30 Climate Actions for Events of all Types and Sizes
As part of the ‘Show Must Go On #3 Industry report and Climate Transition Plan 2030 for the UK Live Outdoor Events Industry,’ the Vision for Sustainable Events Pledge for Festivals and Events has been updated with a practical list of actions aimed to be realistic for events of all types sizes to implement. This work is rooted in the acknowledgement that micro and small events make up 91% of the festival industry, as shown by the research published by the Association of Independent Festivals (2025).
Events are unique in their type, size, location, audience profile etc. and so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Over 70 practical climate actions have been reviewed using a ‘feasibility filter methodology,’ which considers affordability, availability in the supply chain, and how easy the actions are to implement without specialist knowledge or resources.
This process has produced this list of 30 practical sustainability measures that most events can put in place to take climate action. Note that this list is being released as a beta version; i.e. we will be actively seeking feedback throughout 2026 to relaunch in early 2027.
Alongside this list, the recently reviewed and published national Green Events Code of Practice provides a framework for action for events and the sector, including targets for 2030.
The Vision 2030 pledge asks events to:
- Use the climate action checklist to adopt as many new practices as possible, as soon as achievable, and by 2030 at the latest.
- Use the Climate Actions Checklist and the Green Events Code of Practice to inform a 5-year strategy and action plan to 2030 (for larger events and organisations).
- Be part of our community of events taking action, sharing knowledge, and being the change.
Download Climate Action Checklist 2030 for Live Outdoor Events
Sign the Vision 2030 Pledge
- Work with your onsite supplier to reduce fuel use through efficiency savings e.g. better system design or battery use.
- Use a grid connection for onsite electricity wherever possible.
- Replace diesel with HVO fuel (interim medium-term measure while on a journey toward renewables and grid connection.
- Reduce new materials purchased for creative builds
- Increase rate of recycling from drinks packaging
- Provide water points and encourage use of reusable bottles
- Reduce waste related emissions by using more sustainable alternative materials (paper cups, rPET plastic)
- Reuse merchandise items or find sustainable alternatives
- Reduce single-use plastic by using reusable cups at the bars
- Reduce general waste by maximising recycling
- Reduce artist-related single-use plastics and waste with Green Riders
- Implement a Deposit Return Scheme for items such as bottles or cans
- Engage audiences with clear initiatives & incentives to reduce waste brought to site and engage in recycling
- Promote car sharing to increase occupancy and reduce number of cars
- Reduce audience travel distances by prioritising early access to local ticket sales
- Implement an efficient production delivery schedule to reduce build and derig travel.
- Consolidate food deliveries with a centralised ordering system for traders.
- Use local storage facilities for equipment, build and design materials.
- Implement a strict no idling policy to reduce unnecessary onsite emissions.
- Introduce low emissions onsite transport using electric buggies / cargo bikes.
- Work with local suppliers and traders to reduce travel distances.
- Consolidate food deliveries with a centralised ordering system and/or wholesalers onsite for traders.
- Avoid exclusivity clauses from artist contracts to maximise dates on touring schedules within regions .
- Increase programming of local or regional artists to reduce artists travel emissions.
- Move to a 100% plant-based menu.
- Remove red meat from menus.
- Reduce the proportion of meat in (e.g. 50/50 meals) and /or increase the % of vegetarian food onsite.
- Work with local drink suppliers to reduce travel distances.
- Work with sustainable drinks suppliers such as B Corps to reduce impacts of brewing.
- Implement water efficiency measures to reduce water usage.