Climate Change Response Plan, Carbon Measurement and Reduction
Introduction
Each year, we will measure and report on our direct carbon emissions. This will help us to understand our footprint and reduce emissions that we have direct control over, such as travel and waste. We will also identify sources of emissions within our sphere of influence, such as delegate travel, and advocate for sustainable practices.
To work towards net zero by 2030, we will:
Operations
Using 2022 as a baseline, set ETF target reductions of 5% each year from 2023, until we retain only 10% of 2022 emissions.
Begin measuring emissions connected to our year-round activity, including running the Festival office and additional events, to set an overall baseline for future reduction targets.
Work with our venues to identify ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste.
Continue to offer local and responsibly sourced catering from Edinburgh-based companies for Festival events, using biodegradable or reusable plates and cups.
Travel
Use trains for domestic journeys rather than flights for all staff and Festival participants. When flights cannot be avoided, we will aim to book economy class in newer aircraft.
Switch to an electric-only taxi/car service contract as soon as this is available and lobby our current provider.
Until a more sustainable service is available, significantly reduce the use of cars and taxis.
As our biggest source of emissions, all travel will be offset via a reputable source.
Materials
Review our supply chain and procurement of goods and services, to ensure that by 2024 we are only using environmentally responsible suppliers and materials.
Reduce carbon emissions generated through print initially by 10% annually, using 2022 as our baseline. We will review this percentage annually.
Work with technicians and exhibitors to ensure as many end-of-festival materials as possible are re-used or passed on, reducing our waste each year.
Provide guidelines for exhibitors and session producers on the Festival’s environmental policy, encourage use of sustainable materials and practices where possible; and from 2023 include this policy and advice in contracts with freelance technicians.
Advocacy
Advocate good environmental practices and policies across all areas of our work.
Provide a platform for discussion of the climate emergency, and promotion of excellence in climate storytelling and communication.
Offsetting
Our priority will be to avoid and mitigate emissions, but we also accept that we will need to use sequestration to reach net zero.
We will ensure any sequestration providers we use are ethical and follow best practice. We will contribute to sequestration projects based in Scotland where possible.
We will review and update this plan on an annual basis, to assess our progress and adjust targets where required.