Pillar 1:
Ecological transition in the field of culture

Priority 2:
Preserving nature in urban areas when hosting events

In recent years, Rotterdam has worked to make its festivals and events increasingly sustainable. With nearly five million people attending these events each year, festivals offer a significant opportunity to promote eco-friendly practices and raise awareness about sustainability.

In 2020, alongside 11 festival organisers, Rotterdam Festivals and the municipality committed to the Sustainable Deal; a three-year agreement with a budget of €300,000 from the municipality, to reduce their joint CO₂ footprint and work collaboratively on sustainability challenges.

From 2022 to 2024, the group focused on practical solutions in areas such as energy use, transport, waste, and reducing single-use plastics. Festival organisers shared experiences and developed actions together, including using cleaner power sources, improving waste systems, and creating more sustainable food options.

Rotterdam municipality concluded that blanket rules and enforcement do not effectively contribute to making festivals more sustainable. Every festival is different, so a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Sustainability flourishes with intrinsic motivation, custom solutions and close cooperation between festival organisers and the government.

After these three years, the municipality of Rotterdam has continued its efforts and aims to share the knowledge gained more widely across the sector, helping other festivals to take similar steps. Rotterdam Festivals, a leading coordinator of the deal, will also continue its efforts to support more sustainable festivals.