Our green efforts
Be part of our journey in becoming austrias most sustainable festival
At Paradies Garten we are optimists,
and we think the future can be bright if we want to put in the effort.
That’s why we must take sustainability seriously, knowing that a music event can negatively impact the surrounding air, soil, water, resources, and inhabitants.
We all need to minimize our ecological footprint, so we implemented a strict green policy at our festival. We trust we can influence change in the event scene and our personal lives by leaving a positive legacy, and hopefully, we can help our visitors to live more sustainably. That’s why we think it’s important to lead by example, improve ourselves year after year and know that we still have a long way ahead.
This year Paradise Garten Festival became Austria’s first CO2-neutral Music Festival making it one of the greenest events of the local festival scene. We’re constantly striving to improve and are transparent about our successes and failures, sharing everything we’ve learned so that the whole event industry can move towards a more sustainable future. So come join the party and let’s create a legacy that we can be proud of!
Findings from 2022 and additional action in 2023
Overall, C02 emissions compared between Paradise City’s 2021 and 2022 editions have increased by 13%. That’s mostly explained by the growing supplier and visitor transport. After all, Paradise City 2022 had a significantly larger visitor capacity, going up more than 30% compared to 2021. That said, the relative emissions per visitor have decreased for the seventh year in a row (from 12 kg in 2021 to 10,5 kg in 2022)
- Of the 33.500 total visitors in 2022, 20,5% traveled by train, which is an incredible increase from 7,8% in 2021. Previously, night train destinations only included Brussels, Antwerp, Mechelen and Ghent – but because of the high demand, visitors from Leuven and Hasselt will be serviced too. The organization hopes this will help reach the benchmark of 30% of visitors who travel by train and decrease the percentage of visitors who travel by car from 47% to 35% (which is still the single largest contributor to our total carbon emissions).
- Our solar energy consumption went up from 10% of the total energy consumption in 2021 to 30% in 2022. In 2023, Paradise City will aim to significantly increase the use of solar energy to power the festivities. Before and after the event, the production team is still too dependent on non-renewable fuel, which is a major working point.
- Other major actions going forward will be the improvement of waste management (more recycling initiatives), the promotion of composting toilets and improved wheelchair accessibility. You can find more details in the reports from CO2 Logic and AGF.
We have set a 10 steps process
To make sure we minimize our impacts
Green Energy
Green energy lowers the impact of electricity use. We measure, monitor and report our power stats every year.
Future Food
Our food on offer is 100 % locally sourced, organically grown or bought from a fair-trade source. We only offer vegetarian meals and adapt food quantity to avoid leftovers.
Waste Management
With your participation, we sort, recycle and compost. We also have a zero single-use plastic policy and use reusable cups for all drinks.
Transport
We actively promote carpooling and public transport options, like our night train program. In addition, our cycling visitors can park their bikes right next to the festival’s entrance.
Free water
Austrias best tap water is available to avoid a wave of plastic water bottles which usually submerges festivals. You will find free water stands where you can get hydrated without unnecessary waste. Bring your refillable bottles!
Sustainable
Communication
From paper to pixels, we’re committed to making sure that every aspect of our festival is as eco-friendly as possible. FSC paper only, a cashless festival, and a lightweight website.
Water
Water is a valuable good of nature that is spread on festival ground as our visitors must rehydrate, eat and (optionally) shower. We intend to purify on site the water used in our showers, reducing treatment as much as possible. And with the use of our eco-toilets, we intend to reduce any excessive water usage.
CO2 Neutrality
A CO2-Neutral festival is a goal we want to achieve year after year. We are aware that even after all our efforts, there is a remaining climate impact. Taking our responsibility, we offset the unavoidable climate impact through the support of CO2logic’s climate project.
Green Camping
Camping has always been an ecological issue for festivals, mainly regarding all the waste left over. If you are a dedicated camper and have all the gear you need, be our guest! But think twice about buying a cheap throwaway tent that will only contribute to landfill and use our pre-set tents options.
Awareness
Awareness of the importance of a sustainable way of life is enhanced and communicated to our suppliers, partners and sponsors, to assure they share our concerns about a greener future. And we give you useful sustainable tips on the site of the festival.
Future Food
Our food on offer is 100 % locally sourced, organically grown or bought from a fair-trade source. We only offer vegetarian meals and adapt food quantity to avoid leftovers.
Waste Management
With your participation, we sort, recycle and compost. We also have a zero single-use plastic policy and use reusable cups for all drinks.
Transport
We actively promote carpooling and public transport options, like our night train program. In addition, our cycling visitors can park their bikes right next to the festival’s entrance.
Free Tap Water
Austrias best tap water is available to avoid a wave of plastic water bottles which usually submerges festivals. You will find free water stands where you can get hydrated without unnecessary waste. Bring your refillable bottles!
Sustainable Communication
From paper to pixels, we’re committed to making sure that every aspect of our festival is as eco-friendly as possible. FSC paper only, a cashless festival, and a lightweight website.
Water
Water is a valuable good of nature that is spread on festival ground as our visitors must rehydrate, eat and (optionally) shower. We intend to purify on site the water used in our showers, reducing treatment as much as possible. And with the use of our eco-toilets, we intend to reduce any excessive water usage.
CO2 Neutrality
A CO2-Neutral festival is a goal we want to achieve year after year. We are aware that even after all our efforts, there is a remaining climate impact. Taking our responsibility, we offset the unavoidable climate impact through the support of CO2logic’s climate project.
Green Camping
Camping has always been an ecological issue for festivals, mainly regarding all the waste left over. If you are a dedicated camper and have all the gear you need, be our guest! But think twice about buying a cheap throwaway tent that will only contribute to landfill and use our pre-set tents options.
Awareness
Awareness of the importance of a sustainable way of life is enhanced and communicated to our suppliers, partners and sponsors, to assure they share our concerns about a greener future. And we give you useful sustainable tips on the site of the festival.
