Large-scale events aren’t exactly light on the planet. Between transportation, power needs, waste, and temporary, reusable structures, it’s no secret that events can leave a hefty carbon footprint. The logistics of creating multiple event sites across the UK, while making sure they’re safe, comfortable, and on time, is a mammoth task. But for us, that doesn’t mean sacrificing the environment.
When we received our Carbon Footprint certification, acknowledging that Purvis Marquees had offset 49 tonnes of CO2e, it wasn’t just another certificate to frame on the wall. It was a benchmark. And now? It’s our mission to do even more. As a company that provides critical infrastructure for outdoor events, we know that sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s a necessity.
The trees we’ve planted across Scotland aren’t just symbols of environmental responsibility—they’re future markers of our commitment. Each one represents a step towards offsetting the environmental impact of the events we support.
Planting Solutions, Not Just Trees
When event professionals choose Purvis, they’re not just renting structures; they’re partnering with a company that understands the complex logistics behind outdoor events. We don’t just deliver marquees; we deliver solutions. This includes the physical infrastructure that meets your demands—whether that’s for large-scale festivals, multi-site corporate functions, or intimate weddings—and now, increasingly, that means delivering sustainable infrastructure.
How does sustainability shape our day-to-day operations? It’s a question we’re asked a lot, particularly by event professionals who manage multi-site operations and are balancing their own environmental responsibilities. And it’s a fair one. For us, it starts at the foundation: from sourcing materials with lower carbon footprints to ensuring that our logistics—transport, power, and even waste management—are optimised for the least environmental impact.
The marquee industry, by nature, is one of adaptability. Every event is different, and that means every setup is unique. But whether we’re dealing with a 100-person gathering or a 10,000-person festival, our approach to sustainability remains consistent. We’re now actively looking into more carbon-neutral solutions, from solar-powered equipment to recyclable materials.
The bottom line? We’re not just here to help you plan your event—we’re here to plan for the future.
The Growing Role of Sustainability in Event Planning
I’ve been in this business long enough to remember when event professionals didn’t ask too many questions about sustainability. It wasn’t a priority, and most infrastructure providers didn’t consider it, let alone offer solutions. Today, though, it’s one of the first things event planners want to know. And for good reason.
According to recent data from Event Industry News, over 75% of event organisers have said that environmental impact is a key concern when planning outdoor events . That’s huge. This isn’t just about ticking boxes anymore; it’s about integrating sustainability into the very fabric of event planning.
The challenge, of course, is doing that without compromising on quality or logistics. Because when you’re managing large-scale events across multiple locations, you need infrastructure that’s as robust as it is eco-friendly. At Purvis, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between the two. That’s why we’re constantly innovating, looking at new ways to reduce our carbon footprint while still delivering the high-quality service we’re known for.
The Tree We Plant Today…
…is the marquee we pitch tomorrow. Sounds a bit poetic, doesn’t it? But it’s true. Every action we take now to offset our carbon footprint is a step toward a more sustainable future for the events industry. And that’s where our mission becomes clear: to be the physical infrastructure specialists that every outdoor event professional needs on their team. The ones who deliver not just the structures, but the calm, knowledgeable expertise that makes even the most complex logistical challenges seem simple.
And just maybe, next time you walk through a well-executed outdoor event, you’ll not only feel the magic—we hope you’ll think of the trees.
Learn More
If you want to see how your next event can make a difference, talk to us. Because at Purvis Marquee Hire, we’re more than just marquee providers—we’re part of the solution.