Project Carbon: The Business Design Centre

Every year we hold Devoxx UK in the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. For 10 years the BDC has been operating as a carbon neutral venue, which complements our goal to operate as a carbon neutral conference.

What do the BDC do to be sustainable?

Energy: the BDC uses energy that comes from 100% renewable resources. In addition all venue lighting is low energy lighting, including fittings across exhibition stands. Areas around the venue are fitted with motion sensors to ensure that lights are only on when required.

Transport: Secure bicycle storage is available free of charge, as are charging points for electric vehicles. Showers are available for all venue guests – so you can breeze into Devoxx UK on your bike and freshen up before the conference. See visiting the BDC.

Single use plastics: No plastic bottles or other single use plastic items available to purchase on site, and there are refillable water stations throughout the venue. The onsite catering company Good Eating Company provide a plastic free catering service. Cutlery is either reusable or used from compostable products, and discounted hot drinks are available in the onsite restaurant if you bring your own reusable cup.

Waste: the BDC has links to local schools and charities to ensure that card, paper, fabric, stationary, ex-display materials and more are donated or reused. Waste that can’t be donated or reused is recycled or responsibly incinerated.

What can you do an as attendee?

  • Transport: How you get to Devoxx UK will have the greatest impact on the environment. If you can, consider cycling, walking or taking the train then underground to get to the BDC. The venue has secure cycle storage and showers. It is a short walk from Angel tube station, which is on the Northern Line. It’s a twenty minute walk from St Pancreas or Kings Cross if you are arriving by Eurostar or train, or a two minute journey on the underground to Angel. If you are flying, there are several train links from major London airports. For more information see Transport For London. See visiting the BDC for more.
  • Are you coming from mainland Europe? We have teamed up with Eurostar to offer you plus one travel companion a discount – valid for journeys 7 days either side of the event.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to avail of the chilled filtered water stations around the venue, where you can fill up for free.
  • Double check the bins: many options can be recycled, and there are signs on the bins to help separate materials and avoid contamination.
  • Only take what you need.
  • Enjoy!

See you in May!