Festival Republic has announced it is to fund a research project – within Music Declares Emergency – to drive grid connections to UK festivals, which will reduce carbon emissions for the sector in relation to temporary power generation.
Under the No Music On A Dead Planet banner, Festival Republic will support the project closely with the aim of presenting grid connected stages, powered by renewables, at three Festival Republic events for the 2023 festival season, and to help create a pathway for other promoters and event organisers to follow.
Festival Republic MD, Melvin Benn said: “This project will be a game changer for outdoor live events. Generating our own temporary power is the highest contributor of on-site greenhouse gas emissions at a festival, and by plugging into the grid we will reduce this significantly. By doing this, and sharing our knowledge with others, festival goers can have an amazing time at festivals safe in the knowledge that we are doing everything we can as event organisers to create events that have positive rather than negative impacts.”
Music Declares Emergency Co-Founder Lewis Jamieson said: “Festival Republic and Melvin personally have been at the forefront of action on climate and environmental issues within the music industry for years. In partnering with MDE to make renewable event power a reality, they are not just continuing FR’s transition towards a greener future but offering the entire live sector an invaluable pathway that will benefit the whole live music community. We are delighted to be working with Festival Republic on such a visible example of the difference positive music businesses can make in relation to the climate crisis.”
The project is part of the ongoing work within Festival Republic to create sustainable and environmentally friendly outdoor events. Across the Festival Republic outdoor portfolio for summer 2022, there will be a continuation of sustainability initiatives including £1 from every Reading parking pass being donated to Trees For Cities, a priority car park for Reading car sharers with Go Car Share, a paper cup and rPET bottle deposit return scheme, no virgin single use plastic sold at the festival (all bottles are rPET), campsite recycling rewards and Take Your Tent Home campaign.
For the first time, Reading and Leeds will be powered by 100% HVO biofuel, a renewable form of fuel that has 90% less carbon equivalent emissions than regular diesel.
Festival Republic has been a supporter of Music Declares Emergency since its launch in 2019. Music Declares Emergency will be onsite throughout the summer at Festival Republic events to continue to engage audiences and the music industry in the climate conversation.
