Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Since opening in 1995, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) has upheld our vision: to create an environment that inspires ideas that change the world. As an innovative and inclusive venue, we empower clients to deliver world-class, sustainable events.

Our sustainability philosophy embraces the triple-bottom-line approach, prioritising economic growth while ensuring positive environmental and social impacts. Key initiatives within our Step Change programme include: Desk to Door, promoting sustainable delegate travel; Event Impact Reports, offering comprehensive sustainably-minded event data; and Climate Action Contribution, supporting peatland restoration in partnership with RSPB Scotland. This collaboration contributes to revitalising 250,000 hectares of Scottish peatlands, transforming them into critical carbon sinks to combat climate change and enhance biodiversity.

We have achieved a 60% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 CO₂e emissions since 2013, despite a 98% increase in events hosted. We operate on 100% renewable energy supplied by EDF, supported by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO). Energy-efficient upgrades, such as LED lighting and heating electrification, are integral to our future plans.

Our waste reduction efforts include donating surplus materials to local charities and achieving 100% diversion from landfill, contributing to a 41% reduction in waste since 2013. Our onsite catering team champions sustainability with menus centred on locally sourced, seasonal, plant-forward ingredients. Carbon emissions for dishes are calculated using Foodsteps, encouraging environmentally friendly choices such as dairy-free desserts. Surplus food is donated to the community through Olio, providing over 700 meals in 2024 alone.

Through our Exchange Initiative, we support academic event applications, delivering lasting benefits to the local community. We hold ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certifications and have achieved gold in Green Tourism and Green Meetings. As founding members of the Edinburgh Climate Compact and signatories of the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustainability.