According to the National Building Specification (NBS) Sustainable Futures Report, 54% of construction professionals state that environmental sustainability is an important aspect of the projects they work on. Nine out of every 10 respondents reported working on a project with sustainable outcome targets¹.

However, sustainability is often prioritized during the design stages of a development or building. While 84% of construction professionals stated that sustainability is ideally considered at the strategy and brief stage of a project, this decreases to 59% at the design stage, 38% at the construction and handover stage, and just 36% when the building is ready for use.

This same decline in sustainability integration is present when construction companies exhibit at one of the UK’s 190 national and regional construction events and exhibitions.

Edward Marshall, Co-founder and Creative Director at custom exhibition stand company Motive Exhibitions, shares his knowledge on how construction and built environment companies can integrate sustainability into their events, from stand concept through to reuse.

1. Think Timber

Using timber for event stands is a popular choice due to its sustainability, aesthetics, and versatility. Incorporating timber in the stand structure, displays, and furniture supports sustainability efforts from the planning and design stage through to exhibiting on the day. Certified timber from organizations like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) ensures responsible forest management by sourcing from renewable forests that are replanted regularly.

Historically, wood has been widely used in the exhibition trade, particularly for larger custom builds, furniture, and flooring. However, a more eco-friendly option is to rent modular structures, timber flooring, and furniture to reduce environmental impact and CO₂ emissions.

Modular frameworks made with sustainable aluminum—lightweight, recyclable, and cost-effective for transport—can complement timber elements. These hybrid approaches combine modular and custom timber components with rental furniture and AV equipment to tailor stands to specific needs.

Timber also sequesters carbon during its lifecycle, making it a low-carbon alternative to materials like metal or plastic, reducing the overall carbon footprint of events and aligning with sustainability goals.

While some assume sustainable stands are more expensive, reusing stand structures can save money. For instance, a company attending five major events yearly could spend upwards of £6,000 per new stand plus setup costs. By recycling and tweaking their designs, they instead pay between £4,000–£5,000 per event. Over five years, this approach saved them approximately £125,000.

2. Hire Your Assets

The UK construction equipment rental and leasing industry, worth £8.6 billion in 2023², highlights the growing ease of hiring the right tools. This approach can extend to exhibition stands as well.

Hiring elements such as frameworks, furniture, AV equipment, video walls, lighting, and props is usually cheaper than purchasing outright. It allows companies to allocate budgets to higher-quality, sustainable products while switching up designs for each event.

At UK Construction Week 2024, the debut of Onsite On Hire—a showcase of rentable tools and equipment—demonstrated the importance of sustainability in the construction sector. Exhibitors such as Speedy Hire, JCB, and Hire Exchange reinforced the role of rental options in sustainable showcasing.

3. Make It Modular

Modular construction is gaining popularity for its technological advantages and sustainable solutions. Leading construction companies like Skanska and Bouygues invest in modular housing due to shorter timelines and lower material costs. This modular approach can also be extended to exhibition stands.

Modular stands are reconfigurable to suit any size, customizable to budgets, and designed to align with business objectives and exhibition spaces. They often combine purchased, rented, recycled, and reused components from previous events, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.

Modular construction projects can cut timelines and costs by 60–90%. For construction companies striving for sustainability, showcasing modular designs demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility while aligning with customer expectations.

The Impact of Sustainability on Brand Reputation

Sustainability initiatives benefit construction companies by reducing harmful environmental impacts while enhancing brand reputation and credibility. By integrating sustainability into event marketing, companies can create a positive brand impact, attract more clients, and support the growth of a more sustainable industry.

Creating sustainable event spaces reinforces a company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, strengthens brand values, and fosters a sustainable future for the construction sector.