Photo credit: Jardin de las Delicias (ES)
As global awareness around environmental issues continues to grow, A Greener Future (AGF) is at the forefront, championing sustainability in the live events sector. For 2024, AGF has certified 40 festivals and events from 14 countries as achieving remarkable strides in reducing emissions, minimizing waste, and boosting inclusivity and biodiversity.
This year’s certified events include some of the most iconic names in the festival circuit, such as Bristol Harbour Festival (UK), Paléo Festival (Switzerland), and Sziget Festival (Hungary). Others, like Øyafestivalen (Norway) and Paradise City (Belgium), have set new benchmarks by earning the coveted “Outstanding” certification for their exceptional dedication to sustainability.
Setting the Standard: AGF Certification
AGF’s certification process is recognized as the most comprehensive standard for sustainability in the live events industry. To qualify, events undergo a rigorous evaluation encompassing 11 key themes such as governance, energy use, waste management, and biodiversity. This thorough approach ensures events are held accountable for their environmental and social impact.
The process includes a detailed self-assessment, on-site audits, and the submission of post-event evidence. Based on performance, events receive one of four grades: Improvers, Commended, Highly Commended, or Outstanding. This grading system encourages continual improvement, pushing events to go beyond legal compliance and embrace proactive change.
AGF CEO Claire O’Neill said: “Whilst the world is slowly catching up with legislation and better practices, it is great to see the festivals and events going the extra mile beyond what is legally required to protect and enhance biodiversity; reduce emissions and waste; prevent pollution; and enact positive change. These events are opting to be held to account, inviting detailed external scrutiny to ensure they are making the grade.”
Spotlight on Sustainable Events
Among the standout achievers this year, Øyafestivalen has been a consistent leader, earning the “Outstanding” grade for the 11th consecutive year. The festival’s team credits its success to a passionate workforce dedicated to minimizing environmental harm while maximizing positive societal impacts.
OpenAir St.Gallen, another top performer, has embraced AGF’s certification as a roadmap for improvement. The Swiss festival’s organizers highlighted the collaborative effort involved, saying, “Nearly 200 documents were reviewed over three months, and international scrutiny helped us address blind spots, further enhancing our commitment to sustainability.”
The 2024 Certified Events List
AGF certification is a mark of excellence, and the 2024 recipients represent a diverse range of festivals and events:
- Outstanding: Green Gathering (UK), We Love Green (France), Paradise City (Belgium), Øyafestivalen (Norway)
- Highly Commended: BST Hyde Park (UK), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), Les Escales (France)
- Commended: Sziget Festival (Hungary), Rosendal Garden Party (Sweden), Green Man (UK)
- Improvers: Primavera Sound Barcelona (Spain), Boomtown (UK), Lambeth Country Show (UK)
Pioneering Change with GEI17
The International AGF Awards 2025 ceremony will further celebrate these achievements during the Green Events & Innovations (GEI17) Conference on February 25 in London. Sponsored by Skydiamond, this event is a global gathering of sustainability leaders, featuring nominees who’ve made significant strides in environmental and social responsibility.
Last year, Belgium’s Paradise City took home the International Greener Festival Award for its vegetarian menus and eco-friendly practices. This year, the competition promises to be just as fierce, with trailblazing initiatives in focus.
Commitment Beyond Certification
AGF’s mission extends beyond awarding certifications. Through training, consultancy, and detailed audits, AGF equips event organizers with tools to navigate the complex sustainability landscape. By encouraging transparent reporting and sharing innovative practices, they foster a culture of continuous learning and accountability.
Events looking to join the movement can apply for 2025 assessments now. This commitment to a greener future isn’t just a badge of honor; it’s a call to action for the entire live events sector to rethink its role in the fight against climate change.
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