Features

Roder UK, a leading supplier of temporary and permanent modular structures to the live events, music and sports industries, has recently shared a string of media features, award shortlists and accolades, acknowledging their commitment to sustainability. Run by a small team in Cambridgeshire, the company is passionately working to minimise their impact on the planet. With large equipment usage, extensive haulage and travel requirements, and heavy machine use as essential factors in the day-to-day running of the business, Roder implements a variety of strategies to reduce their own eco-footprint, and encourage others in the sector to follow suit.

Roder has been supplying the event sector for over 50 years, during which time the need for sustainable practices has become gradually more pronounced. Lee Dalton, Roder UK’s Managing Director, says, “I still have fond memories of growing up watching David Attenborough, and the appreciation it gave me for the world around us. Now in my current position, I can’t imagine taking an approach that didn’t prioritise lowering our carbon output and minimising our impact on the planet. It would always be easier to turn a blind eye or accept that this is ‘just how things are’, but the ways we’ve adapted our processes and saved water, carbon and emissions in the process is proof that innovation is always possible.”

In June 2025, Dalton was featured in Event Industry News, discussing the need for sustainability efforts across the events sector, and sharing the ways in which Roder has been able to shrink their own carbon footprint. The piece offered advice, understanding and support to other suppliers, acknowledging the challenges of adopting more sustainable practices, while highlighting its importance and potential to benefit businesses in the long run. Lee’s optimism and actionable insights resonated with readers, with one commenting, “The choices we make today will define not just our events, but our legacy. Thank you for keeping this conversation front and centre.”

The team later received news that they had been shortlisted in two categories of the National Sustainability Awards, for both The Sustainable Transport Award and Partnership of the Year, following a successful collaboration with eco-friendly haulage company Voltloader for the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show. Nic Hardy, Senior Account Manager at Roder, said, “It’s really special to be finalists for these awards. It feels like a huge acknowledgment of the work we have put in behind the scenes to improve our corner of the industry. We are all looking forward to attending the ceremony in the coming weeks and connecting with other companies championing sustainability.”

Most recently, IQ Magazine announced their 2025 Green Guardians list — an annual recognition of the innovators at the forefront of making the live sector more eco-friendly. This year’s list saw Roder UK featured alongside household names like Coldplay, Wilderness Festival and Ginger Owl. “Our commitment to sustainability isn’t a box tick exercise, it’s something we will be continuing for life. Being named as a Green Guardian next to these huge industry players is great encouragement that we’re doing something right,” Dalton comments.

Despite the events industry’s significant carbon output, the team at Roder UK are seeking new ways to improve operations and reduce their footprint and are delighted to have their efforts celebrated. Through trying and testing different solutions, community and industry involvement, and thought-leadership work, they continue to spearhead a shift in the attitudes and working practices of event suppliers.

To get in touch with the team today, please contact [email protected] or call the office on 01487 840840.

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