12 Sustainable Event Locations in NRW
After gathering a list of 50 event locations in NRW, as well as for some cities in the area such as Cologne, Essen, Dortmund and Düsseldorf, it’s time for us to share some sustainable event locations in NRW.
Sustainability is a topic that is dear to our heart at PIRATEx. We believe that it’s every event organizer’s responsibility to make sure that their events have a limited impact on the environment. While taking sustainable measures can be daunting, there are many easy steps that can be taken, including selecting the right event location for your event.
NRW offers a large variety of event locations that promote sustainability and take an eco-conscious approach to hosting. We’ve tried many of them for our clients. Here is a list of our 12 favorite sustainable event locations in NRW.
1- Congress Center Düsseldorf
This event location is situated in the heart of Düsseldorf. It’s an ideal space for hosting a diverse range of events, from national and international corporate gatherings to conferences and congresses.
As the first German congress center and proud founding member of the “fairpflichtet” sustainability initiative, the Congress Center Düsseldorf has set a pioneering standard in the events’ industry. It is the first international congress center in Germany to achieve the prestigious “Green Globe” sustainability certificate, a recognition it has consistently upheld through regular recertifications.
Embracing a forward-thinking approach, the venue took a significant step towards environmental responsibility by signing the Düsseldorf Climate Pact at the beginning of 2023. This initiative, led by the state capital Düsseldorf, highlights the venue’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by the year 2035.
Beyond its sustainability initiatives, the Congress Center Düsseldorf offers a modular and flexible room concept. Tailored spaces are available for events of any size, with 41 conference rooms, 17 exhibition halls, and a sprawling 43,000 m² of open-air space ready to accommodate your specific requirements. The Congress Center Düsseldorf is the perfect sustainable event location in NRW.
2- THE FRAME
THE FRAME is a unique sustainable event location in Düsseldorf with roots tracing back to its origins as a crane factory in 1906. Preserving the industrial character of its past, this venue offers a distinctive setting for events.
THE FRAME boasts two expansive halls, each spanning 2,800 and 2,000 square meters, where floors, columns, and crane runways stand tall at a height of 10 meters. Whether you’re planning a conference, product presentation, or a company celebration, THE FRAME accommodates gatherings ranging from an intimate 150 to 2,000 people.
What sets THE FRAME apart is not just its industrial allure but also its commitment to sustainability. Operating on green electricity, the venue demonstrates a dedication to eco-conscious practices. As part of the ongoing EMAS certification process, THE FRAME acknowledges its responsibility for environmental stewardship.
3- Hotel Land Gut Höhne
The Hotel Land Gut Höhne, a luxurious 4-star retreat nestled in the countryside between Düsseldorf and Mettmann, is one of many sustainable event locations in NRW.
There are 12 event rooms within the hotel, ranging from intimate spaces for as few as 8 persons with 20m² to the grandest room, accommodating up to 110 persons with 180m². Whether you’re planning a company event, workshop, or conference, Hotel Land Gut Höhne provides the ideal backdrop for gatherings that seamlessly blend nature, comfort, and sustainability.
This hotel holds multiple sustainability certifications, such as Bioland and Bio Hotels. The commitment to organic practices is evident in every detail, with an organic control certification by ABCERT ensuring the highest standards are met. Hotel Land Gut Höhne operates on green electricity, demonstrating a dedication to reducing its environmental footprint. The event location also features a charging station for electric cars. Hotel Land Gut Höhne is also a CO2-balanced hotel.
4- Design offices Düsseldorf Fürst & Friedrich
Step into the contemporary and sustainable space of Design Offices Düsseldorf Fürst & Friedrich. This dynamic location seamlessly blends functionality with sustainability, making it an ideal choice for modern conference formats, workshops, kick-off presentations, business events, and networking gatherings.
With 26 versatile event rooms, including the largest accommodating up to 400 persons, Design Offices Düsseldorf Fürst & Friedrich offers a flexible canvas for a variety of gatherings.
