Sustainability

At Devon County Show and our Westpoint site,  sustainability is all about making sure that our event spaces have a minimal negative impact on the environment. This involves reducing waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions while also considering the well-being of attendees and the local community.

1. Location and Transportation

We encourage visitors to use public transport by offering an enhanced bus service in partnership with  Stagecoach during the show running buses up to every 15 minutes from Exeter, including a bus every 30 minutes direct from Exeter St David’s train station giving a public transport link to the show for visitors from across the country. Additionally, we are positioned on a fantastic bike network  meaning visitors can reach us by bike almost entirely off road and then utilise the provided bicycle racks  at each of our public gates.

2. Energy Efficiency

Event venues consume a significant amount of energy, mainly for lighting, and heating. Did you know that Westpoint has over 800 solar panels on the roof of our building that provides 60% of the electrical consumption required to run our arena year round. These systems are not only better for the environment but can also lower operating costs. 

3. Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and Westpoint has recently  installed low-flow faucets and water-efficient landscaping, reducing both our water consumption and power in heating less water.

4. Waste Minimisation and Recycling

We work alongside local businesses on waste reduction initiatives, encompassing recycling, composting, and the adoption of reusable products. These measures effectively decrease the volume of waste directed to landfills and promote resource conservation. Year round we recycle over 90% of the waste that comes through our doors with the help of Devon Contract Waste Management, and during the show sponsors Coastal Recycling who handle all the waste during the Show. 

To reduce paper use and our carbon footprint we send a large number of our tickets digitally which can then be shown on devices rather than require printing. For the 2024 Show this included for the first time to equine and tradestands exhibitors who would normally receive two of our largest mailouts of tickets.

5. Eco-Friendly Food and Beverage Practices

All food providers during the show are asked to use South West suppliers wherever practical with particular significance on using locally sourced meat. All our contracted caterers are local and source where possible local, organic, and sustainably produced food and beverages for our visitors. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with our catering. We strive to eliminate single-use plastic and ask trade stands to use biodegradable or reusable tableware which has significantly reduced waste. For example our bars operate a managed system of multiple-use, branded Polycarbonate cups.

6. Community Engagement

Engaging with the local community is an essential aspect of our sustainability policy. Our Westpoint site is used for environmental initiatives such as The Woodland Trust Free trees for Farmers Initiative. We also open our arena for educational programmes about sustainability including the annual Farmwise event, where over 1,500 local schoolchildren learn about farming in Devon and how their food is produced on local farms.

7. Education

As part of the DCAA we have multiple educational streams focused on sustainability, in particular in agriculture. At the Show itself we host sections dedicated to Farmwise, Innovation and Ocean/River Discovery. All our educational features dedicated to educating visitors about agricultural, our important waters, and a sustainable future. In addition, many charities and organisations use the Show as a platform to promote their sustainable objectives on their trade stands.

Away from the show but run by The Devon County Agricultural Association is Rootstock, a conference focused on progressive, sustainable and forward thinking farming.