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Sustainable Event Production

Frameworks Explorer

ClimateCulture has curated a collection of frameworks, toolkits, and guidebooks to help small to medium-sized film festivals and events reduce their environmental impact and implement sustainable practices.

Green Charter for Film Festivals
Key Steps
  1. Open an account for your festival on the platform
  2. Record consumption data from your latest edition (energy, waste, food, transport)
  3. Use the carbon assessment tool to calculate the event's footprint
  4. Generate a report to share with partners and team members
  5. Set improvement targets for the next edition based on the report
  6. Monitor progress year-over-year using the comparison tool
Source
Green Charter for Film Festivals
Description
An international initiative and monitoring tool specifically designed for film festivals to track and reduce their environmental impact across key areas like energy, waste, food, and transport.
Author
A collaborative project supported by festivals like Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, aimed at creating industry-wide standards for festival sustainability.
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Green Production Guide (PEAR & PEACH)
Key Steps
  1. Use the PEACH checklist during pre-production to plan sustainable actions by department
  2. Implement sustainable practices on set (catering, waste, energy, transport)
  3. Track consumption data throughout production using the PEAR spreadsheet
  4. Conduct weekly walkthroughs using the provided checklist to ensure compliance
  5. Calculate total carbon emissions at the end of production
  6. Share the final report with stakeholders and use findings for future planning
Source
Sustainable Entertainment Alliance
Description
A comprehensive suite of tools including the Production Environmental Accounting Report (PEAR) for carbon tracking and the Production Environmental Actions Checklist (PEACH) for best practices.
Author
The Sustainable Entertainment Alliance is a consortium of major studios (Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, etc.) dedicated to reducing the industry's environmental impact.
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Sustainable Screen Resource Hub
Key Steps
  1. Develop an organizational environmental policy and commitment
  2. Understand and measure audience travel impacts using the Audience Travel Guide
  3. Optimize business travel policies to reduce emissions
  4. Implement sustainable practices for indoor events and venue management
  5. Review sponsorship and banking partners for environmental alignment
  6. Participate in peer-sharing sessions to learn from other organizations
Source
Julie's Bicycle & BFI
Description
A specialized resource hub for the screen sector, focusing on "Beyond Production" areas such as exhibition, archives, and festivals, providing practical guides and case studies.
Author
Julie's Bicycle is a leading non-profit mobilizing the arts and culture to take action on the climate crisis, partnering here with the British Film Institute (BFI).
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Climate Emergency and Sustainability Plan
Key Steps
  1. Align organizational strategy with the Environmental Sustainability Priority
  2. Develop a Climate Emergency and Sustainability Plan with specific actions
  3. Conduct annual emissions reporting using the Public Bodies Climate Change Duties framework
  4. Create a dedicated climate risk register for the organization
  5. Implement a strict travel policy (e.g., prohibiting short-haul flights)
  6. Adapt systems and behaviors to build long-term climate resilience
Source
Creative Scotland
Description
A strategic framework and action plan for cultural organizations to achieve net zero, including detailed reporting requirements and adaptation strategies.
Author
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen, and creative industries across Scotland.
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Green Cinema Toolkit
Key Steps
  1. Review current energy use and identify reduction opportunities
  2. Implement waste reduction and recycling programs within the venue
  3. Adopt sustainable procurement practices for concessions and supplies
  4. Use the cinema's platform to screen environmental content and raise awareness
  5. Follow the toolkit's "Top Tips" for quick-win sustainable improvements
  6. Stay updated on relevant environmental regulations and legal obligations
Source
Independent Cinema Office (ICO)
Description
A practical guidebook for cinemas and film exhibitors of all sizes, featuring case studies and top tips for reducing energy use and raising awareness.
Author
The Independent Cinema Office is the UK's national body for the support and development of independent cinema.
