Outdoor Festivals

Sustainable Event  Checklist

Meegan Jones
 Contents
Commitment Checklist ……………….. 3
Leave No Trace Checklist ……………….. 3
Site Checklist ……………….. 4
Habitat Checklist ……………….. 4
Power Checklist ……………….. 5
Water Checklist ……………….. 5
Waste Checklist ……………….. 6
Procurement Checklist ……………….. 8
Food & Beverage Checklist ………………..10
Service-ware Checklist ………………..10
Travel Checklist ………………..11
Communications Checklist ………………..12
Inclusivity Checklist ………………..12
Ticketing Checklist ………………..13
Programming Checklist ………………..13
Attendee Checklist ………………..13
Sponsor Checklist ………………..13
Campground Checklist ………………..14
Lodging Checklist ………………..14
Destination Checklist ………………..15
Legacy Checklist ………………..16
Systems Checklist ………………..16

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Photo cover & this page: Sydney Festival
 COMMITMENT Checklist LEAVE NO TRACE Checklist
Getting commitment from top management and engagement by As with all outdoor recreation activities, the principle of taking
the event production team for the event’s sustainability journey is only photos and leaving only footprints (if that!) should be
essential. embraced by all outdoor festivals.

Top management need to be onboard so your efforts are supported with The event embraces a Leave No Trace ethic.
allocation of time, people, budget or other resources that might be needed
The Leave No Trace ethic is communicated to all relevant participants
to get going. Likewise, you need to have engaged the rest of the team
and stakeholders.
including production, marketing, sales, sponsorship, programming and any
other relevant departments. Consider the following: The Leave No Trace ethic is enacted in the event’s operational
logistics planning and delivery.
Top management has given the sustainability go-ahead.
Enough time has been allocated for issues identification, analysis, The Seven Leave No Trace Principles:
stakeholder engagement and implementation.
Financial or physical resources have been allocated where necessary. Principle 1: Planning ahead

