Ted Leggett has been working in the Events industry for 15 years, first freelancing in event Health & Safety, he now manages Culture & Events for Norwich City Council, and through this role has worked with some of those at the forefront of event sustainability. As one of the pilot councils to trial the implementation of the Green Events Code Of Practice (GECOP), Norwich is becoming a leader in effecting change in live event sustainability. Read Ted’s answers below:
1. What is the proudest sustainability achievement or moment of your career?
Being one of the founder Councils of Green Events Code of Practice.
2. What was your worst ever sustainability-related decision, project or initiative and why?
Booking standard portaloos with poor waste management because they’re cheap and easy.
3. What are you excited about implementing this year?
Our city centre park in Norwich is now running only off 100% green energy, thereby removing fossil fuels form events.
4. Which environmental issue do you most care about?
Britain’s Waterways!
5. What sustainable change have you made in your personal life that you are most proud of?
Commuting by electric bike instead of car.
6. What do you read, listen to or watch to stay in touch with green issues?
SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH!
7. What is the most memorable live performance in your life?
Kae Tempest playing Wild Fields Festival, a seminal performance at the best, and most sustainable, festival I’ve been lucky enough to be a small part of.
8. Was there a moment you committed to taking action on climate change?
When I realised the way our countries waterways are being treated.
9. What is the most important issue to tackle at your events?
Improvements in toilet waste management.
10. What do you think is the most significant challenge for the events industry becoming more sustainable?
Unclear regulations, guidance and information, and associated costs.
11. Can you share something sustainable from another artist or event or company that inspired you to make a change?
Norfolk and Norwich Festival introducing compostable toilets at their events
12. What is the secret to your sustainable success?!
Collaboration of knowledge, experience and resources.
13. Tell us something you feel positive about right now that relates to the environment
The events industry is showing the way forwards in sustainable practices.
14. Tell us a book, film or recent article you feel others should watch/read and why about positive change?
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson. It shows how prescient the climate crisis is, fills you with despair of the world we’re in and gives hope for a possible future.
15. Can you give people new to sustainability in events a top tip?
Make sustainability a key factor from day one, not an afterthought.
16. What is the favourite festival moment of your career?
Dancing on stage with Nile Rodgers and Chic.
17. What habit or practice has helped you most in your personal journey in life?
Write everything down, even if you never read it again.
18. Is there anything new or exciting you are planning or changing for the future that you can tell us about?
Hoping to secure funding to upgrade our open spaces to all provide 100% green energy
19. Will we save the world?
We already are, we just need to collaborate more.
20. What would your sustainable super-power be?
Clean Water Worldwide.
Follow Ted Leggett on >> LinkedIn
This Q&A originally appeared in our September 2025 Vision for Sustainable Events newsletter. Sign up to receive monthly event sustainability news, case studies and guest blogs direct to your inbox.