Science-Based Strategies for Event Sustainability

When Dutch Grand Prix organizers announced in 2019 the goal of going car-free, they were ridiculed: "That's impossible!” decried critics. But they’ve made the impossible possible in Zandvoort, shifting behaviour with a bold vision, targeted investment, and effective cooperation. While an F1 race is an unlikely place for a sustainable transport revolution, the event’s 110,000 daily attendees were prohibited from arriving by car. Instead, organizers executed an integrated mobility plan; resulting in 98% of fans traveling by foot, bike or public transport. By strictly applying the STOMP principles: Stappen (Walking), Trappen (Cycling), OV (Public Transport), Mobility as a Service, and Private Cars, the comprehensive and flexible strategy could be adjusted each day in response to changing weather, demand, and other external factors. Given the coastal setting, planners were worried fans would hesitate to cycle long distances in wind and rain. But they were pleasantly surprised, and pedaling through the dunes to the 45,000 popup parking spaces has become a social and enjoyable part of the race day experience. The Dutch Grand Prix’s success is attracting attention and inspiring other big events like music festivals and sport competitions. The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee visited Zandvoort in 2023 to investigate how they could apply this aspirational model during the 2024 Games. With the target of 100% sustainable mode share within reach by next year, what began as an idealistic dream has become a concrete blueprint that can be replicated everywhere. After all, changing the world always seems impossible until you roll up your sleeves and make it happen.

Using a “start from where you are” approach as a leverage point for change: Any event, board meeting, workshop, group activity is an opportunity to showcase a shift in environmental practices, especially those with large numbers of attendees. For instance, a zero waste event can serve as a powerful platform for promoting environmental behavior change and raising awareness about the importance of adopting new behaviors. Use the activity to set a precedent for your company/school/government agency/organization and showcase your willingness to make a difference! For instance, practical steps to organize a zero waste event: 1. Set Clear Goals: Define specific and achievable zero waste goals for your event. Aim to minimize (or eliminate!) waste sent to landfills and maximize reuse, composting, and recycling. 2. Engage Stakeholders: Involve event organizers, vendors, sponsors, and attendees in the zero waste initiative. Use it as a way to build local relationships with businesses aligned with your values and/or get businesses you already work with on board to embrace sustainable practices and zero waste goals. Provide vendors with guidelines & support on waste reduction. 3. Waste Assessment: Conduct a waste assessment to identify the types & quantities of waste typically generated at similar events. This analysis is for tailoring your zero waste strategy. 4. Waste Reduction Strategy: Develop a comprehensive waste reduction strategy. Focus on reducing/eliminating single-use items and promoting reusable alternatives. 5. Recycling and Composting Stations: Set up clearly labeled reuse, recycling and composting stations throughout the event area. Make it easy (and fun!) for attendees to sort their waste properly. 6. Educational Signage and Outreach: Place educational signage throughout the event (learning opportunity!), explaining the zero waste initiative and guiding attendees on how to participate actively. 7. Volunteer Training: Train volunteers to assist attendees at waste stations. Watching others demonstrate and seeing others engaged in waste brings other people onboard 8. Collaborate with Local Waste Management: Work with local waste management companies to make a plan for waste diversion. 9. Post-Event Evaluation: Assess the success of the zero waste initiative. Analyze waste diversion rates, collect feedback from attendees and vendors, and identify areas for improvement. 10. Publicize Success Stories: Share achievements and positive outcomes of the zero waste event with the community and stakeholders. Celebrate your collective effort towards sustainability! 11. Continued Engagement: Encourage ongoing environmental practices beyond the event. Provide resources, tips, and educational materials to help attendees adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. *Reach out if you have questions! #waste #ecoconscious #zerowaste #ecoliteracy #sustainabilityleadership #behaviorchange #environmentaleducation #sustainablebusiness

4 steps framework for organizing a net zero event. (Offsetting your carbon footprint should be the last one) When planning sustainable events - most companies think of offsetting first. And other 3 important steps are usually skipped. If you don't want to make the same mistake. Follow this framework: Step 1. 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 Make a conscious effort to avoid venues, transport, or other activities that create more emissions than others. Step 2. 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Focus on improving efficiency, reusing materials, and minimizing waste to lower the overall carbon footprint of the event. Step 3. 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Substitute high-carbon activities with low-carbon alternatives. Consider virtual or hybrid events to reduce travel-related emissions. Step 4. 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 Invest in carbon offset projects to balance out the emissions that cannot be eliminated, such as renewable energy projects or reforestation initiatives. Following these steps sequentially lowers your event's footprint to begin with. Minimizes waste and saves the natural resources along the way. And reduces offsetting cost too. So when you are organizing your next event. Focus on these biggest emission sources first. And apply the 4-step framework to each one of them. Start with 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Responsible for 45% of emissions. Use shared vehicles, public transport, or carpool. Offer virtual attendance options. Then consider the 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 Contributes to 20% of emissions. Choose venues with renewable energy. Opt for green or LEED-certified buildings. Then think about the 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 sources Makes up 15% of emissions. Source food locally. Offer plant-based options. Avoid food waste. And plan for 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 Adds 10% to the emissions. Select venues with waste management programs. Use biodegradable utensils and reusable items. And finally, 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 That contributes to 10% to the emissions. Use renewable energy sources. Schedule events during daylight hours. So by following this four-step process. And focusing on the bigger emission sources first. You can plan a more sustainable event without any external support. 🌍 And you don't have to be a sustainability pro for it! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now that I've shared the framework and steps, excuses like 'We lack the expertise' or 'It will cost more' just don’t cut it. What’s your excuse now? Comment with the lamest excuse you’ve heard for not organizing sustainable events? #SustainableEvents #NetZero #GreenMeetings

