UK Industry Publishes Climate Transition Plan For Outdoor Events

Vision for Sustainable Events and Julie’s Bicycle published the third edition of The Show Must Go On (SMGO) report, which presents a clear picture of current practices, impact benchmarks, and a so-called Climate Transition Plan with a target of 50% emissions reductions by 2030.

The report gives outdoor event professionals of all types and scales an “indispensable reference for guidance and motivation to stretch climate ambition and take practical action, with climate action checklists,” according to the press announcement.

It continues, “The report identifies how festivals can reduce typical footprints by 37%. Subject chapters provide clear actions for event organizers, supply chain, and sector organizations, as well as specific requests of government policy to overcome systemic barriers to stretch ambition and achieve 50% emissions reductions.

“Key Government asks 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 ($2.3 billion) in annual revenue, the UK Live Outdoor Events Industry makes up a significant part of the UK’s £6.7 billion ($9.2 billion) music industry.

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, and The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF).

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

The Show Must Go On report is “the result of unprecedented industry-wide collaboration,” the press announcement states. The report’s official launch took place in the House of Commons in the UK Parliament, Feb. 11.

It can be downloaded here: https://bit.ly/VisionSMGO3

Comments:

Chris Johnson, Vision for Sustainable Events Forum Chair, “Organisations and sustainability experts across the outdoor live sector have come together in an unprecedented effort to create the most comprehensive impact report to date, and a blueprint for collaboration on urgent climate action.”

Jon Collins, CEO, LIVE, “This report offers a clear, concise assessment of where we can achieve progress and where we need external support and resources to create that change, clarifying a role for the Government to accelerate and stimulate positive change in matters such as power infrastructure, integrated transport, and reskilling and educating our workforce.”

Melvin Benn, Managing Director, Festival Republic, “As event organisers, we are uniquely placed to help influence positive change. Our industry brings millions of people together every year, and with that comes both a responsibility and an opportunity. This report is not just a snapshot of where we are, it’s a call to action. The road ahead won’t be without challenges, but we’re no strangers to those. The show must go on, but it must go on sustainably.”

Subscribe to Pollstar HERE