GEI Summer Edition round-up
With sustainability topping the agenda of many organisations who are endeavouring to “build back better,” GEI’s inaugural summer edition gathered delegates virtually from all over the world to witness a host of panels broadcast live from PYTCH in Bristol, UK
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he A Greener Tour panel, chaired by production manager Wob Roberts, focussed on the work behind making Bring Me The Horizon’s tour as environmentally friendly as possible. This involved a “360-degree dialogue of learning with the whole industry” to find out what is already possible in terms of sustainability, as well as the many projects that people are working on to improve their carbon footprints. The session revealed many of the steps that vendors are taking to bolster their green credentials and underlined the need for open communications so that the entire ecosystem can benefit. Putting venues in the spotlight, A Greener Arena Emerging saw Teresa Moore (A Greener Festival) joined by Dale Vince from Ecotricity, Emma Ball from the NEC, and Lee Lacey from London’s O2 arena. Vince explained that 80% of everyone’s carbon footprint lies in energy, transport, and food, and by targeting those three specific areas, huge results are possible. Ball spoke of the new-found enthusiasm displayed by event stakeholders in working together to tackle the climate emergency. Whilst Lacey underlined how key artist engagement with fans is
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in delivering messages about sustainability, thus helping venues and the industry in general to achieve green targets. The event also saw UK industry organisation LIVE reveal its united action declaration, which involves sectors across the live music business working together to agree a common stance on the environment and a voluntary charter setting out directions for the industry over the next few years. LIVE Green Working Group chair John Langford explained that the pause due to the pandemic had allowed many like-minded people to debate how live entertainment could become more sustainable, as well as giving the time and space to allow the drawing up of plans on how to achieve cross-industry cooperation. To date, 13 industry organisations have signed the declaration. Artists Creating Change saw Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, DJ Eli Soul Clap, and a panel of industry professionals discuss the power of artists and musicians when it comes to communicating positive environmental messages to the masses and bringing about real change. Fearlessly Feminine, hosted by A Greener Festival’s Claire O’Neill, saw Khalila
Sandrah Mbowe, founder and CEO of Unleashed Africa Social Ventures, speak about the organisation’s work in youth development, social innovation, and job creation, and her passion for creating brands that can transform Africa; Claire Dubois, founder of TreeSisters, explained the organisation’s remit as a social change and tropical reforestation programme; and Diné (Navajo) activist Pat McCabe (Woman Stands Shining) highlighted the work of indigenous peoples around the world in fighting to maintain the way of life – working in harmony with nature and the earth – that they have enjoyed for millennia. Other sessions included Creativity Conquers Conflict; Carbon Removals & Climate Heating; Sustainable Signage & Branding; the Tyndall Centre’s Massive Attack Research; Greening Sports; Energy & Power; and Live From the Fields, which examined some sustainability measures that were introduced at 2021 events. Video footage of GEI’s summer edition is available online for all delegates, while on-demand access is still available for £55 (inc VAT) by emailing hello@agreenerfestival.com.