On opposite sides of the Atlantic, two companies– Showpower Global B.V. and Broadcast Management Group, Inc.–are tackling the same challenge: reducing the carbon footprint of large-scale productions without sacrificing performance, reliability, or impact. In entertainment, Showpower has so far helped power 65 Coldplay concerts in 16 countries entirely on batteries by deploying their SmartGrid™ system. A first for a stadium-level touring band, which has contributed to an overall 59% reduction in touring emissions compared to the band's last stadium tour. It's proof that live events on a massive scale can run cleaner, without sacrificing quality or reliability. In live television, Broadcast Management Group has applied this same spirit of innovation to space. Our work with Blue Origin’s NS-34 mission used a REMI (remote integration) model to reduce on-site crew, gear, and travel, cutting the carbon impact by 80%, while still delivering a complex, multi-camera live broadcast. As battery systems and sustainable tech like Showpower’s become more prevalent, REMI models like BMGs will only become more efficient and more environmentally impactful. The potential for a completely sustainable model—clean energy + remote production—is real, and it’s coming. Whether you’re producing a world tour or launching rockets into orbit, reducing emissions is no longer optional...it’s part of the job. #GreenProduction #LiveProduction

🌿💚 The New Olympic Color: Green instead of Gold!🌿💚 Five ways Paris is putting on a Green Olympics As the 2024 Olympics kicks off in the city that brought us the landmark Paris Agreement, it is no surprise that sustainability and climate action is front and center. The organizers have set the ambitious goal of halving the climate footprint of prior games and making the event a laboratory for sustainability. Here's how they're doing it: 1. Reducing Waste: Paris is making a concerted effort to minimize waste through extensive recycling programs and by utilizing biodegradable materials wherever possible. They’re also encouraging a zero-waste culture among spectators and athletes, reducing single-use plastics dramatically. 2. Using Clean Energy: The Games will be powered primarily by renewable energy sources. Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydropower are all being harnessed to ensure that the electricity powering the events is as green as possible. This shift is crucial in slashing the Games' carbon footprint. 3. Promoting Green Transportation: Public transport, electric buses, and bike-sharing schemes are being heavily promoted for athletes and spectators alike. With a robust public transit system in place, Paris aims to drastically reduce emissions from transportation. 4. Repurposing Venues: Instead of constructing new stadiums, Paris is repurposing existing venues and temporary structures. This innovative approach reduces the environmental impact of construction and leaves a lasting legacy of sustainability. 5. More Plant-Based Menus: To reduce the carbon footprint associated with food, the Olympics will feature more plant-based options. Paris 2024 is seeking to show that with innovation and commitment, major global events can be both spectacular and sustainable. These efforts are a testament to the city’s dedication to honoring the spirit of the Paris Agreement and leading the charge toward a greener future. 🌍🏅 #Paris2024 #GreenOlympics #climate #innovation #sustainability #EcoFriendly #ParisAgreement #Paris

Show Must Go On Report #3 is live! I am beyond proud to share that on February 11th we launched the third edition of the *Show Must Go On report and a Climate Transition Plan 2030 for the Live Outdoor Events industry* with the support of MP’s in Parliament. The full report is now available to download here  https://bit.ly/VisionSMGO3 The report is the result of unprecedented effort across industry organisations, festivals, venues, and suppliers, and presents a unified strategy for urgent climate action. This report celebrates and builds on many positive initiatives in the industry, stretches ambition, and provides a clear vision and actions, including: - Impact Benchmarking: to measure progress in carbon reduction, waste management, and energy efficiency. - The 2030 Vision: A clear, data-driven Climate Transition Plan designed to align the sector with national net-zero targets. - Policy asks to Government: How government and local authorities can support the goals of the sector.   - 30 Climate Actions for Events: practical sustainability measures that events of all sizes can put in place to take climate action now. This report is more than just data—it is a call to action for events to take action. It provides the framework we need to ensure the UK remains a global leader in both creative excellence and environmental responsibility. #Sustainability #LiveEventIndustry #SMGO #ClimateAction #LiveEventsUK A huge huge thanks to everyone involved in reaching this significant milestone - it is the result of a community of passionate dedicated people contributing their time, skills and experience over many years. The journey continues. x Alison Tickell Alex Covell Adam Parry Association of Independent Festivals Access All Areas Magazine Lyke Poortvliet Andrew Lansley Christopher Barrett Ian Baird Ross Patel carol Scott Rupert Bassadone 📍🎪 Tim Benson Victoria Chapman Lewis Jamieson Cathy Runciman Meegan Jones John Rostron Meegan Jones George Follett Greg Cochrane Mandy Johnson Chris Tofu MBE Chris R. Ben Robinson Team Love Holger Jan Schmidt Laura van de Voort Clare Goodchild