The event/organizing team is engaged and committed to producing Principle 2: Travel and camp on durable surfaces
the event as sustainably as possible. Principle 3: Dispose of waste properly
The event/organizing team has the skills required to identify and Principle 4: Leave what you find
manage sustainability issues.
Principle 5: Minimize campfire impacts
Stakeholders (internal and external) essential for the successful
Principle 6: Respect wildlife
implementation of sustainability initiatives have been identified,
communicated with and engaged for participation. Principle 7: Be considerate of other visitors
 SITE Checklist
The sustainability performance potential of an outdoor event is
often delivered through the availability of permanent
infrastructure and services on the site where the event is held.
Event site has adequate permanent mains electricity access.
Permanent mains electricity supply is from renewable sources.
Event site has permanent lighting.
Site owner is able to report energy use to the event organiser.
Event site has regular waste services in place.
Event site has vehicle access.
Event site has mains water supply and adequate standpipe access.
Event site has mains sewer lines or close by deposit points.
Event site has permanent toilets.
Site amenities have water conservation initiatives in place.
Event site captures rainwater for use onsite.
Event site has grey water capture and recycling in place.
Event site has controls to protect any onsite bodies of water from run
off contamination.
Event site has adequate drainage to ensure surface protection.
Areas of heritage, archeological, religious or cultural sensitivity are
identified and protected from impacts of event activities.
HABITAT Checklist
All events held in outdoor locations have the potential to have an
impact on the adjacent natural environment. Consider the
following in protecting habitat from event activities.
Site owner/manager enquiries are made regarding any areas of
sensitivity.
The proposed event site is scouted for areas of sensitivity.
Checks are in place to ensure the proposed event site does not
impact on habitat or areas with endangered or threatened species.
Natural habitat is protected from event activities and adequate
controls are in place to limit any negative impacts.
Natural habitat is protected from sound and light pollution including
consideration for nesting birdlife.
All event activities are kept to designated areas and sensitive areas
are fenced or contained.
Potential impacts on adjacent waterways are identified and
managed.
Fires are not lit except in designated areas.
Domestic animals are not permitted onsite (unless approved).
No human waste or food waste is left onsite.
Garden beds and grass surfaces are protected from damage.
 POWER Checklist
Event management has the ability to reduce energy demand and
GHGs through distribution planning and equipment choice.
Power Supply
Mains electricity is on a renewable energy tariff.
Mobile power distribution is planned to optimize load on each
generator.
Mobile generators with ‘variable load’ capacity are used.
Mobile generators are run on renewable fuels (eg biodiesel).
Mobile solar power generators are used.
Pedal power generators are used.
Energy Efficiency
Lighting and visuals are designed to consider energy efficiency.
LED stage lighting and energy efficient equipment is used.
Energy demand reductions from efficient equipment choices enable
smaller or fewer generators to be used.
A ‘switch-off’ or ‘power-down’ policy is in place.
Communications
Innovative renewable energy sources are used and demonstrated.
Energy initiatives are communicated to event crew and attendees.
Energy consumption & GHGs are measured and reported.
WATER Checklist
No matter the size of your event, it will use water and produce
wastewater, with conservation and waterways protection key.
Rainwater is captured for use at the event site.
Mains water supply is available.
Water saving devices are used on taps and in amenities.
Low flush or waterless/compost toilets and urinals are used.
Grey water is captured for treatment and re-use onsite.
Mains sewer deposit points are available.
Only environmentally-sound cleaning products are used which are
not harmful to aquatic life and are completely biodegradable.
Adequate toilets are provided.
Water initiatives are communicated to event crew and attendees.
Total water used is measured (mains, tank, tanker trucked, bottled).
Total wastewater created and disposed of is measured and reported.
Waterways/Watershed Protection
Waterways and watershed are protected from event activities
including liquid and solid waste.
Riparian zones are protected from vehicle or foot traffic impacts,
with designated entry and spectator points.
Participants are not permitted to use cleaning products in waterways.
On/in water activities have controls in place to prevent pollution.
 WASTE Checklist WASTE Checklist
The choices organisers make will have a direct impact on waste Waste Streams
volumes. These may be procurement choices, onsite logistics Check off which materials are diverted from landfill or incineration.
decisions or choice of processing options.
Cardboard and paper are collected for recycling.
Reducing waste volume, optimizing onsite waste segregation, achieving Glass is collected for recycling.
participation in waste initiatives by attendees, and maximizing diversion of Metal is collected for recycling.
waste from landfill or incineration should be goals. Check off the elements
you have included in your event waste plans: Hard plastics are collected for recycling.
Film plastic is collected for recycling.
Waste Reduction Timber is collected for recycling.
The event has adopted a ‘Towards Zero Waste’ philosophy. Polystyrene is collected for recycling.
The event sees waste as a resource and at-event waste management
as a resource recovery exercise.
E-waste collection is available.
Only necessary material is printed to avoid wastage.
Hazardous waste collection is available.
Water refill stations, rather than packaged bottled water, are used.
Single serve sachets, straws, stirrers and other small disposables are
not used, to reduce ‘micro litter’ potential. Food waste is collected for composting.

Caterers are requested to use re-usable produce delivery boxes. Food serviceware is collected for composting or recycling.

Advertising flyer handouts or sample giveaways are not permitted. Waste oil is collected for recycling.

Plastic bags are not permitted to be handed out by stallholders.

Polystyrene/Styrofoam is not permitted at the event. Salvageable materials are collected for re-use/re-purposing.

