Eco-Friendly Marquee Event Tips

Planning an event with sustainability in mind doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few practical choices, it’s possible to reduce waste, save energy, and host a celebration that’s both stylish and environmentally responsible. At South East Marquees, we support clients who want to make their marquee events more sustainable through careful planning, efficient equipment, and thoughtful design.

Choose Reusable Equipment and Materials

One of the simplest ways to make your event more sustainable is to hire equipment that can be reused. Our Clear Span marquees, marquee carpets, marquee linings, and tables and chairs are all maintained and reused for future events. Choosing hire items rather than disposable décor reduces waste while ensuring a professional finish.

Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting is essential for both ambience and practicality, but it doesn’t need to use excessive power. Our marquee lighting and electricals include low-energy options such as 20m Connectable LED Lighting and LED Stage Lights. These provide bright, reliable illumination while consuming less energy than traditional bulbs. Combining natural light during the day with efficient LED fixtures at night helps lower the overall energy footprint of your event.

Manage Power Responsibly

For outdoor sites without mains electricity, generators are often necessary. We recommend using the 10kva Generator for efficient, stable power. By running one well-sized generator rather than several smaller ones, you can minimise fuel use and noise. Our team ensures all electrical setups are installed safely and efficiently, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

Reduce Heating Demand

Heating is often the biggest energy use in winter marquees. To reduce demand, we suggest combining marquee heaters with insulation provided by marquee linings and marquee carpets. Position heaters strategically and close entrances when not in use to retain warmth. For daytime winter events, consider natural lighting and early start times to make better use of daylight and ambient heat.

Plan for Waste and Recycling

Simple planning can make a big difference to event waste. Provide clearly marked bins for recycling and general waste, and avoid single-use plastics where possible. Choose reusable or compostable serving ware for catering, and work with suppliers who prioritise sustainable materials. Our marquee hire team ensures all installation waste from flooring and coverings is removed and recycled where possible.

Decorate with Natural or Reusable Materials

Event styling doesn’t need to rely on synthetic or single-use decorations. Using fabric drapes, potted plants, and seasonal flowers adds visual interest while keeping materials reusable or biodegradable. Many clients also choose locally sourced greenery or hireable décor to further reduce environmental impact. Our dance floor and bar setups can be styled with minimal décor, as the furniture and lighting often provide plenty of character on their own.

Think Long-Term and Local

Working with local suppliers helps cut down on transport emissions and supports nearby businesses. All our marquee deliveries, flooring, and equipment hire are managed across Surrey and Sussex, including Horsham, East Grinstead, Reigate, and Haywards Heath. Keeping logistics local helps reduce travel time and the overall carbon impact of your event.

Practical Sustainability

Making your marquee event more sustainable doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or style. By focusing on energy efficiency, material reuse, and waste reduction, it’s possible to host a well-run event that’s both responsible and enjoyable. South East Marquees can guide you through simple choices that make a real difference without adding unnecessary cost or complexity.