its fairly simple
Our approach is simple. We try to approach things fairly, whether it's how we work with the local community, suppliers, staff, our guests (the ticket holders) or how we manage our impact on the environment and wider society. For us, a fair approach is to try and contribute positively to environment which we're in and the people we share it with We do this by:
1) Auditing our impact on the environment and communities, at both a local and international level
2) Reducing and mitigating negative impacts where possible
3) Compensating for negatives that we cant remove by getting involved in positive projects
It is a journey, and in year 1 we definitely got some things wrong. However, our impact on society and the environment will remain central to how we design the event. We hope in the long run this will enable us to have a genuinely positive impact.
Some examples:
Carbon Emissions (impact on environment)
Firstly, we try to reduce our negative impacts by reducing the emissions created by the event. Next, we try to compensate for the unavoidable emissions through high grade offsets such as investment in renewable projects. Finally, we get involved in positive activity that helps others to address the problem.
With regards to the first step, that of reducing our emissions, arguably the most impactful thing we do is provide coach travel from the Universities travel to festivals is normally responsible for around 80% of total emissions created by the event. Also reducing travel miles of supplies is crucial so sourcing everything from our beer and burgers to our festival infrastructure from local sources. We also use renewable energy on site where possible, use recycled products and then recycle our own.
To put this into context, if the above were correctly implemented we would reduce our emissions by 75% (over 250 tonnes of carbon). Equivalent to not boiling over 2 million kettles or planting rainforest the size of 4 football pitches. Another way of looking at it . Like removing 15 double-decker buses of carbon (in weight) from the atmosphere! And we're only 1 of 1000's of events.
In terms of then counterbalancing the emissions we are unable to avioid, there are 2 key activities:
1. *High Grade Carbon Offsets through making investments in renewable technologies.
2. Help raise the awareness of how others can reduce their impact through initiatives like our Eco Race
*Opposed to planting a few random trees which can be compared to drinking more sea water to abate sea level rise
Working in harmony with the local area (impact on society)
A professionally organised event that properly considers and engages with local and regional community and wider stakeholders creates significant cultural and economic benefit. However, festivals can be harmful (and distressing!) for the local community.....
We spend a lot of time working with local stakeholders including the Council and responsible authorities (police, ambulance, fire H&S etc), Residents Associations & Parish Council and local business to establish how to run the event in the positive way. Key concerns with festival typically include excessive noise, traffic congestion & pressure on local facilities.
To mitigate these issues we have:
1. Designed the site layout and acoustics to manage noise pollution
2. Used coach travel from universities and introduced a park and ride service to reduce traffic problems
3. Ensured that guests will be on site in the evenings to prevent problems occurring on the beach at night
4. Run the event mid week, so not to interfere with weekend tourism
To help make a positive contribution to the area we:
Source supplies (when ever possible) from local businesses from beer and burgers to stages, sound equipment and event staffing
Organise training and provide opportunities for local people interested in getting into event management and related industries
Promote the location as an area of outstanding natural beauty and introduce students to the area as an amazing holiday destination (creating tourism now and in the future)
Actively seek and work with local activities businesses to provide surfing, coasteering and other outdoor pursuits
Working with local charities and community projects