Smoking is prohibited, or in designated areas only, to prevent Un-served food is collected for redistribution by charity.
cigarette butt litter.
 WASTE Checklist
Bin Segregation
Segregated bins or skips are in place during site build.
Segregated bins/skips/compounds are set up back of house for
collection of recyclable materials (single stream or mixed).
Caterers and food stallholders have bins in kitchens and back of
house for collection of food waste for composting.
Front of house (FOH) bins are in sets of two (recycling & general), or
FOH bins are in sets of three (recycling, compost, general), or
FOH bins are segregated into multiple waste streams.
Segregated bins are placed in artist dressing rooms.
Segregated bins are placed in artist/crew catering zones.
Segregated bins are placed in hospitality zones.
Micro-waste systems in place to collect discarded materials from
giveaways.
Segregated bins are in place post event/pull out.
Waste Reporting
Total waste created is measured and reported.
Waste recycled, composted and salvaged is measured and reported.
A waste audit is undertaken to establish the waste streams present
and any contamination and non-compliance with initiatives.
Total waste diverted from landfill or incineration is reported.
Total waste per person per day is reported.
WASTE Checklist
Bin Signage
Bin signage is at eye level.
Bin caps or toppers are used to reduce ‘copycat contamination’ by
being able to see inside the open top of the bin.
Bin signage is specific and relevant to materials created at the event.
Bin signage has color-coding which is logical and consistent.
Bin signage includes images of the materials.
Bins are always in ‘sets’ with all segregation options always present.
Initiatives
A container deposit system is in place to give out refunds for
returned cups, bottles, cans etc.
‘Recycling stations’ or ‘Resource Recovery Stations’ are set up.
Bins are staffed (eg volunteers) to assist in reduced contamination.
Waste as art or other waste-based installations or interactive
elements are included.
Color-coded or printed bin bags are distributed to picnickers and
campers for waste segregation.
Incentives encourage participation in waste segregation activities.
Caterers and stallholders are incentivized or penalized to ensure
participation in waste segregation and ‘clean pitches’ at the end of
the event.
Attendees are encouraged to bring shopping bags & water bottles.
‘Litter free’ camping/picnics are encouraged of attendees.
 PROCUREMENT Checklist
Procuring products, materials and supplies may be a considerable
proportion of your overall budget, and your choices make a strong
statement on your sustainability commitment.
Reducing the amount of stuff used and ensuring the most sustainable
options are key procurement goals. Purchasing locally to support the host
community and economy should also be embraced. Check off the
elements you have included in your sustainable sourcing actions:
Strategies to avoid unnecessary consumption and manage demand
are in place.
A budgetary figure over which scrutiny of sustainability credentials is
undertaken.
Local suppliers are used in preference, to support the local economy.
Companies/products with sustainability policies are chosen.
Products chosen have achieved relevant eco-label certification.
Where no eco-label is available, suppliers chosen have sustainability
credentials and claims.
Tenders include sustainability requirements in specifications.
Value for money is considered over the whole-of-life of the goods,
rather than only initial cost.
The purchase of single use promotional items is reduced or
eliminated.
PROCUREMENT Checklist
Printing, Signage, & Decor
Most events print promotion material and programs or event information,
along with way-finding signage, sponsor signage, event branding and
décor. Consider the following when planning printing, signage and
décor:
Only necessary items are produced.
Print and sign companies used have ISO 14001 or other relevant
green print certification.
Inks and varnishes used in printing and signs are veg/soy based.
Sustainable paper choices are made. (FSC, post-consumer recycled).
Sustainable materials are used for signage.
Signage is designed to be able to be re-used.
Décor is designed to be able to be re-used.
Signage and décor is collected for salvage and re-purposing.
Timber
Some events use timber in set, staging, décor or construction.
Timber is used which has been sustainably forested.
Timber suppliers are certified to sell sustainably forested timber.
Proof of timber certification is requested.
Recycled timber is used where appropriate.
Timber is re-used or sent for salvage after use.
Timber which can't be reused or sent for salvage, is recycled.
 PROCUREMENT Checklist
Merchandise
Branded materials are often sourced by an event to give away or sell.
Merchandise is sourced locally to reduce transport impact and
support the local economy.
Merchandise with sustainability credentials is sourced.
The product’s raw materials are grown or produced with
environmental responsibility, fair trade and fair labour practices.
The product’s raw materials are free of toxic substances.
The product is manufactured with fair working and labour conditions.
Merchandise comes delivered with minimal packaging.
Branded event merchandise and giveaways are designed with
consideration for at least two more uses.
Giveaways or samples are only provided where they are necessary.
Incentives/gifts are only given to those participants that ‘opt in’ to
receiving them.
Office/Office Supplies
Consider in-office greening practices year round.
Year-round or at-event sustainable office supplies are sourced.
Office kitchens use fair trade/organic/local coffee & tea.
Printers and copiers are set to double-sided option.
