Accessible transportation options, like the TTC’s electric buses and bike-sharing programs, reduce carbon emissions while keeping your attendees connected. Venues like the LEED-certified Beanfield Centre and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre set the standard with waste diversion programs and renewable energy sources. Local partnerships with eco-conscious vendors offer everything from zero-waste catering to responsibly sourced event materials.

Combine these, and you’ll host inspiring meetings and events with Mother Earth in mind.

Eco-driven convention centres

Exhibition Place is home to the Beanfield Centre, one of Canada’s first certified LEED Silver conference centres, powered entirely by renewable energy. It also features the largest rooftop solar array in downtown Toronto. The Metro Toronto Convention Centre is another standout, diverting nearly 90 per cent of event waste from landfills and prioritizing energy and water efficiency.

Certified sustainable hotels

Toronto is a worldwide leader in eco-friendlier stays: it ranks third globally for certified sustainable hotels. Properties like the Fairmont Royal York support local ecosystems with rooftop beehives and on-site gardens, while Hotel X Toronto has six green roofs to help reduce heat radiation and programs for food composting and waste reduction to minimize environmental impact. The 1 Hotel Toronto features living plant walls, locally sourced food and beverages, plus many initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics.

Historic restorations

Toronto has transformed several of its heritage buildings into environmentally responsible venues. The historic Automotive Building is now the modern Beanfield Centre, while Evergreen Brick Works took an industrial site and turned it into an eco-conscious hub. These spaces combine Toronto’s rich history with energy-efficient upgrades, perfect for hosting eco-friendly events.

Sign up for Destination Toronto’s IDEAS Guide to get the tools you need to plan events that are inclusive, accessible and sustainability-focused.

Choose venues that prioritize sustainability

Venues like the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) focus on food waste reduction through portion planning, composting programs and partnerships with organizations like Daily Food Bank and Second Harvest, which redistributes surplus food to local communities.

Plan for minimal waste

Thoughtful planning can significantly reduce food waste. Start with accurate guest counts and surveys to tailor your menu. Choose smaller buffet portions or switch to individually plated servings to help reduce food waste. Many Toronto venues also work with organizations to donate leftovers, supporting the local community.

Choose local and plant-based

Choosing menus with local ingredients and plant-based dishes is an effective way to lower your event’s environmental impact. Local suppliers reduce transportation emissions while bringing the best of Ontario’s fresh, seasonal produce to the table.

Sustainable serving practices

Swap disposable utensils and single-use plastics for reusable or compostable alternatives. Some venues also use bulk beverage stations instead of bottled drinks to reduce packaging waste.

Sustainable Event Vendors

Toronto makes it easy to find eco-conscious vendors who support your sustainability goals, whether you’re looking for thoughtful gifts, reusable or compostable event materials, or services like waste management and food donation programs. Here are some tips to source the best sustainable partners for your next event

Look for local suppliers

Working with local vendors not only supports Toronto’s economy but also reduces transportation emissions. Whether it’s an event photographer, furniture rental company or florist, local is always better for the environment.

Pick vendors that prioritize Mother Earth

Go one step further and hire companies that provide solutions to reduce waste and support the local community. For example, opt for a rental company that uses reusable items versus single-use plastics or if you’re coordinating transportation for your attendees, go with car-rental companies that have electric vehicles in their fleet.

Source sustainable gifts 

Consider giving your attendees eco-friendly gifts from local businesses like Saul Good Gift Co., a company that creates gift boxes filled with practical, sustainable items, or Retreat Candle Co., which offers vegan, zero-waste candles that come in reusable containers. These gifts leave a lasting impression without leaving a mark on the environment.