Over the past 12 months, the live music industry has taken meaningful steps towards greater sustainability. But are we moving fast enough? And are we sharing what we’ve learned? As ambitious as it sounds, every festival could serve as a blueprint for climate-conscious action. The focus is shifting from experimentation to implementation.
One area with immediate potential is digital transformation. Transitioning to digital tools for ticketing, registration, and communication eliminates paper waste and simplifies operations whilst enhancing the audience experience. This is a relatively low-cost change that can yield high returns.
On-site waste management is a major challenge. A practical step is introducing clearly marked bins for recycling, compost, and landfill. These systems don’t need to be complex but consistent and visible.
Food and catering choices are another high-impact area. More festivals are exploring sustainable options, but it’s not without its obstacles. Electric Castle (EC) has worked to expand its partnerships with vendors offering plant-based and locally sourced meals. Adoption hasn’t always been smooth, with higher costs and lack of experience in the Romanian market slowing progress. Yet, there’s a growing momentum. Start small, build partnerships, and support vendors as they transition.
Transportation remains one of the most difficult pieces to solve. Encouraging attendees to use public transport, carpooling, or shuttle services can reduce emissions, but success often hinges on available infrastructure. EC has aimed to shift more than 60,000 attendees to greener transport methods while growing its own electric vehicle fleet to 60%. But challenges remain. In a country like Romania, limited rail and electric charging networks raise doubts about the viability of fully electrified transport systems, so tailored region-specific strategies are essential.
“Culture change doesn’t happen overnight. But festivals can act as catalysts”
Energy consumption is another area where incremental changes matter. EC has expanded its use of LED lighting and increased reliance on grid power by at least 10% year over year. A pilot project in 2024 powered part of the campsite with 100% renewable energy. These small-scale experiments offer valuable insights and can help other festivals chart a path toward greener infrastructure.
Festivals also bear responsibility for the land they occupy. Post-event restoration efforts, like replanting grass or planting trees, go a long way to maintaining a healthy site. EC has restored over 15 hectares of grassland annually and planted more than 7,500 trees around the campsite in just two years. These aren’t grand gestures – they’re commitments.
No sustainability initiative succeeds in isolation. Engaging audiences and suppliers is vital. Culture change doesn’t happen overnight. But festivals can act as catalysts.
The broader message? Sustainability isn’t about grand one-off achievements but consistent, scalable, practical steps, and a mindset that embraces progress over perfection.
There are clear indicators of progress. According to A Greener Future’s 2024 report, 75% of festivals have banned single-use plastic serveware, up from 54% in 2022. Electric Castle reflects this shift, having implemented a complete ban across its vendor network. The key is setting clear expectations and supporting vendors through the transition.
“As festivals continue to test and adapt, the most valuable outcomes may not be the solutions themselves but willingness to keep trying”
The use of renewable energy and hybrid systems is also growing. More festivals are tapping into grid power, reducing their reliance on diesel generators. EC’s strategy of increasing grid use by 10% annually while piloting renewable-powered zones demonstrates how gradual scaling can create measurable impact.
However, emissions tied to audience travel and food supply chains continue to rise. In many regions, especially where infrastructure is lacking, promoting sustainable transport can feel like an uphill battle. In Romania, the absence of widespread public transit means that solutions must be flexible and local.
Progress isn’t always linear. Sustainable food options, for instance, may be embraced by audiences faster than by vendors or supply chains. But by sharing not just success stories but obstacles and lessons, festivals can create a roadmap for improvement.
Looking ahead, sustained progress will require open dialogue, shared learning, and commitment to transparency. As festivals continue to test and adapt, the most valuable outcomes may not be the solutions themselves but willingness to keep trying.
Let’s build a future where sustainability is not an added feature – but a foundation.
Oltea Zambori is sustainability & special projects manager for Romania’s Electric Castle festival
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What’s next for sustainable live music?
Oltea Zambori, sustainability & special projects manager for Electric Castle festival, encourages us to embrace sustainability at our events
09 Jun 2025
Over the past 12 months, the live music industry has taken meaningful steps towards greater sustainability. But are we moving fast enough? And are we sharing what we’ve learned? As ambitious as it sounds, every festival could serve as a blueprint for climate-conscious action. The focus is shifting from experimentation to implementation.
One area with immediate potential is digital transformation. Transitioning to digital tools for ticketing, registration, and communication eliminates paper waste and simplifies operations whilst enhancing the audience experience. This is a relatively low-cost change that can yield high returns.
On-site waste management is a major challenge. A practical step is introducing clearly marked bins for recycling, compost, and landfill. These systems don’t need to be complex but consistent and visible.
Food and catering choices are another high-impact area. More festivals are exploring sustainable options, but it’s not without its obstacles. Electric Castle (EC) has worked to expand its partnerships with vendors offering plant-based and locally sourced meals. Adoption hasn’t always been smooth, with higher costs and lack of experience in the Romanian market slowing progress. Yet, there’s a growing momentum. Start small, build partnerships, and support vendors as they transition.
Transportation remains one of the most difficult pieces to solve. Encouraging attendees to use public transport, carpooling, or shuttle services can reduce emissions, but success often hinges on available infrastructure. EC has aimed to shift more than 60,000 attendees to greener transport methods while growing its own electric vehicle fleet to 60%. But challenges remain. In a country like Romania, limited rail and electric charging networks raise doubts about the viability of fully electrified transport systems, so tailored region-specific strategies are essential.
Energy consumption is another area where incremental changes matter. EC has expanded its use of LED lighting and increased reliance on grid power by at least 10% year over year. A pilot project in 2024 powered part of the campsite with 100% renewable energy. These small-scale experiments offer valuable insights and can help other festivals chart a path toward greener infrastructure.
Festivals also bear responsibility for the land they occupy. Post-event restoration efforts, like replanting grass or planting trees, go a long way to maintaining a healthy site. EC has restored over 15 hectares of grassland annually and planted more than 7,500 trees around the campsite in just two years. These aren’t grand gestures – they’re commitments.
No sustainability initiative succeeds in isolation. Engaging audiences and suppliers is vital. Culture change doesn’t happen overnight. But festivals can act as catalysts.
The broader message? Sustainability isn’t about grand one-off achievements but consistent, scalable, practical steps, and a mindset that embraces progress over perfection.
There are clear indicators of progress. According to A Greener Future’s 2024 report, 75% of festivals have banned single-use plastic serveware, up from 54% in 2022. Electric Castle reflects this shift, having implemented a complete ban across its vendor network. The key is setting clear expectations and supporting vendors through the transition.
The use of renewable energy and hybrid systems is also growing. More festivals are tapping into grid power, reducing their reliance on diesel generators. EC’s strategy of increasing grid use by 10% annually while piloting renewable-powered zones demonstrates how gradual scaling can create measurable impact.
However, emissions tied to audience travel and food supply chains continue to rise. In many regions, especially where infrastructure is lacking, promoting sustainable transport can feel like an uphill battle. In Romania, the absence of widespread public transit means that solutions must be flexible and local.
Progress isn’t always linear. Sustainable food options, for instance, may be embraced by audiences faster than by vendors or supply chains. But by sharing not just success stories but obstacles and lessons, festivals can create a roadmap for improvement.
Looking ahead, sustained progress will require open dialogue, shared learning, and commitment to transparency. As festivals continue to test and adapt, the most valuable outcomes may not be the solutions themselves but willingness to keep trying.
Let’s build a future where sustainability is not an added feature – but a foundation.
Oltea Zambori is sustainability & special projects manager for Romania’s Electric Castle festival
Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.