In-office recycling systems are set up.
The office is connected renewable energy grid supplied power.
PROCUREMENT Checklist
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products should be 100% biodegradable and not harmful to
aquatic life. Consider the following:
Cleaning contractors use environmentally sound cleaning products.
Caterers and food traders use environmentally sound cleaning
products.
Cleaning products used have achieved independent eco-labeling
certification.
Cleaning products used are made from renewable resources.
Cleaning products used are 100% biodegradable.
Cleaning products used are non-toxic to aquatic life, free from
chlorine bleach, synthetic dyes and artificial fragrances.
Cleaning products used are solvent free and therefore are VOC free.
Cleaning products used are phosphate free.
Paint
Some events use paint in set, staging, décor or construction.
Eco-labeled paint is used.
Paint is low VOC, non-toxic, water based and environmentally sound.
Unused paint is stored for future use or donated to a community
recycled paint program.
Paint wash-up water is disposed of responsibly, given the particular
facilities of the painting location.
 FOOD & BEVERAGE Checklist
The food and beverage you serve or sell is a very public statement
of your commitment to sustainability principles, and also your
care for your event participants.
Ensuring the most sustainable options are sought and that food is healthy
and fresh is important. Focus should be given to seasonal, local, fresh and
healthy food options. Consider the following:
Caterers/food stallholders source locally produced food.
Caterers/food stallholders plan menus around seasonal food.
Caterers/food stallholders source sustainably produced food
(organic, free range, chemical free etc).
Caterers/food stallholders source only sustainably caught seafood
and no threatened species.
Food is provided fresh rather than individually packaged.
Menu planning includes consideration for dietary requirements
(vegetarian, vegan, gluten free).
Menu planning includes consideration for religious or cultural dietary
requirements.
Menu planning considers health and wellbeing as well as suited to
the event activities.
Uneaten food/food scraps are collected for composting and not
disposed of onsite where wildlife may eat it.
Food salvage programs are in place to send un-served food for
charitable use.
SERVICE-WARE Checklist
Cups, bowls, plates, cutlery, burger clams, pizza boxes… these are
all going to contribute considerably to your event’s waste
creation.
Choosing the best option to suit the event activities, onsite waste logistics
and bin segregation, and importantly – the type of waste processing
facilities locally - informs your decision. Consider the following:
Re-usable and washable serviceware is used.
If disposable service-ware is used, minimal packaging is provided.
If disposable service-ware is used, choice of type is based on waste
processing facilities available and at-event separation possible.
If disposable serviceware is used, optimally, compostable materials
are chosen, which are then collected for composting.
A system is in place to collect food scraps and serviceware for
composting.
Recyclable serviceware is used if ‘dirty’ recyclables can be processed.
Single serve sachets are not used (eg for condiments). Rather bulk
dispensing is used.
Pre packaged bottle water is not provided or sold, rather water refill
stations are available.
‘Compostable’ materials are promoted as ‘green options’ to event
attendees only if they are actually collected for composting.
‘Biodegradable’ materials, if chosen, are not promoted as ‘green
options’ if they are only ending up in landfill.
 TRAVEL Checklist
The travel of participants to and from the event is likely to be one
of the largest GHG emissions impacts for outdoor festivals. This
includes crew, equipment, talent and attendees.
Attendee event travel is one of the areas where the event organiser can
only influence rather than control decisions. Consider the following:
Production Travel/Year Round Travel
Low emission, hybrid, electric or alternative fuel vehicles are used
and promoted by event production.
Cycle couriers are used year-round and for the event.
Event production runner’s trips are scheduled to reduce number of
trips.
Video conferencing/virtual conferencing is used in event planning to
reduce travel impacts.
Travel Reporting
Production travel (year round, crew, staff, talent) is logged and
reported (GHGs).
Audience travel is audited, measured and reported (by mode,
distances & GHGs).
Carbon offsetting (production & attendee) is logged & reported.
TRAVEL Checklist
Attendee Travel
A program to encourage cycling to the event is in place.
Secure bike parking is available at the event site.
Event site is located within walking distance from public transport
hubs.
Shuttles are arranged to transport attendees from hotels, satellite
locations, surrounding suburbs and public transport hubs.
A car pool/car share program is in place and promoted to attendees.
Priority parking is available for those cars arriving full (e.g. four
people per car).
A parking fee is applied in order to dampen enthusiasm for driving
and therefore incentivize car pooling or using public transport.
Attendees are rewarded or incentivized to walk, cycle, use public
transport or car pool.
Electric vehicle charging stations are available.
Air Travel Offsetting
An offsetting project is chosen as the recipient for carbon offsetting.
Carbon offsetting for flights is bundled into the ticketing process.
Attendees are encouraged to opt-in to carbon offsetting programs.
Carbon offsetting is purchased for event production air travel.
Talent/artists are encouraged to offset their event related air travel.
 COMMUNICATION Checklist
