A Greener Festival

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions contribute to the growing issue of climate change.

Festivals Carbon Emissions

Events often involve the use of generators powered by diesel or petrol. The number of cars traveling to events, guests and artists flying to events. Even indoor events will use the mains electricity which adds to overall carbon emissions. The level of CO2 emissions at events needs to be continually reduced.

Festival organisers might consider:

Use no mains power or petrol/diesel, running only on solar, wind, bio-diesel or other renewable source power. Apply the same rules to traders.
Carefully consider environmental efficiency in traffic management.
Minimise the use of on-site vehicles and use electric or bio-diesel powered vehicles.
If hiring a shuttle bus try to find one powered by renewable energy.
Joining a Carbon Neutral Scheme (click for more info), although reduction/elimination is better than off-setting.
Calculate and aim to neutralize your events carbon footprint

From an internet survey of 649 festival visitors the following was found with regards to attitudes to waste management at events:

Whether CO 2 emissions are a negative environmental impact of festivals had the largest ‘not sure’ response at 36%. 30% agreed or strongly agreed, and 36% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

The high ‘not sure’ response may be due to some lack of understanding as to what CO 2 emissions are or how they are created, or possibly an uncertainly to the inner workings of festival logistics.

“Artist opinions could have a bearing [on a festivals environmental efficiency]. Some artists such as Cold Play have joined the Carbon Neutral scheme whereby measures are taken to counterbalance the CO2 emissions created when they tour.”

Chris Kemp, Dean of Leisure & Tourism, BCUC

Glastonbury Festival has joined a Carbon Neutral Scheme whereby a tree is planted on their behalf to counterbalance the emissions made by each event. The effectiveness and credibility of this scheme have come under question (link). Such an option is too expensive for many organisers as highlighted by Nick Ladd (Glade Festival).

Events such as Big Green Gathering, Kingston Green Fair, and Glastonbury’s Green Fields use no mains power or petrol, running only on solar, wind and gas power. Not only does this improve environmental efficiency, such things as solar panels can be an attractive addition to the overall aesthetics of your event. Far more attractive than a smelly, noisy, polluting generator!

Buddahfields also use wind and solar power to power their events. Nick Ladd (The Glade) highlights that the draw from such sources is limited and can only be used for smaller stages at festivals. This indicates that there is some development in the technologies available before widespread implementation is possible in certain areas. Combined methods are a good starting point.

The use of solar panels, for example, could initially work out more expensive if investing in new equipment or hiring in for large power requirements.

When asked whether an increased ticket price for an event would be acceptable if for the purpose of environmental improvement 57% agreed or strongly agreed. Only 19% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed with this statement.

This response indicates that the majority of festival-goers would be happy to share the additional costs (if any) that environmental improvements may bring.

One festival-goer commented that “only rich people can afford to go” if expenses go too high. This highlights the need to consider social impacts and effects alongside environmental elements.