Yarnfield Park Training and Conference Centre has achieved ECOsmart Gold accreditation providing event organisers or those looking for a venue in Staffordshire, with the assurance of independently verified sustainability standards.

Awarded by Greengage, ECOsmart Gold recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence across environmental and social criteria including energy and water management, waste reduction, responsible procurement and community engagement.

The accreditation is the latest milestone in Yarnfield Park’s sustainability journey and independently validates the progress made through its Future First Charter as part of The Venues Collection, group of 5 hotel and conference venues - long-term sustainability framework built around three pillars: People Pledge, Food Focus and Enriching Environments.

Joanne Barratt, Managing Director of The Venues Collection, said:

"As expectations around sustainable events continue to grow, we want to make it easier for organisers to select venues that support their own environmental goals. This accreditation demonstrates that sustainability isn't an initiative running alongside our business – it's part of how we operate every day."

Andrew Perolls, CEO of Greengage Solutions, said:

"Achieving Gold ECOsmart certification across all five of The Venues Collection properties reflects a consistent approach to sustainability across the portfolio. High scores in food and beverage, with initiatives such as removing palm oil, eliminating single-use plastics, becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer and investing in EV charging, show that sustainability is embedded in venue operations. ECOsmart certification provides independent verification of these achievements, giving The Venues Collection customers and guests confidence in their sustainability standards. Congratulations to everyone involved on reaching this impressive milestone."

The Future First Charter has driven a series of sustainability initiatives across the collection, including zero waste to landfill, carbon labelling across menus, a plant-forward food offer, 100% of food waste being diverted to anaerobic digestion, renewable electricity generation, biodiversity projects and investment in solar-powered EV charging. The Group has also embedded sustainability into its people strategy through apprenticeships, leadership development and diversity and wellbeing initiatives.

For event organisers, the ECOsmart Gold accreditation provides independent verification that these initiatives are delivering measurable outcomes, offering confidence that sustainability has been embedded consistently across Yarnfield Park and The Venues Collection's entire portfolio.

Yarnfield Park offers over 40 meeting rooms for 2 to 500 guests, onsite accommodation in the form of 338 ensuite bedrooms, an onsite restaurant, bar and gym, Costa Coffee café, and free guest parking for 400 vehicles. More information about Yarnfield Park and their sustainability initiatives can be found in their Future First Charter.