Festivals bid for A Greener Future with certification

A Greener Future has revealed the 40 festivals and events that have achieved AGF Certification for sustainability in 2024.

The festivals and events are located across 14 different countries.

AGF Certification is a comprehensive standard for sustainability in the live events sector, for festivals and events reducing waste, emissions, and enhancing equality and biodiversity.

Festivals and events are able to achieve four different levels: ‘Outstanding’, ‘Highly Commended’, ‘Commended’ and ‘Improvers’.

Some of the events that have been certified in 2024 include Bristol Harbour Festival in the UK, Paléo Festival in Switzerland, Telluride in the US, Hungary’s Sziget Festival, UEC Road European Championships in Belgium and D’a Film Festival Barcelona in Spain.

The UK’s Green Gathering, Norway’s Øyafestivalen, Paradise City in Belgium, and We Love Green in France all achieved ‘outstanding certification’.

“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,” commented AGF chief executive, Claire O’Neill.

“These events are opting to be held to account, inviting detailed external scrutiny to ensure they are making the grade.”

To achieve certification, events are assessed and evaluated using the AGF Framework, which features self-assessment, site visits, and post-event evidence and data submitted to AGF assessors for an independent auditors’ report.

The AGF Framework features 11 key themes: local ecosystems and community, travel, food, energy, water, waste, ED&I (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and governance.

“Øyafestivalen has a mission to diligently deliver one of the most sustainable festival experiences worldwide, employing strategies aimed at minimising the negative effects and maximising the positive effects of our festival on the environment, the society and economy,” an Øyafestivalen festival statement read.

“To achieve the Outstanding certification for the 11th time is an important and motivating testament to our hardworking and passionate staff and volunteers. We are so proud of this recognition, and we are wholeheartedly committed to continuing this work in the years ahead.”