Fostering a Culture of Sustainability: Summary of the 2024 FestForums Panel
Charlotte Ege, FestForums | September 23, 2024
Delving into the social and environmental impact of the festival industry, our Sync with Sustainability & Social Impact panel at FestForums 2024 provides thought-provoking insights on ways leaders in this industry have developed solutions for a more sustainable future. The increasing stress of environmental issues and climate impact, from air pollution to dwindling energy resources, presents the pressing need for a transition to sustainable production practices. Panelists examine these solutions in various ways, including switching to energy efficient resources and promoting eco-transparency.
Photo by Chris Jensen, Sync with Sustainability & Social Impact Panel, FestForums 2024
According to panelist Neel Vasavada, efficient energy solutions for festivals have become increasingly available and are more than suitable alternatives to diesel generators. Vasavada is the founder and president of Overdrive Energy Solutions, which works towards integrating east and affordable sustainable energy solutions to the live event industry and beyond (Overdrive Energy Solutions). Vasavada noted that there were always concerns regarding production resources and claimed the main issue in terms of funding is a “capital equipment lending problem.”. Implementing these solutions displaces diesel industry revenue streams, an asset that the fuel industry has owned for years . However, Vasavada argues that battery systems, which are energy efficient and require electrical charge rather than fuel, have the same lifespan as diesel systems of about 10-15 years, but with much less maintenance. He also stressed that without a need for an energy source, battery systems also allow production to design their layouts in a much more efficient way. He stated that these systems could be provided at a cost equivalent to diesel if they were amortized, and by getting the financial community to understand that battery systems are a strong investment. This is because battery systems use significantly less energy, but the challenge lies in challenging the culture around sustainability.
Panelist Christopher Breedlove, Director of Civic Activation for Burning Man, also discussed the benefits of energy efficient generators for the Burning Man Project. Since 2007, when their theme was “The Green Man,” Burning Man has been entirely powered by solar energy. Breedlove emphasizes the importance of transparency in sustainable practices, in order to evade a culture of performative environmentalism and “green-washing”. He explained that the Burning Man Project, which is held annually in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, is entirely transparent. As one of their 10 core Principles is “Leave No Trace,” they are notably transparent in their practices to prevent waste pollution. This includes their Matter Out Of Place (MOOP) Map, which shows any instances of matter that is not native to the immediate environment of the Playa, as marked and retrieved by the Playa Restoration Crew. In addition to reporting on the outcome of their Bureau of Land Management Post-Event Inspection every year, the MOOP Map is an endeavor that ensures the Burning Man Project continues to hold itself accountable for its impact on the Playa (Burning Man Journal).
Image Source: The Burning Man Journal, The Burning Man Project
Breedlove explained that a policy of eco-transparency increases the level of trust between the attendees and the festival company, while also encouraging an open conversation and stronger culture around sustainability. It also sets a standard in the industry for what it means to be sustainable, exemplifying the benefits for the environment, for the attendees, and the festival providers themselves. Initiatives like Neel Vasavada’s Overdrive Energy Solutions and Christopher Breedlove and the Burning Man Project’s commitment to eco-transparency show us that a sustainable future is not only better for the environment, but a more efficient and sustainable future for the festival industry.
Cover Image Source: Overdrive Energy Solutions