Events industries collaborate on climate transition plan

Organisations across the UK's outdoor events industry have collaborated on the latest edition of the Show Must Go On (SMGO) report, which presents a clear picture of current practices, impact benchmarks, and a Climate Transition Plan with a target of 50 per cent emissions reductions by 2030.

The report, published by Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie's Bicycle, identifies how festivals can reduce typical footprints by 37 per cent. It provides clear actions for event organisers, supply chain, and sector organisations, as well as specific requests of government policy to overcome systemic barriers to encourage an ambitious approach to cutting the sector's emissions in half.

Key asks to government from the industry include the national adoption of the Green Events Code of Practice (GECoP), accelerating the installation of grid connections in public outdoor event sites, adopting a consistent approach to waste management, and removing barriers to public transport for audiences. Generating £1.7 billion in annual revenue, the UK Live Outdoor Events Industry makes up a significant part of the UK’s £6.7 billion music industry.

The aim of the ‘Climate Transition Plan 2030’ is to provide a vision and direction for the outdoor events sector towards a 50 per cent emissions reduction. It aims to galvanise and focus effective sector action, by setting out what is currently achievable and what is needed from key stakeholders to unlock further change.

Since 2020, the UK outdoor events sector has increased its environmental efforts, with progress accelerating post‑pandemic despite growing financial challenges. The 'More Than Music Report 2024' independently surveyed 100 UK music festival websites and found that 25 per cent incorporate renewable energy into their power supply and 22 per cent offset audience emissions.

The modelling in the report outlines the potential to reduce industry-wide emissions by up to 37 per cent. It highlights that individual events can reduce their footprint by focusing on areas within their direct control, such as procurement, materials management, reusable cup systems, food choices, energy efficiency, and influencing travel choices.

It says that 91 per cent of live music events across the UK are classified as ‘micro’ or ‘small’ cultural events, underscoring the need for solutions to be actionable for all, and for a nationally consistent understanding of best practices and reporting to increase awareness and track progress.

The report was produced by Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’s Bicycle in collaboration with a working group chaired by LIVE Green including A Greener Future, Hope Solutions, Festival Republic, The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF).

Key funders include Arts Council England, EarthPercent and the Event Industry Forum, Ticket Tailor Earth Invest Fund, and Live events orgs such as AEG, Boomtown, Team Love, Festival Republic, Supertruct, From the Fields, and Shambala.

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