Hillhead 2026 to implement ISO sustainability standard
18.03.2025As event organisers, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. We continually review our operational impact in order to reduce our carbon footprint and make the event more sustainable.
View of the Hillhead Quarry from above
© The QMJ Group Ltd.
In recent years this has included among other measures:
- Removing all single use plastic from site since 2022
- Transitioning from diesel to HVO to power all our site structures, including the 2 large exhibitor pavilions
- Reusing or recycling all the interior show graphics and carpets giving them a second life
- Using solar powered generators for lighting towers, security cameras and other functionality
- Increasing the scope and volume of our recycling facilities around the site
- Encouraging the use of refillable water bottles on-site by providing free access to chilled and filtered water, saving the equivalent of 16,000 bottles at Hillhead 2024
- Promoting a car sharing scheme to reduce the number of journeys to and from the site
- Working closely with our contractors to ensure they are delivering more sustainable solutions for our exhibitors and visitors.
View at Hillhead 2024
© The QMJ Group Ltd.
The Hillhead site is both challenging and unique, but this should not prevent us from trying to make further improvements where we can. In 2026, The QMJ Group will be committed to implementing British Standard ISO 20121:2024 which is a framework that has been developed to “enable sustainability to be considered at every decision point during the planning and delivery of an event”.
Water refill stations
© The QMJ Group Ltd.
The standard allows organisations to demonstrate first party conformity through self-declaration by; engaging with stakeholders, collaborating with our supply chain, creating policies and action plans and regularly communicating and reviewing progress.
Through implementing this standard, we aim to establish a way of working and a culture where sustainability is considered at every decision point.
Hillhead 2026 takes place from 23-25 June at Hillhead Quarry, near Buxton, Derbyshire/UK.
