SLX awarded inaugural TPi Green Award for outstanding sustainable policies

SLX, an independent hire and live events company based in Bristol, was awarded the inaugural Green Award at the 2022 TPi Awards in May.

The gala event was attended by more than 1,200 people at London’s Battersea Evolution. The Green Award recognises SLX for its outstanding achievements and forward-thinking policies in the field of sustainability. These include the appointment of a full-time Sustainability and Social Values Manager, and a commitment to reach Net Zero by 2030 under the Bristol One City Climate Change Ask.

To achieve Net Zero, SLX has implemented a number of ambitious initiatives. The company has invested in charging stations for electric cars at its Bristol-based headquarters, is transitioning all of its tungsten fixtures to more energy-efficient LED, and is prioritising Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) over diesel in the generators for all of its events. It has also secured a grant from the West of England Council Authority for a 120kW solar panel system, to be fitted to the roof of its warehouse.

SLX has committed to working with its clients to help them reduce the environmental impact of their productions as much as possible. For every event SLX works on, it offers a capture of the environmental and carbon impact in an Event Sustainability Report. Recommendations for how the event’s impact can be minimised are advised for future occasions.

The judges commended SLX for their “leadership, in-depth understanding and commitment to reducing their climate impact.” Chris Johnson, Operations Director for Shambala Festival and one of the judges, added: “If only all companies were this forward thinking and effective.”

Alongside its policies in sustainability, SLX has worked on a number of social initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion. The company has partnered with Bristol-based charity Babbasa, which provides work support for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Babbasa is running an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion audit at SLX, alongside training to help create a more inclusive working environment.

The Green Award was accepted by Phoebe Currie, SLX’ Sustainability and Social Values Manager, who commented: “It was fantastic to see sustainability front and centre at the TPi Awards – it really shows a movement is taking place within our industry. I am thankful to work for a company that is so receptive to change and conscious of the climate change challenge.”

Alastair Currie, SLX CEO, added: “Sustainability is a core pillar of the business here at SLX. It is deeply embedded into everything we do, and this is why sustainability was one of the key focuses of the rebrand which we launched earlier in 2022. Going forward, we will continue to invest in sustainable policies and technology.”