hotel is working towards the highest standards of environmental performance, contributing to a growing portfolio of properties aligned with long-term carbon reduction goals.

Every aspect of operations is shaped by the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels, with a clear focus on eliminating fossil fuel use and reducing emissions. The hotel’s journey is guided by transparent reporting standards, with greenhouse gas emissions tracked in line with the GHG Protocol as it progresses towards 2040 targets.

This commitment is reflected in tangible actions throughout the guest experience. The hotel operates entirely on renewable energy, significantly lowering its environmental footprint. Waste is kept to a minimum through careful reduction strategies, recycling, and the use of on-demand amenities that maintain comfort while limiting excess. In its kitchens, low-carbon menus showcase responsibly sourced ingredients, offering thoughtfully prepared dishes that balance sustainability with quality.

Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter

At Hampton by Hilton Manchester Northern Quarter, sustainability is embedded across daily operations, with a strong emphasis on both environmental impact and community engagement.

The hotel prioritises ethical sourcing, with the majority of menu ingredients selected to support responsible supply chains. Efforts to reduce food waste are strengthened through a partnership with Too Good To Go, ensuring surplus food is redistributed rather than discarded.

Sustainability extends beyond the kitchen. Coffee is sourced from Paddy & Scott's, supporting farming communities in Kenya while contributing to social initiatives that provide meals for schoolchildren. Guests are also encouraged to engage with the hotel’s environmental efforts through the “Hetty the Hedgehog” initiative, where QR codes highlight key ESG practices.

Urban biodiversity is supported through rooftop beekeeping, with hives producing honey used at breakfast, while a partnership with DripDrop ensures that a tree is planted for every umbrella rented. Additional measures include a significant reduction in single-use plastics, energy-saving initiatives such as LED lighting and motion sensors, and a measurable decrease in overall energy consumption.

Recognition of these efforts comes in the form of a Silver Award for sustainable tourism. The hotel also extends its environmental commitment to corporate guests, offering green meeting packages where each delegate contributes to further tree planting.

Mercure Manchester Piccadilly

The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel demonstrates its commitment to responsible hospitality through its Green Key accreditation. This recognition reflects a consistent focus on reducing environmental impact, including improvements in energy efficiency, waste management, and the use of locally sourced products.

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

At the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, sustainability is integrated into both everyday operations and event planning. The hotel holds certification from Green Key, a widely recognised standard for environmental responsibility within the tourism sector.

For meetings and events, the hotel’s “Meeting for Good” approach ensures that sustainability is considered at every stage. This includes the use of digital signage to reduce paper waste and the incorporation of reusable materials, enabling organisers to host events with a lower environmental impact while maintaining a high-quality experience.