Events and sustainability: how to organise responsibly
Music festivals and other large-scale events are under the spotlight when it comes to sustainability. And for good reason: a multi-day festival with tens of thousands of visitors means high emissions, huge amounts of waste, and a massive energy demand. More and more organisers are stepping up and taking responsibility, moving towards greener events. But where do you start? And which measures really make a difference?
The main polluters: where the real impact lies
Estimates show that around 65% of a festival’s CO₂ emissions come from visitor transport, followed by food and drink at about 25 to 30%. Exact figures are hard to pin down and vary per event, but the trend is clear: this is where the biggest environmental gains can be made. Energy use, water consumption, and waste also contribute significantly to the overall footprint and present great opportunities for improvement.
In practice, the most visible measures often get the most attention. Think reusable cups, bamboo cutlery, or recycled decor. These are important for image and the perception of sustainability, but they don’t always deliver the biggest environmental wins. If you really want to make a difference, look beyond appearances and focus on the impactful, less visible choices too.
Practical sustainability: from location to toilets
More sustainable organising starts with smart decisions. These areas offer real potential for improvement:
1. Locatie
Choose a venue that’s easily accessible by public transport and has grid power available. For example, Mojo saves thousands of litres of diesel at Lowlands by using the grid connection from the neighbouring Walibi amusement park.
2. Energy
Replace polluting generators with grid connections, battery packs or solar panels. Some festivals are even testing hydrogen-powered generators.
3. Water use
Use vacuum toilets, which consume up to seven times less water. Mysteryland and Mojo are also exploring the use of surface water instead of drinking water.
4. Waste
Prevent litter and waste build-up with reusable tableware and clear waste separation. Some festivals use four-colour coded bags for different waste streams. Results vary, but it raises awareness.
5. Food and drink
Food is the second biggest source of emissions. So opt for a mostly vegetarian or vegan menu – a growing standard at many festivals.
Festivals as testbeds for behavioural change
A festival isn’t just a place to party – it’s also a space to inspire. Visitors are open to new experiences and more willing to adopt sustainable behaviours, especially when you make it easy for them.
As an organiser, you have a lot of influence through site design, your offerings, and how you communicate. Clear recycling stations, discounts for public transport, or vegetarian food as the default – these choices reduce emissions and give people the sense that this is the new normal.
Behavioural scientists call this imprinting behaviour – habits formed during the event that people stick with afterwards. This way, your festival contributes to broader societal change, even beyond the festival grounds.
Smart sustainability: where to start as an organiser
Start where it matters most: transport, food, and energy. These are the biggest emitters and your biggest levers for change. Choose an accessible location, work with sustainable food partners, or explore energy-saving solutions. With focused choices, you can make real progress quickly.
And communication is key: be transparent about what you’re doing, why you’re doing it, and what you’re still working on. That way, your audience comes along for the journey, and sustainability becomes an integrated part of your event.
No Risk thinks along with you
Sustainable organising calls for smart decisions – and sometimes comes with new risks. Think of innovative energy setups, changing visitor behaviour, or stricter environmental regulations.
We help you navigate those risks, assess insurability and advise on the right coverage for your sustainable choices – from circular stage design to alternative power sources – so you’re well prepared on every front.
Want to talk this through or learn more about our insurance solutions? Get in touch.