Engaging stakeholders into your sustainability initiatives and
encouraging them to play their part is an important aspect to
consider.
Identify stakeholders, include them in the diagnostic of event sustainability
issues and engage them to play their part to support event sustainability
goals. Consider the following:
Local council is informed of sustainability goals of the event.
Site owners/managers are informed of the event’s sustainability
goals.
Relevant environment agencies are informed of the event’s
sustainability goals.
Local community (residents, businesses and community
organisations) is informed of the event’s sustainability goals.
Suppliers, contractors, service providers and stallholders are
informed of the event’s sustainability goals and expectations of their
involvement in meeting these goals.
Sustainability credentials and planned initiatives at the event are
included on the event’s website.
Sustainability credentials and planned initiatives at the event are
communicated pre-event to participants.
Sustainability credentials/initiatives are communicated at the event.
Sponsors are informed of the sustainability goals and engaged in
supporting performance outcomes.
Performance outcomes are communicated to all stakeholders.
INCLUSIVITY Checklist
Ensuring access to the event by all that may wish to be involved,
along with encouraging participation without placing barriers to
attendance is an important aspect of social sustainability.
Barriers to involvement are not in place to prevent participation by
local businesses in servicing the event.
Consideration is given to a balanced workforce including those from
diverse backgrounds, and consideration for sensory impairment.
Consideration for special needs or mobility or sensory deprivation in
potential participants is addressed.
Where the event causes visitation to the host destination, a ‘locals’
price for tickets and registration is offered.
The event is accessible and inclusive to people not typically
benefiting from events in their community.
Communications channels are available for complaints or
suggestions.
If the event is likely to create expressions of dissent, planning to
reduce the scale of the expressions or planning for freedom, safety
and security of expressions of dissent is considered.
Considerations for traditional owners of the land should be incorporated in
event planning and delivery:
Indigenous, first peoples or traditional custodianship is recognised,
acknowledged and respected in event planning and delivery, and
permission gained to hold the event on land.
A welcome to country or other relevant ceremony is undertaken.
 TICKETING Checklist
Using electronic ticketing, entry process and dissemination of
event information will reduce resource use (paper, inks, energy) as
well as residual waste from disposal of these items.
Ticketing/registration is completed electronically.
Event entry is carried out through electronic processes.
Phone apps and social networking interfaces are used.
Event information is available electronically.
PROGRAMMING Checklist
Most outdoor festivals have entertainment and content, and there
are opportunities to reduce impacts and enhance sustainability
performance through programming choices.
Talent for the event is sourced locally.
Programming content includes opportunities to communicate
sustainable development ideas.
Projects are developed to brief artistic contributors to build
sustainability themed content. (performance, installations, etc).
Activities which event attendees interact with include sustainable
development concepts. (eg: creating your own energy).
ATTENDEE Checklist
Event attendees can also play their part in ensuring their
participation in the event is as sustainable as possible.
Attendees car-pool or take mass transit to the event.
Attendees walk or cycle to the event.
Attendees offset event-related air travel.
Attendees stay in a ‘green’ hotel.
Campers and picnickers commit to a Leave No Trace ethic.
Attendees bring their own water bottle and shopping bags.
SPONSOR Checklist
Those events that have sponsors, brand alignment and brand
activation onsite must also engage these partners in the event’s
sustainability ambitions.
Sponsors are requested to consider how their event activation can
support the event’s sustainability goals and enhance outcomes.
Sponsors are requested not to plan any brand activation which
creates unnecessary waste.
Sponsors are required to build into brand activation, waste control
and collection, to avoid ‘brand roadkill’!
Sponsor agreements include adhering to sustainability requirements.
 CAMPGROUND Checklist
Those events which have festival goers camping onsite will have
duplicate logistics and services to set up which may differ from the
main festival site.
Campsites are set up with a Leave No Trace ethic and this is
communicated pre-event and onsite at the campground.
Campsite locations have permanent amenities.
Campers are requested to bring their own waste receptacles and take
back their own waste. (possible not at all festivals!)
Campsites have adequate waste services including segregation of
recyclable material and removal of compostable materials.
Rainwater is collected for use by campers.
Amenities ensure no liquid waste pollution.
Campers are requested to only use environmentally sound cleaning
products and to keep these out of natural waterways.
Checks are in place to ensure no tent pegs, cigarette butts or bottle
tops are left.
No feeding of wildlife is allowed by campers.
LODGING Checklist
If your event requires talent, crew, or attendees to stay in hotels,
choosing or promoting those with sustainability credentials
already in place will help to significantly improve the sustainability
performance of your event.
Hotels chosen have ‘Green Building’ or other sustainable building
