sustainability policy

purpose

At Evolve, we are committed to integrating sustainability into every level of our design and production processes. As creators of large, immersive trade show environments in the UK and overseas, we recognise the impact of our operations on the planet, society, and future generations. This policy guides our decision-making and actions to ensure our work is environmentally responsible, socially just, and economically sustainable, in alignment with the principles of balancing profit and purpose. This policy supports our commitment to sustainability by aligning with:

  1. Environment: Reducing our ecological footprint
  2. Workers: Ensuring fair, inclusive, and safe workplaces
  3. Customers: Providing responsible, value-driven services
  4. Community: Giving back to and partnering with our global communities
  5. Governance: Embedding purpose into the DNA of our decision-making


scope

This policy applies to all aspects of our business operations including:

  1. Creative concept design and project development
  2. Sourcing and procurement
  3. Manufacturing and logistics
  4. On-site installation and deconstruction
  5. Studio/office-based operations
  6. Employee and stakeholder engagement


our commitment

Wherever possible, we are committed to:

  1. Reducing our environmental impact across the lifecycle of our projects and solutions and by minimising our energy consumption and the use of resources
  2. Designing for longevity, reuse, and recyclability to provide long-term value to clients and the planet, wherever possible
  3. Upholding ethical and responsible sourcing standards by investing in long-term partnerships with suppliers
  4. Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace with safe working conditions and wellbeing support
  5. Engaging, empower and embed employees, clients and stakeholders in sustainable practices to create mutual benefit
  6. Achieving financial resilience while contributing positively to society and the environment
  7. Use evidence to set targets, track progress for continuous improvement
  8. Foster agility, innovation, openness and feedback in support of sustainable outcomes
  9. Review policies and procedures annually, keeping abreast of changes in legislation, regulation, best practice, stakeholder expectations and industry standards


goals and strategies

Environmental Sustainability

Goal: Minimise environmental footprint from design to decommissioning, wherever possible.

Strategies:

  1. Integrate circular economy principles in stand design and lifecycle planning
  2. Prioritise modular and reusable design components and materials by encouraging and educating clients
  3. Use sustainable and certified materials wherever possible (e.g., FSC wood, recycled metals, low-VOC finishes)
  4. Offset carbon emissions where reduction is not feasible
  5. Apply the waste hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle
  6. Partner with recycling services for stand materials post-show where feasible and practical


Water Conservation

Goal: Use water efficiently

Strategies:

  1. 1. Implement water-saving measures, wherever possible.


Energy Efficiency

Goal: Reduce energy consumption in design, build, and operations.

Strategies:

  1. Incorporate energy-efficient lighting and systems into stand designs as well as premises (e.g., LED, smart controls)
  2. Choose local production and assembly partners to reduce transportation energy, where possible
  3. Promote the use of renewable and sustainably sourced energy providers in our value chain
  4. Encourage digital alternatives to printed materials, where possible


Employee Engagement

Goal: Build a workplace culture rooted in sustainability and wellbeing.

Strategies:

1. Provide annual sustainability training for staff and collaborators

2. Foster a culture of innovation and ownership around environmental and social initiatives

3. Encourage work-life balance and mental wellbeing practices


Community Engagement

Goal: Contribute positively to the communities in which we operate.

Strategies:

  1. 1. Partner with local communities and organisations for social and environmental impact projects
  2. Encourage volunteering and charitable giving
  3. Support diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity across all levels of the company


Ethical Labour & Fair Trade

Goal: Ensure ethical sourcing and fair labour conditions.

Strategies:

  1. Engage suppliers who adhere to internationally recognised labour and human rights standards (e.g., ILO, UNGC)
  2. Monitor supply chains for compliance with anti-slavery and anti-child labour laws
  3. Prioritise materials and products with fair-trade certifications


Economic Sustainability

Goal: Maintain financial health while investing in sustainable growth.

Strategies:

  1. Design solutions that deliver long-term value and reduce lifecycle costs
  2. Monitor and measure the ROI of sustainability initiatives
  3. Foster innovation to stay competitive and relevant in a changing market 


responsibility for sustainability

The implementation of this policy is led by our Head of Process & Compliance, who is responsible 

for coordinating all sustainability-related activities, initiatives, monitoring compliance, reporting 

process and ensuring integration across the business working closely with our Operations Director.

  • Name: Elizabeth Leese
  • Position: Head of Process and Compliance

Responsibilities include:

  1. Monitoring compliance with this policy and applicable laws
  2. Coordinating staff training and sustainability initiatives for internal teams and suppliers
  3. Measuring and reporting performance against sustainability goals
  4. Recommending and driving continuous improvement strategies
  5. Tracking and reporting on KPIs (waste, water usage, etc.)
  6. Leading the annual review process


implementation and governance

  1. This policy will be integrated into all key business operations and strategic planning
  2. A Sustainability Lead will oversee the execution of this policy and report progress to senior leadership
  3. Sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be tracked and reviewed quarterly.
  4. All staff, contractors, and partners will be made aware of and expected to align with this policy


Communication and Engagement

To foster a culture of sustainability:

  1. This policy will be communicated to all employees, contractors, clients, suppliers and partners
  2. It will be available on our company website and included in client tender and project documents
  3. Stakeholder feedback is welcomed and sought and used to inform improvements in our approach
  4. Progress, achievements and updates will be regularly communicated and reported internally and externally, where appropriate


Endorsement

This policy has been reviewed and endorsed by our leadership team and reflects our core values 

and long-term strategic goals.