Methods and Tools for Sustainable Festivals: Towards Effective and Future-Oriented Environmental Sustainability Assessment Methods for the Dutch Festival Sector

Abstract

This study investigates how to safeguard the effectiveness and future orientation of monitoring tools for the environmental sustainability of festivals. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing tools, stakeholder interviews, and case studies of industry frontrunners, the research identifies key gaps, barriers, and best practices, culminating in actionable recommendations for the festival sector.

The findings reveal that current tools for assessing environmental impacts are often fragmented and lack comprehensiveness. They fail to cover the full spectrum of festival activities and environmental impacts, leading to incomplete sustainability assessments. To address this, the scope of these tools should be expanded to include a broader range of activities and impacts. Several barriers to effective and future-oriented monitoring were identified, including financial constraints, limited time and resources, insufficient regulatory support, and challenges in engaging suppliers and partners. Stakeholders also face difficulties in measuring and reporting on sustainability metrics. Overcoming these barriers requires coordinated efforts from festival organisers, tool developers, and legislators to create supportive policies, provide financial incentives, and foster collaborative networks for data sharing and best practices.

Insights from frontrunners in the Dutch festival sector highlight the importance of strong leadership, clear sustainability goals, and continuous improvement processes. Successful sustainability initiatives are driven by intrinsic motivations, such as a commitment to environmental responsibility, and extrinsic pressures, such as stakeholder demands and regulatory requirements. Integrating sustainability into the core business strategy ensures that it is a fundamental aspect of event planning and execution.

In conclusion, the effectiveness and future orientation of monitoring tools can be safeguarded by ensuring they are comprehensive, inclusive of a broad range of activities and impacts, and supported by a regulatory framework that promotes sustainability. Festival organisers can enhance these tools by embedding sustainability into their strategic planning and leveraging technology for accurate and efficient data collection and reporting. Tool developers should create adaptable and user-friendly platforms to meet the diverse needs of the sector.

This research lays the foundation for developing a standardised protocol for environmental sustainability assessments for festivals. By identifying relevant activities and impacts and offering recommendations to overcome barriers, it contributes to establishing more effective monitoring practices. Furthermore, it provides guidance for festival organisers, tool developers, and legislators on fostering conditions for sustainable conduct, ultimately supporting a transition to a more environmentally sustainable festival sector.