Artemis Becomes First UK Venue Group to Achieve Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation

Credit: Artemis Sustainability Champions

Artemis, a leading UK wedding venue group is delighted to announce that it has been awarded accreditation by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance (SWA). This prestigious recognition, a culmination of a partnership that began in September 2023, marks Artemis as the first venue group in the UK to be officially accredited by the SWA.

The partnership focused on embedding robust, sustainable practices throughout Artemis’s head office operations, setting a benchmark for environmental and social responsibility within the wedding industry. The Sustainable Wedding Alliance is a respected organisation dedicated to promoting genuine sustainability throughout the wedding sector. Their rigorous accreditation programme recognises businesses that demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical practices, social inclusion, and a reduced environmental impact.

"This is a truly significant moment for the wedding industry," says Michelle Miles, Founder & CEO of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance. "We've had the pleasure of working closely with the Artemis team since late 2023, and their commitment to embedding sustainable practices from their head office outwards is commendable. As the first venue group in the UK to achieve our accreditation, they are setting a powerful standard. Their leadership demonstrates that sustainability is a scalable priority, and we're excited to see their progress alongside the other nine venues we're currently supporting on their own journeys."

Artemis’s sustainability journey is guided by nine core priorities and includes:

• Promoting sustainable travel by providing EV chargers at venues, offering a cycle-to-work scheme for staff, and beginning a gradual transition to a fully electric vehicle fleet.
• Adopting a paperless approach by phasing out printed brochures and implementing digital systems for all administrative tasks.
• Implementing a comprehensive recycling and waste management system at the head office, with plans to roll this out across all venues.
• Working on energy conservation by reviewing energy consumption and gradually transitioning to renewable energy sources.
• Ensuring a responsible supply chain by partnering with suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability.
• Supporting local suppliers, charities, and community initiatives.
• Committing to sustainable food practices that focus on reducing food waste and sourcing locally.
• Prioritising the reuse of materials wherever possible before considering recycling.
• Empowering their people through comprehensive training, including Carbon Literacy, to foster a culture of sustainability.

Artemis is committed to:

• Inspiring couples to embrace sustainable wedding practices.
• Educating clients and suppliers about the positive impact of conscious choices.
• Advocating for greater environmental and social responsibility within the wedding industry.

“Sustainability is a responsibility we all share.” Stuart Owens, CEO of Artemis, adds. “At Artemis, we’re proud to lead the way as the first UK venue group to achieve Sustainable Wedding Alliance Accreditation. This recognition is testament to the dedication of our teams, partners and suppliers who are embedding meaningful change across every part of our business. We know there is still more to do, but this milestone shows what can be achieved when passion and purpose come together. Our commitment is to keep raising the standard for our couples, clients, and the wider industry."

Simon Robson, Managing Director of Estates at Artemis, commented: “Our venues are at the heart of every experience we create, and they play a crucial role in our sustainability journey. From investing in renewable energy and sustainable travel initiatives to working hand-in-hand with owners and suppliers who share our ethos, we’re reimagining how wedding and event spaces can operate responsibly.”

This accreditation is about more than recognising what Artemis has achieved. It ensures that every wedding they host is memorable for their couples, meaningful for their teams, and positively impacts the planet and the communities they serve. It also sets a new benchmark for the wedding industry, showing that sustainability and exceptional experiences can go hand in hand.

Artemis looks forward to continuing its journey towards a more sustainable and positive future for weddings and events.

Local venues include Syrencot and The Pear Tree.