Supplier News
UK – ICE London helps to inspire ExCeL’s Green Walkway
By Phil - 22 October 2019
ExCeL, the home of ICE London, the world’s largest gaming technology event, has commitment to reduce environmental impact and operate as a more sustainable venue, it commissioned a living wall, featuring over 9,500 plants running from the Custom House Station to the entrance of ExCeL.
The unique walkway has been cultivated and designed to remove air pollutants, improve biodiversity, produce oxygen and decrease noise. Kate Chambers, Managing Director of Clarion Gaming was among the dignitaries to celebrate the opening of the ‘Green Walkway’ a new, eco-friendly arrival experience at ExCeL.
ExCeL London’s Executive Director for Exhibitions, Simon Mills, said: “We were honoured to welcome Kate as one of our VIP guests to this fantastic unveiling. Under her leadership ICE London is constantly setting new standards and challenging the way in which the events industry behaves, responds and sees itself. A case in point is the position the brand took on single use plastics within the events industry and the introduction of the stand graphics amnesty at the 2019 edition of ICE London which was a break through moment. Kate leads from the front and I am delighted she accepted our invitation to be part of this new and progressive green chapter at ExCeL.”
He added: “Biotecture, the UK’s leading living wall company, has created a sustainable, hydroponic structure, featuring over 9,500 plants interspersed with LCD screens, back lit advertising sheets, an overhanging LED digital sign, new LED lighting and audio speakers. As well as enhancing the experience, this investment provides organisers with new signage and sponsorship opportunities, allowing them to create an immersive, on-brand welcome, tailored for their event. This is part of an ambitious programme of investment that is set to continue during 2020 and beyond.”
Kate Chambers added: “I am extremely passionate about the environment and sustainability so it was wonderful to be invited to open such a creative and powerful initiative undertaken by the team at ExCeL. I think it confirms that delivering world class events is compatible with contributing to the well being of the planet and the local community.”
In addition to the new walkway, ExCeL London has also upgraded to the latest W-Fi standard (Wi-Fi 5) in partnership with market leader Ruckus Networks, increasing the number of concurrent users (client devices) to 100,000, an increase of 300%. The venue has also created a suite of new executive rooms increasing capacity for boardroom meetings and opened an Italian style deli, Orzo, which offers a range of freshly made food without any single use plastic packaging.
