Pillar 1:
Ecological transition in the field of culture

Priority 2:
Preserving nature in urban areas when hosting events

For over 20 years, Bunker, a Ljubljana-based NGO supported by the city, has embedded ecological thinking into the organisation of the international Mladi Levi Festival. Since 2004, the organisation has co-financed and managed the Old Power Station, transforming it into a vibrant contemporary cultural centre.

In 2024, Bunker joined the GREENSTAGE consortium, a Creative Europe initiative developed in collaboration with international partners and the city of Ljubljana. The project aims to design a comprehensive greening strategy for festivals, with the ambitious goal of achieving zero waste by 2026.

Bunker has adopted several eco-friendly measures, from using biodegradable cleaning products and eliminating single-use plastics to prioritising plant-based catering, reusing technical and scenographic materials, and encouraging audiences to travel by bicycle or public transport.

The festival also promotes green travel among international artists and has significantly reduced printed promotional materials, relying mainly on digital communication channels.

Despite its strong commitment, Bunker continues to face several challenges in reducing its carbon footprint. Limited public transportation options in Slovenia (particularly, the lack of a modern rail network) make eco-friendly travel difficult. Financial barriers also persist, as sustainable materials often come at a higher cost than conventional ones.

These systemic obstacles highlight that achieving lasting change requires collaboration beyond the cultural sector. Bunker advocates for stronger partnerships between culture, transport, logistics, and policy actors to effectively reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future.