Design Offices takes pride in its commitment to a climate-neutral future. As a TÜV-certified CO₂-neutral workspace, it stands at the forefront of sustainable practices. The venue operates on green electricity, contributing to a reduction in its overall environmental impact.
A focus on sustainability goes beyond energy choices, with lower energy consumption achieved through the use of sustainable light sources. Waste management and recycling are integral aspects of the venue’s eco-conscious approach.
Note: The Design Offices are also in multiple other cities such as in Essen, Cologne or Bonn.
5- lifelab – nachhaltige Location
This sustainable event location is a green oasis nestled in the heart of Cologne—perfect for meetings, workshops, conferences, and events. The space seamlessly blends the urban environment with nature, creating a refreshing atmosphere that promotes creativity and collaboration.
In this 90 m² space, lifelab provides an ideal setting for various events up to 50 persons. The venue’s flexible, Lego-like wooden furniture, arranged in a modular system, ensures that the space is as adaptable as your ideas.
Thanks to biophilic design principles, nature is an integral part of the space. Sustainable materials such as wood, moss, plants, and upcycled materials are thoughtfully incorporated.
The commitment to sustainability extends to the venue’s operations, with lifelab utilizing green electricity and employing smart systems to conserve energy. A remarkable Green Wall, complemented by over 250 plants, not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures a clean indoor climate. This is one of the most sought-after sustainable event locations in NRW.
6- Garten Eden Industrial
This sustainable event catering and location is set on the historic grounds of the former chocolate factory in Stollwerckstraße, Cologne. The foyer adorned with original furnishings and stunning marble floors sets the tone for an exceptional event experience. Garten Eden Industrial offers a commitment to sustainability that runs through every aspect of its catering operation.
Flexible and versatile, this venue is the perfect canvas for events of all kinds—meetings, conferences, workshops, coaching sessions, seminars, and more. With 800m² of event space indoors, Garten Eden Industrial can cater and host gatherings of up to 200 people.
The sustainability ethos of Garten Eden Industrial is present in its culinary offerings. The in-house catering crafts dishes that follow the changing seasons. All ingredients are locally sourced, and the team collaborates with an organic butcher and selects fish from sustainable fisheries from around Cologne.
7- Kabelwerk Eventlocation
Kabelwerk Eventlocation, a sustainable haven nestled in the vibrant area of Cologne—an event location brought to you by the con GUSTO catering service. This venue combines the allure of industrial charm with modern elegance.
With 650m² of event space, Kabelwerk Eventlocation is a versatile canvas, capable of accommodating up to 180 persons. Whether you’re envisioning a corporate gathering, a milestone celebration, or a special event, this venue is perfect for your needs.
Embrace the eco-conscious ethos of Kabelwerk Eventlocation, where sustainability and environmental awareness take center stage. The venue sources 100% of its electricity from sustainable sources, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.
The con GUSTO catering sources ingredients from regional providers, ensuring a connection to the local community and supporting sustainable agriculture.
Whether you’re captivated by the industrial charm, drawn to the modern elegance, or enticed by the eco-friendly initiatives, Kabelwerk Eventlocation is one of many sustainable event locations in NRW that will make your event memorable.
8- GLORIA
GLORIA is located in the heart of Cologne. Housed in a former premiere cinema, the venue retains the flair and timeless elements of the 1950s, offering a captivating setting for unique events of all kinds.
Whether for product presentations, press conferences, unusual company celebrations, or banquets, you’ll be sure to host a memorable event from 120 to 900 guests.
For over a decade, the GLORIA team has been dedicated to making its operations more resource-efficient and sustainable. It operates on electricity sourced from renewable sources—an initiative that saves approximately 70 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
GLORIA’s sustainability journey is well known. It was included in the Green Club Index back in 2011 and acknowledged as one of 1000 steps towards a climate-neutral NRW by the KlimaExpo NRW initiative in 2016. Since then, the venue has continuously optimized its operations, implementing numerous small and large measures to stay at the forefront of sustainable practices.