rating or certification; or
Hotels chosen have been retrofitted to ensure resource efficiencies.
Hotel/s have ‘green hotel’ certification such as Green Leaf, Green Key
Global, Green Globe, Green Star, EcoRooms & EcoSuites, and
Audubon Green Leaf, or are ISO 14001 or ISO 20121 compliant.
Hotels have a ‘greening committee’ or designated staff member or
sustainability program.
Hotels have a sustainability management policy.
Hotels have environmentally sound cleaning supplies and guest
bathroom products.
Hotels cater with sustainably sourced ingredients.
Hotels are on renewable energy supply and have energy conservation
initiatives in place. (eg: sensors, cold water wash, room AC controls).
Hotels have water conservation initiatives in place, collect rainwater
and treat and reuse grey water onsite.
Waste management includes recycling, food waste collection for
composting and in-room segregation.
Hotels communicate sustainability initiatives and achievements in-
room & publically.
 DESTINATION Checklist
The sustainability profile of the city, region, or country in which
your event is held can play a critical role in the overall ability for
your event to be produced sustainably.
These can be aspects inherent in the destination or the ability of the local
event industry and supply chain to provide your event with sustainable
solutions, products and services. How does your destination rate?
Resource Management: Ensures sustainable resource management,
including water, forests, minerals/mining, and fossil fuel extraction.
Agriculture & Food: Encourages and demonstrates leadership in
sustainable agricultural practices, including availability of locally
grown food.
Stewardship: Demonstrates stewardship principles in biodiversity
and environmental protection.
Waste: Has outstanding performance in recycling and biodegradable
waste diversion from landfill and incineration.
Energy Source: Has, or is working towards increasing, renewable
energy supply to the main electricity grid.
Climate Change & GHGs: Has an effective Climate Change Policy and
GHG reduction goals.
Transport: Has effective and well-used public transport infrastructure.
Walking/Cycling: Encourages walking and cycling, through both
communications/campaigns and infrastructure.
DESTINATION Checklist
Energy Source: Has, or is working towards increasing, renewable
energy supply to the main electricity grid.
Ethical: Upholds the principles of ethical business practices and
democratic governance, including transparency and anti-corruption
measures.
Community: Has engaged citizens and a sense of community support
and involvement.
Eco Labelling: Has established eco-labeling programs throughout the
supply chain or other programs to encourage and recognise best
practice in sustainability performance across various industry sectors
and the supply chain.
Working Conditions: Has safe and fair working conditions for its
citizens, including fair working wages and acceptable minimum wage.
Venues: Sustainably built and operated venues are available.
Hotels & Lodging: Sustainably built and operated
accommodation/hotels/lodging are available.
Industry Competency: Event industry practitioners have events
sustainability competencies.
Conformity: Events in the destination have achieved conformity with
ISO 20121 or relevant national standard or certification.
Suppliers: Suppliers, equipment and services with sustainable
materials, products and solutions are available.
 LEGACY Checklist
Events can leave positive legacies through offering a platform for
sustainable development messages, through transferring
knowledge and offering economic support to host communities.
Consider the lasting impression your event can leave and the positive
outcomes that can be achieved. Some of the following may be legacy
options for your event:
The event undertakes rehabilitation to the natural environment at or
near the event location.
The event offers a platform for sustainable development-based
groups, projects, initiatives and programs to be showcased.
Community initiatives or programs are identified and supported.
The event leaves knowledge and skills in the host community.
The event leaves physical resources in legacy with the host
destination/community.
The event sourcing practices supports the local economy.
The event brings visitation and increased business to the local
community/economy.
The event donates or supports financially, local community groups,
campaigns, projects or initiatives.
The direct and/or indirect economic impact of the event is measured
and reported.
SYSTEMS Checklist
Rather than ad-hoc issues management, it is important to put a
management system in place so you can have a comprehensive
framework for issues management and continual improvement.
Having a guiding document and system that lays out the sustainable
development principles to which you subscribe, includes ‘must take’
sustainability aspects, and has a determination of how you will measure
your performance, objectives and targets, are important steps in
implementing a management system.
This will also meet requirements to conform to international standard
ISO 20121: Event Sustainability Management Systems.
We’ve set down our guiding principles of Sustainable Development.
We have a Sustainability Management Policy for event activities.
The policy includes key indicators against which performance will be
assessed.
We have set measureable objectives and targets.
We have set systems in place for collection of sustainability data.
We have documented processes and procedures relating to the
sustainability issues, impacts and initiatives.
We ensure performance is reviewed and that strategies to embed
continual improvement are in place.
We report and disclose our sustainability performance to our
stakeholders.

