Our approach is simple. We try to approach things fairly, whether it's how we work with the local community, suppliers, our guests (the ticket holders) or our impact on the environment and wider society.
We believe that we have a responsibility 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 can’t 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)

Festivals can be very harmful (and distressing!) for the local community if they impose themselves.
We spent a number of months working with local stakeholders (including the licensing Committee, Residents Associations, Parish Council and Police) to establish potential problems. Key issues we’re excessive noise, traffic congestion and driving away business that would normally take place in the area the above and dangers caused by ticketholders taking over the beach at night.

To mitigate these issues we have:

1. Designed the site layout and acoustics to minimise 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 after 9pm – 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 from local businesses – from beer and burgers to stages and sound equipment
• Work with local activities businesses to provide surfing, coasteering and other outdoor pursuits
• Run the event mid week, so as not to clash with weekend tourism