Sustainability nonprofit A Greener Future (AGF) has unveiled its shortlist of the world’s greenest festivals in 2024.
The group’s latest report, dedicated to assessing and improving the environmental sustainability of live music events, tours, and venues worldwide, has awarded 40 festivals in 14 countries with its AGF Certification for sustainability in 2024.
Earning “outstanding” recognition for their eco-conscious efforts in 2024 are the UK’s Green Gathering, Norway’s Øyafestivalen, Belgium’s Paradise City, and France’s We Love Green.
Elsewhere on the shortlist, ranging from “highly commended” to “improvers,” are events such as London’s BST Hyde Park and All Points East, the Netherlands’ Dockyard, Hungary’s Sziget, the UK’s Boomtown, elrow Town, Primavera Sound Barcelona, and Monegros Desert Festival.
The only two U.S. festivals certified in this year’s report are Colorado’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival and RockyGrass & Folks Festival, falling in the “improvers” category.
Since 2007, AGF’s team of sustainability assessors have annually scored music festivals, events, and venues in categories such as transportation emissions, power and water usage, and waste reduction, and shared feedback on how festivals can lessen their carbon footprint. Its certification is considered the most comprehensive standard of its kind.
In a statement, AGF CEO Claire O’Neill said, “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.”
These events are opting to be held to account, inviting detailed external scrutiny to ensure they are making the grade,” she continued.
Read A Greener Future’s full 2024 certification report here.
Featured image from Green Gathering Festival. Credit: Adam Tatton-Reid.
