Pillar 1:
Ecological transition in the field of culture

Priority 7:
Assessing the environmental footprint of cultural events

To better align cultural events with its sustainability and inclusion goals, Bristol City Council redesigned its 2025 event application process.

The updated expression of interest form goes beyond logistics, and asks organisers to reflect on key areas such as energy use, transport, waste, food and drink, accessibility, inclusion, and community relevance.

Responses are scored and rated, with results adjusted for event size and type, ensuring that small community events are assessed fairly alongside large commercial ones. Each organiser receives a personalised report with their scores and practical guidance for improvement.

Follow-up meetings provide space for dialogue, helping the Council understand organisers’ challenges and offering targeted support.

Developed using free tools like Google Forms and Sheets, the system requires no external funding, though staff time is key for analysis and engagement.

Moving to a dedicated Events App in 2026 will streamline the process further, while maintaining the scoring and rating system.

Tips from the process so far include:

• Allowing sufficient time to design and test the process.
• Tailoring questions to reflect your city’s specific goals and priorities.
• Using the data collected to identify both organiser needs and areas where the city can improve, such as infrastructure gaps.