9- V-Hotel
V-Hotel is a unique and sustainable gem nestled in the vibrant city of Bonn. As a hotel that offers spaces for events, the hotel sets itself apart by managing its building as sustainably and energy-efficiently as possible.
The venue embraces a smart building concept, integrating innovative solutions for electricity and heat generation. A combined heat and power plant, solar panels, cutting-edge battery technology for energy storage, heat pumps, iWater for intelligent water management, and AI control for energy management come together to create a harmonious blend of technology and environmental responsibility.
It offer an ideal setting for conferences, workshops, seminars, and team events but also champions the use of eco-friendly practices. V-Hotel boasts five event spaces, ranging from 13m² to 80m², accommodating up to 50 persons.
The commitment to sustainability at V-Hotel goes beyond its architectural features. It is ingrained in the ethos of the venue. It is one of our favorite sustainable event locations in NRW.
10- World Conference Center Bonn
Situated within the former plenary building of the German Bundestag, this iconic center, coupled with the main building, offers a vast space for events accommodating up to 7,000 people.
What sets the World Conference Center Bonn apart is not just its grandeur but its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The main building operates with natural electricity, setting the stage for an environmentally conscious venue. The utilization of energy-efficient building technology encompasses energy-saving lighting, efficient heat recovery in ventilation systems, geothermal energy for heating and air conditioning, and a photovoltaic system on the roof area generating 60 kWp of clean energy.
Central energy management through advanced building control technology ensures an optimized and eco-friendly operation, and the venue proudly boasts green roofs, harmonizing with its commitment to sustainable practices.
11- Historische Stadthalle Wuppertal
The Historische Stadthalle Wuppertal is an architectural masterpiece from the Wilhelminian era that effortlessly blends history with modern sustainability. This historic building located in Wuppertal serves as a stunning backdrop for a variety of events, from product presentations and galas to company parties.
It offers nine flexible event spaces that can be set up to accommodate gatherings of up to 1000 guests. If the weather is favorable, you can also host receptions and banquets on the wonderful terrace with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, the Historische Stadthalle Wuppertal stands as a beacon of sustainability. Committed for several years to making services more environmentally friendly, the venue prioritizes resource management, energy efficiency, waste avoidance, and the integration of innovative technology. Every process, from planning to execution, is sensitized to ensure a holistic and eco-conscious event experience.
12- Alexianer Hotel am Wasserturm
The Alexianer Hotel am Wasserturm in Münster is ideal for unforgettable company celebrations and team events in a lush green setting. The historic water tower, dating back to 1911, stands as a testament to the rich history of this venue, which was meticulously renovated and redesigned in 2016 to become a beacon of modern sustainability. This conference hotel seamlessly blends history with contemporary comfort, offering ten indoor conference rooms and an outdoor area, providing ample space for up to 120 guests.
The focus on regional food and drinks from the Münsterland region sets the stage for a culinary journey that not only delights the palate but also supports local communities and reduces the carbon footprint associated with sourcing ingredients.
Recognizing its dedication to sustainability, the Alexianer Hotel am Wasserturm has been awarded Green Sign Level 4 by the InfraCert Institute for Sustainable Development in the Hotel Industry. This prestigious recognition reflects the venue’s comprehensive sustainability activities, ensuring that every event hosted here aligns with principles of environmental responsibility.
The bottom Line
Selecting the right venue goes a long way to make sure that your event is unforgettable and sustainable! We hope that with this list of 12 sustainable event locations in NRW, you will be able to host amazing eco-conscious events in the future.
If you need some help with Location-Scouting for your next event, we can help! Get in touch with us or have a look as some of our other blog articles listing venues in Cologne, Essen, Dortmund or Düsseldorf as well as in the broader NRW area.
Written by:
Clélia Morlot
PIRATEx Digital Marketing Manager