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ISLA - Sustainable Events Movement
Key Steps
  1. Register event on TRACE platform
  2. Measure carbon footprint using audit-ready data
  3. Identify emission hotspots and mitigation opportunities
  4. Participate in ISLA training and community programs
  5. Report and benchmark against industry standards
Source
ISLA
Description
The industry body for sustainable events offering TRACE carbon measurement platform, educational programs, and community resources. Trusted by thousands of event professionals with 6,000+ events measured.
Author
ISLA is an independent organization dedicated to transforming the events industry through sustainability expertise and community support.
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Environmental Sustainability Toolkit
Key Steps
  1. Assess environmental impacts of outdoor events
  2. Implement waste reduction and recycling programs
  3. Manage energy and water use efficiently
  4. Engage local communities and stakeholders
  5. Monitor environmental performance and adapt practices
Source
Outdoor Arts UK (ISAN)
Description
A comprehensive toolkit for outdoor arts and events, providing practical guidance on environmental sustainability across all aspects of event production and management.
Author
Outdoor Arts UK (ISAN) supports the development of outdoor arts in the UK.
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Sustainable Production Toolkit
Key Steps
  1. Select relevant stakeholder group or activity area
  2. Review practical measures and implementation tips
  3. Adapt measures to your organization's context
  4. Implement and monitor progress
  5. Share learnings with peers in the network
Source
IETM (International network for contemporary performing arts)
Description
Over 200 practical measures for sustainable production in independent performing arts and music ensembles. Accessible by stakeholder groups or activity areas like stage and transport.
Author
Bundesverband Freie Darstellende Künste e.V. (BFDK) - Federal Association for Independent Performing Arts, with IETM support.
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EIC Sustainable Event Standards
Key Steps
  1. Select applicable standard (Accommodation, Venue, Event Organiser, etc.)
  2. Complete sustainability criteria assessment
  3. Implement required practices for certification level
  4. Undergo third-party verification audit
  5. Achieve certification and maintain compliance
Source
Events Industry Council (EIC)
Description
A comprehensive collection of eight standards assessing events and suppliers across sustainability criteria. Includes four certification levels with clear criteria in organizational management, climate action, and social responsibility.
Author
Events Industry Council is a global association representing the events industry with participation from 100+ practitioners and 20+ countries.
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Green Events Guide
Key Steps
  1. Review guide sections on key impact areas
  2. Assess current practices against best practices
  3. Implement improvements in priority areas
  4. Calculate carbon footprint and set reduction targets
  5. Work toward carbon neutral event status
Source
The Carbon Trust
Description
An overview of green events best practices covering venue powering, waste, food, transport, supplier engagement, carbon neutrality, and biodiversity for events of all kinds.
Author
The Carbon Trust is an independent organization helping organizations transition to a low-carbon future.
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ISO 20121:2024 - Event Sustainability Management Systems
Key Steps
  1. Establish event sustainability management system
  2. Assess social, economic, and environmental impacts
  3. Set sustainability objectives and targets
  4. Implement and monitor management practices
  5. Pursue third-party certification or self-declaration
Source
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Description
An international standard for sustainable event management integrating environmental, economic, and social impacts. Updated in 2024 with stronger focus on social legacies and inclusivity.
Author
ISO, with contributions from 100+ practitioners globally, ensuring worldwide applicability.
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Sustainable Festivals Guidelines 2023
Key Steps
  1. Review guidelines for each sustainability area
  2. Conduct baseline assessment of current practices
  3. Develop action plan for each area
  4. Implement energy efficiency and waste reduction
  5. Monitor progress and report annually
Source
Failte Ireland
Description
Irish-specific guidelines for sustainable festival management covering energy, travel & transport, materials & waste, food & beverage, water, nature & biodiversity, and governance.
Author
Failte Ireland is the national tourism development authority supporting festivals and events across Ireland.
