That's right, apparently we're OUTSTANDING!
We've been awarded the top tier certificate for sustainability by A Greener Future, a not-for-profit company which helps organisations, events, festivals and venues around the world to be more sustainable and reduce environmental impacts. Founders of the world's first sustainability standard for festivals and events in 2007, the AGF Framework has been used to guide, assess and certify hundreds of events, festivals and venues worldwide; providing independent audit and external verification.
What is an outstanding certificate?
"Outstanding" signifies a truly outstanding and inspirational event. These are exceptional events who have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions, have excellent travel, transport, food and waste management programmes, protect the environment and minimise water use and communicate this to the public.
The certification was achieved following a rigorous assessment process by AGF, who are sustainability specialists. The assessment involves detailed analysis of areas of sustainability such as transport, energy and power, waste, water usage, local environment, CO2 and food and beverages and involves an on site visit by qualified AGF assessors.
Why us?
AGF said that:
‘Green Gathering embodies environmental and social sustainability at its very core and in all aspects of the festival. It aims to inspire and engage people to live a more sustainable life by demonstrating ways to do this onsite. The festival runs entirely from temporary solar power generated onsite, has 72% compost toilets, has an extensive 'separate at source' waste system, is 100% vegan/vegetarian, has compostable, and where possible, real serverware, has a shuttle bus from the train station with barrows for artists' kit onsite, showcases local drinks and uses local suppliers collectively, sells ethically sourced merchandise, runs workshops about handicrafts, runs talks about social justice, planted a circle of trees, protects biodiversity onsite and hosts a popular accessible camping area!’ The list goes on and on! Well done to all involved’- AGF
A big thank you to AGF for yet another Outstanding cert - here's to many more.
Want to know more about how we create such a sustainable event? Check out our How Green page!
