“ There is a collective voice within our industry that agrees action must be taken .”
AUTUMN | OPINION
A new chapter for outdoor events
Steve Heap is the chair of the Events Industry Forum , which publishes The Purple Guide . In addition to many decades organising festivals and publishing music , he is also a steering group member of Vision 2025 and the Association of Festival Organisers general secretary . Here Heap provides his views on a new chapter in the world of outdoor events
W e ’ re at an exciting moment in time , with the impending addition of a new Sustainability Chapter for The Purple Guide . I have sat on the Vision : 2025 steering group alongside some very passionate , knowledgeable pioneers since 2015 . They have progressively assembled a comprehensive data bank of free-toaccess guidance and resources to help outdoor event organisers reduce and minimise their carbon footprint .
Their networks have drawn on information from far and wide that reflect the collective acceptance and commitment we are experiencing towards our industry cleaning up its act . When it comes to minimising our negative impact on the environment there is a collective voice within our industry that agrees action must be taken .
That ’ s why it felt right that we should commission Vision : 2025 to coordinate the writing of this new chapter , which will provide consistent , national guidance to
Steve Heap
benchmark sustainable best practice . A Green Code of Practice will also enable the industry to assess national environmental standards by local authorities , with the aim of reaching Net Zero by 2030 . Vision : 2025 chair Chris Johnson is an inspiration when it comes to driving the messaging and practical measures for climate action within the industry . I admire his ability to reach across commercial boundaries and draw together people and a range of other fantastic
organisations doing some amazing work together for the common good .
Highlights from the chapter include : Why to implement sustainable practices at outdoor events . How to create an environmental strategy . Practical actions event organisers can take to reduce environmental impacts in areas such as materials , transport , food , and energy . Avoiding greenwashing in communications . Working with partners and sponsors . Links to relevant guidance , legislation , and resources .
The contents of The Purple Guide chapter will include key terms , governance and strategy , communications , partners & sponsors , and impact areas : energy , materials & waste , travel & transport , and food & drink .
The Chapter is in its final stages of industry consultation , where Vision : 2025 has opened the door wide to a variety of action groups , individuals , and activists within the business to comment and contribute . The final version of the Chapter will be launched at The Sustainable Event Summit , held at The Showman ’ s Show on 18 October .
The best practices championed in The Purple Guide have become accepted as industry standard for organisers , local authorities and suppliers , along with being acknowledged to save lives .
“ There is a collective voice within our industry that agrees action must be taken .”
I hope the guidance across the Sustainability Chapter will similarly become a standardised part of everyone ’ s event plans and drive a shift to create a more environmentally sustainable events sector . We must take action to leave a World suitable for the next generation to run festivals and outdoor events of the future .
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