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Green Events Tool (GET)
Key Steps
  1. Register event on GET portal
  2. Complete sustainability checklist across 10 dimensions
  3. Calculate carbon footprint and set mitigation targets
  4. Implement green practices and track progress
  5. Submit data for certification (optional)
Source
UNEP, UNFCCC, and GORD
Description
An integrated web-based assessment platform for all event types offering sustainability checklist, carbon footprint calculator, and green building practices. Supports Bronze, Silver, and Gold certification.
Author
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD).
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Sustainable Events NZ Framework
Key Steps
  1. Access resources and sustainability guides
  2. Connect with certified sustainable suppliers
  3. Implement waste reduction and carbon tracking
  4. Measure environmental and social impact
  5. Share success stories and best practices
Source
New Zealand Events Association (NZEA)
Description
A New Zealand-specific platform and framework promoting sustainable event practices through supplier directory, resources, guides, and success stories from across the country.
Author
New Zealand Events Association (NZEA) with a dedicated Sustainability Working Group of industry leaders and experts.
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ACTS Sustainable Event Certification
Key Steps
  1. Register event through online portal
  2. Complete 15 mandatory sustainability actions
  3. Choose additional actions for 2-star or 3-star rating
  4. Upload evidence and track progress
  5. Undergo audit by ACTS-accredited reviewer
Source
Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS)
Description
A flexible, action-based certification for events up to 300 participants in the Australasian context. Offers 1, 2, or 3-star ratings based on mandatory and optional sustainability actions.
Author
ACTS is an organization supporting sustainability in Australasian higher education and events sector.
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Planet Positive Event
Key Steps
  1. Create event profile on platform
  2. Complete ESRS-compliant sustainability assessment
  3. Calculate carbon footprint (Scope 1, 2, 3)
  4. Develop sustainability action plan
  5. Obtain event ecolabel and certification
Source
Planet Positive Event
Description
An ESRS-compliant assessment tool for European events offering carbon management, impact tracking, and sustainability ratings. Includes 27 certified external assessors for compliance verification.
Author
Planet Positive Event is a European organization specializing in event sustainability assessment and ESRS compliance.
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Guía para la Producción de Eventos Sostenibles
Key Steps
  1. Evaluar impactos ambientales del evento
  2. Implementar prácticas de gestión de residuos
  3. Reducir consumo de energía y agua
  4. Seleccionar proveedores sostenibles
  5. Medir y reportar el desempeño ambiental
Source
IFEMA Madrid
Description
Una guía completa para organizadores de eventos en español, cubriendo aspectos ambientales, sociales y económicos de la producción sostenible de eventos.
Author
IFEMA Madrid es la principal empresa de organización de ferias y eventos en España.
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Protocolo para Gestión de Eventos Sostenibles
Key Steps
  1. Alinear evento con Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible
  2. Evaluar impactos en género, accesibilidad y energía
  3. Implementar gestión sostenible de transporte y residuos
  4. Establecer prácticas sostenibles en alimentos y biodiversidad
  5. Documentar y reportar progreso continuo
Source
PNUD Argentina
Description
Un protocolo colaborativo desarrollado para los Juegos Olímpicos de la Juventud Buenos Aires 2018, alineado con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), enfocándose en género, accesibilidad, energía, transporte, residuos, agua, alimentos y biodiversidad.
Author
PNUD (Programa de Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo) en colaboración con universidades y organismos de la ONU.
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Eventsost - Certificación de Eventos Sostenibles
Key Steps
  1. Seleccionar tipo de certificación (Evento, Recurso, Compliance)
  2. Utilizar plataforma Sustainal para planificación
  3. Implementar estrategia de sostenibilidad personalizada
  4. Someterse a auditoría independiente de sostenibilidad
  5. Obtener certificación y participar en comunidad de eventos sostenibles
Source
Eventsost
Description
La certificación líder internacional para verificar el compromiso sostenible en eventos. Ofrece un ecosistema inteligente con herramientas tecnológicas propias para desarrollar planes de sostenibilidad personalizados.
Author
Eventsost es una empresa pionera en certificación de sostenibilidad para eventos con oficinas en Europa, México y Chile.
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