The future is now: Creating our sustainable planet together

Transitioning melodies: How concerts and festivals shift towards sustainability

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September 6, 2023 - When you think of music festivals or concerts in the United States, Coachella or Lollapalooza may come to mind, but what about the amount of waste that’s created from these events? People attending these events produce 53,000 tons of waste each year, the equivalent of 450 blue whales. The planet isn’t ours to destroy. We can do more, and BSI is here to support your journey to sustainable event management.

There are currently more than 800 music festivals in the US and 32 million people go to at least one music festival every year. Many concerts and music festivals have now made the pledge to becoming sustainable. As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the call for sustainable practices in the entertainment industry has grown louder.

According to Forbes, 87 percent of consumers favor a company when it actively endorses social or environmental causes. At BSI, we share your passion for sustainability and hold similar values, which is why we are thrilled to offer our assistance in ensuring that your concerts and festivals align with sustainable practices. Sustainable event management can aid in a path towards a brighter future for both humanity and our planet.

The Music Climate Pact is a global platform that does just that and is initiated by the UK’s Association of Independent Music (AIM) and in collaboration with UK record labels association the BPI, as a response to COP26 and the urgent call for collective action to combat the climate crisis. This unique opportunity will help artists and audiences engage with climate issues. There’s an answer to sustainability and event management and it’s certification to ISO 20121 with BSI.

What is ISO 20121?

Promote your events to new heights of success and responsibility with ISO 20121. This standard allows your company to minimize environmental and economic impacts, enhance performance, and secure unwavering support from stakeholders embracing aspects of environmental, social, and financial impacts. ISO 20121 is an essential benefit for the entertainment industry, considering geographical, cultural, and social factors. Implementing ISO 20121is vital in your sustainability journey.

Benefits of ISO 20121:

  • Cost and resource saving
  • Legal compliance
  • Responsible ‘corporate citizen’
  • Competitive edge
  • Corporate reputation
  • Risk management

Goodwood’s events are certified to ISO 20121 by BSI. With this certification, there was a 40 percent increase in public transportation to events and a 50 percent reduction in paper consumption for printing. Goodwood became one of the first organizations worldwide to gain certification to ISO 20121.

Sustainability is not a trend, but a crucial responsibility that the entertainment industry must bear. Concerts and festivals have the potential to inspire positive change globally. The 2030 agenda allows companies support to meet goals for sustainability. It’s a plan of action for people, planet, and prosperity.

By implementing ISO 20121, event organizers can harmonize the melody of music with a symphony of sustainability, leaving behind a legacy of environmental consciousness for generations to come. Together, let us hit the right key and create a greener, more sustainable world through the magic of music, festivals, and community. 

To find out more about standards and how BSI can help your company become more resilient, click here. Click below to follow our series.