GreenShoot Pacific assists productions to significantly
increase their sustainability performance. We help
identify potential environmental, societal and economic
issues, balancing the demands of people, profit and
planet.
As specialists in event, screen and touring we take pride in guiding
our clients to reduce negative impacts and enhance positive
legacies. Our principal goal is to share our knowledge and skills to
make each client the best sustainability performers they can be.
Services
We provide performance measurement, analysis and reporting enabling
our clients to credibly communicate their commitment to positive social
and environmental outcomes.
As a means of ensuring our reports and services are consistent with the
high level of excellence expected of us, we are guided by the indicators of
sustainability performance set down by the Global Reporting Initiative
and conform with International Standard ISO 20121. We also have a
Quality Management System in place to ensure our processes and services
are comprehensive, accurate and effective.
Planning Diagnostic with recommendations
Policy Event Sustainability Management Policy

Training Sustainable Event Management Training

GreenShoot Pacific specialize in the design of strategic services, Caterer Best Practice Seminar
systems, solutions and training across production management Venue Manager’s Sustainable Training
based industries including; events, screen, sport, touring and
facilities.
Tools Development of guidance resource
Sustainability Measurement Tool

Our major focus is the identification of resource efficiencies to Solutions Implementation of Solutions
minimize negative impacts and facilitate sustainable growth.
Performance Onside Audit
Performance report & measurement
Compliance auditing
GSP Offices
GreenShoot Pacific is based in NSW, Australia however we have
offices and affiliates in several other territories including UK,
Canada, USA, New Zealand, and India.
GSP Clients
NSW Office Environment and Heritage, ACT Government, NSW Local
Government Shires Association, Sydney Festival, Sydney Harbour
Foreshore Authority, Warner Bros. Pictures – The Great Gatsby,
APRA AMCOS, Taste Festival, Garage Sale Trail 2011, Fuzzy - Parklife,
La Dolce Italia Festival, Screen NSW, Panic on Rock Island
(telemovie), Crave - Sydney Harbour Island Hopping, TAFE – Hunter
Institute (Greenskills NSW RTO partner), Australian Centre Event
Management, Sydney Entertainment Centre.
Contact Us
Jane Fullerton-Smith
info@greenshootpacific.com
Ph: +61 403 867 548
The Sustainable Event Management
System Tool
We suggest using the SEMS Tool as a system to get ISO 20121
‘conformity ready’ at a fraction of the price of the usual
consultant-heavy audit.
A comprehensive online sustainable event management system,
the SEMS Tool will guide you through the process of
implementing sustainable best practice into your events.
It includes guidance, in-built calculators, GHG reporting, and
performance assessment report.
The SEMS Tool can be used to assess conformity with
international standard ISO 20121: Event Sustainability
Management Systems.
Upload your evidence, results, documentation and description of
what issues you have and how you have managed them. Then
submit for audit with an industry recognised event sustainability
auditor for conformity assessment with ISO 20121.
Read More Here
Other Resources
Sustainable Event
Management:
A Practical Guide
GreenShoot Pacific’s Meegan Jones
has written a book on sustainable
event management, published by
Earthscan UK.
‘I think it is a great practical guide to
sustainable event management; ….
Seriously, the standard set here is
the highest I've seen in print.’ David
Joblin, Independent Journalist
Buy the Book
Free Short Guide to
Understanding
ISO 20121
Offers a plain-language
interpretation of the steps
involved in implementing ISO
20121 and helps you to
understand how this new
international standard can be
included in your event planning
and delivery.
Access the Guide
Free Guide to Enduring
Event Legacy
An important aspect of an event’s
sustainability performance is its
enduring legacies such as
demonstrating sustainability-in-
action, encouraging changing
behaviors, and leaving new skills
and resources with the host
community.
This guide gives you our top
twelve legacies we encourage
events consider leaving behind.
Access the Guide
Conference/Convention Adventure Races
Sustainable Event Sustainable Event
Checklist Checklist
Use our checklist document to
Use our checklist document to
help you navigate your outdoor
help you track through your
adventure race towards
conference, convention or
sustainability. Get ready for ISO
congress to ensure you’ve
20121 conformity.
addressed sustainability impacts.
Get ready for ISO 20121
This PDF document has check
conformity.
boxes you can tick off – the love
of any event manager!
This PDF document has check
boxes you can tick off – the love
of any event manager! Buy the Checklist
Buy the Checklist