Chris Harris is the Sustainability Lead at the Business Design Centre, bringing a long‑standing passion for environmental sustainability to the role. Responsible for the venue’s ESG strategy and sustainability initiatives, Chris works to ensure BDC delivers positive environmental and social impact across its operations.
We’re excited to relaunch our #PeopleoftheBDC series, shining the spotlight on the individuals who help make the BDC one of London’s leading event venues.
This time, we are introducing Chris Harris, our Sustainability Lead. Although Chris has been part of the BDC team for nearly two years, he has spent more than 25 years working at the venue and across the wider events industry, most recently as a Senior Venues Account Manager for Aztec, BDC’s on‑site AV supplier.
What lead you to move to sustainability?
I have always had a great passion for sustainability. At my previous role, I was already very involved and it felt like the right move after 25 years.
Can you tell us about your role as Sustainability Lead at the Business Design Centre?
As Sustainability Lead, I am tasked with continuing the great work that the BDC has been doing around Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). It is also my responsibility to engage with staff, clients, suppliers and the local government representatives to help forge a force for good.
What is one Sustainability myth you'd love to debunk?
Sustainability is all about my carbon footprint.
Environmental impact is usually the first thing that comes to mind when we think about sustainability: things like reducing emissions, switching to renewable energy, avoiding pollution, reducing water use, making food waste a thing of the past and working with suppliers to eliminate the use of plastics.
However, sustainability is complex and it requires a comprehensive approach. Carbon footprints are important and are a fantastic place to start but considerations must be made for supply chain sustainability, social impact and staff welfare
Sustainability at the Business Design Centre
Sustainability is at the heart of the BDC’s day-to-day operations. We have been a Carbon Neutral Venue since 2010 and are proud to be the first B Corp Certified venue, with plans to reach net zero by 2030.
What does sustainability mean to the BDC?
As a venue, we know our role goes beyond hosting events. We have a responsibility to support our people, strengthen our community and reduce our impact on the environment.
From our work towards net zero to our partnerships across the local community and the wider events industry, we are committed to using our platform in a positive way.
How do you work with our clients, exhibitors, suppliers and partners to encourage more sustainable practices?
We have comprehensive information on the Sustainability section on our website with guidance for both organisers and exhibitors. We work with our onsite contractors to produce Post Show Environmental Reports for organisers upon request.
What are some of the key current and upcoming initiatives you are excited about?
Some of our current initiatives are that all serve ware at our onsite café, Jack’s, is compostable and we operate a ‘no single-use plastic ‘ policy at the venue.
Looking at the future, we are looking to roll out waterless urinals across the venue in the next phase of refurbishments, following a successful trial.
How can anyone attending the venue play a role in supporting sustainability efforts?
Waste can often be a problem and difficult to manage, especially during a busy show. Everyone can play a part in ensuring their own waste is disposed of in the correct bins across the venue and help improve our recycling rate.
Even small changes – such as better waste management – can have a meaningful impact when adopted consistently.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Events Industry
The events industry faces several sustainability challenges, particularly around attendee travel, which contributes significantly to overall emissions. Many organisers are now exploring ways to better capture and report this data more accurately.
However, there are also positive shifts underway. The move from a ‘take-make-waste’ linear model towards a circular economy is gaining momentum, with a greater focus on reusing materials and extending product lifecycles.
Venues, too, have a key role to play. Investment in renewable energy and stronger community engagement are two areas where Chris sees significant opportunity to drive change.
Looking to the Future
"Start somewhere. Focus on what you can control, set a baseline, and measure your progress regularly. That’s how you identify opportunities to improve."
If you want to find out more about our sustainability journey, or chat to Chris himself, you can contact him at: chrish@bdc.london
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