How Eco-Conscious Practices and Strategic Collaboration are Shaping the Future of Large-Scale Events
In the session "Greening the Stage: Sustainable Solutions for Music Festivals and Events" at 1Sustainability, hosted by Glenn Tyranski and led by Yadira Diaz, leaders Aaron Jordan, Vivian Belzaguy Hunter, and Michael Cyr explore how environmentally conscious strategies can redefine the entertainment industry, positioning music festivals as not just cultural experiences but as powerful advocates for sustainability. Their insights provide a model for reimagining large-scale events, fostering impactful ecological change while maintaining profitability and attendee satisfaction.
Building Sustainability into the Entertainment Ecosystem
Aaron Jordan, founder and CEO of Hip House, demonstrates how music festivals can seamlessly integrate sustainability within cultural events, fusing Miami’s hip-hop and house music scenes with climate action. Recognizing Miami’s vulnerability as a climate-change hotspot, Jordan embeds sustainability into Hip House’s framework, educating attendees on their role in mitigating climate impacts. He explains how a deep commitment to environmental stewardship can transform a festival into a platform for change, inspiring attendees to become eco-conscious citizens.
Vivian Belzaguy, founder of Ascendance Sustainable Events and sustainability lead for the Ultra Music Festival, offers a candid view of the challenges of executing sustainable practices on a large scale. Belzaguy highlights Miami’s lack of infrastructure to support sustainable initiatives, yet her work proves that obstacles can become opportunities. At Ultra, Belzaguy leads over 50 sustainability initiatives, including a robust food-rescue program and collaborations with local nonprofits, which not only reduce waste but engage the community and promote environmental education. “Sustainability in large-scale events requires moving beyond logistical hurdles to shape collaborative, actionable strategies that foster environmental responsibility and engage every level of the festival ecosystem,” she says.
Reducing Waste through Practical Innovation
Michael Cyr, co-founder and Chief Cup Officer of Cup Zero, introduces a reusable cup program that demonstrates how events can drastically cut down single-use plastic waste without compromising the festival experience. Cyr explains how his company provides reusable cups at events, with collection points and financial incentives for returns, creating a circular economy that reduces waste, lowers disposal costs, and even generates additional revenue. By eliminating the need for traditional waste management practices, Cup Zero allows organizers to realize measurable cost savings while contributing to a reduced environmental footprint. “By integrating circular systems that align with economic incentives, we turn sustainability from an aspirational goal into a practical, cost-saving reality,” Cyr notes.
Redefining Event Logistics and Transportation for Sustainability
While waste management remains a critical area, Jordan emphasizes the need to rethink transportation, especially in urban festival hubs where attendee movement contributes significantly to emissions. “Festivals are about experiences, but they’re also about logistics. How attendees arrive and depart can have the largest single impact on a festival’s carbon footprint,” he remarks. With options like electric trains and sustainable rideshare programs, Hip House pioneers transportation practices that not only reduce emissions but also set new expectations for eco-conscious event logistics. These strategies, Jordan believes, hold the potential to catalyze lasting change, both within and beyond the music festival circuit.
The Power of Collaboration: A Key Lever for Change
Belzaguy further emphasizes that successful sustainability efforts hinge on a collaborative approach. At Ultra, every initiative—from waste reduction to community education—is a partnership involving multiple stakeholders, including production, operations, marketing, and local nonprofits. This cross-functional strategy enhances operational effectiveness, expands outreach, and maximizes impact. For instance, Ultra’s Eco Village, a designated area for environmental education, invites local organizations to educate attendees about sustainability. “Sustainability doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s a coordinated effort where every team, from logistics to marketing, plays a part in making these initiatives meaningful and engaging,” she says.
Positioning Sustainability as a Strategic Imperative
Reflecting on the future of sustainable festivals, the panelists highlight the importance of making environmental responsibility a core organizational value rather than an afterthought. They recommend hiring Chief Impact Officers to integrate sustainability at the foundational level. By incorporating sustainability from the onset, festivals can build a brand that not only champions environmental impact but also fosters loyalty among attendees who prioritize ecological values. “Committing early allows you to leverage sustainable practices as a brand differentiator, building long-term brand equity while paving the way for scalable environmental impact,” Cyr explains.
Envisioning Sustainable Festivals as a Platform for Cultural Change
Throughout the conversation, Yadira Diaz emphasizes the potential for festivals to create ripple effects beyond the event itself, turning attendees into advocates for environmental change. She highlights how sustainable practices within festivals can reshape perceptions, suggesting that such events are a natural forum for broader ecological education. “Music brings people together, but it’s our responsibility to ensure they leave not only inspired by the performance but also by the environmental commitment surrounding it,” Diaz says.
Diaz also discusses specific methods for engaging artists and attendees alike, including incentives for attendees who use public transportation or choose eco-friendly travel options. She notes that even small changes, like offering bike racks or running an electric shuttle service, contribute to a more sustainable attendee experience. By introducing these options, festivals can shift attendee expectations and gradually embed eco-conscious choices into the event experience.
Paving the Way for Sustainable Entertainment: A Model for Industries at Large
As festivals grow in size and influence, Diaz concludes, they bear a responsibility to serve as both cultural and environmental leaders. The potential impact of sustainable festivals extends far beyond the event itself, influencing community practices, setting industry standards, and, ultimately, driving systemic change. The session’s collective insights affirm that the shift toward sustainability is both necessary and achievable, demonstrating how environmental practices can coexist with cultural vibrancy and economic viability. By adopting this model, other industries can follow the lead of visionary event organizers, making environmental impact not just a possibility but a central driver of strategic success.
In a world facing unprecedented ecological challenges, the entertainment industry’s commitment to sustainability represents a powerful lever for change, transforming large-scale events into platforms for environmental stewardship, economic innovation, and meaningful community engagement.
