Dingle Literary Festival Climate Action Policy 2025/26 (Revised)

Introduction

Dingle Literary Festival is committed to promoting sustainable practices and minimising the environmental impact of our events. By implementing this Climate Action policy, Dingle Literary Festival aims to promote a culture of sustainability and contribute to a greener future. We will continuously strive to minimise our environmental footprint and inspire positive change within the literary communi¹ty.

This policy outlines the climate action initiatives that we will implement to achieve our sustainability goals. By implementing this climate action policy, the festival can make a significant contribution to sustainability, raise awareness about climate change, and inspire positive action among its attendees and participants, ensuring the event is both environmentally responsible and socially accessible.

Environmental Impact Assessment

Conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment to evaluate the festival’s carbon footprint, energy consumption, waste generation, and water usage. Use the findings to develop strategies for minimising the festival’s environmental impact.

1. Waste Management

• 1.1. Waste Reduction and Recycling:

Implement a robust waste reduction and recycling programme throughout the festival. Provide clearly marked recycling bins and composting facilities in prominent locations. Minimise the use of single-use items and encourage attendees, vendors, and participants to use reusable or biodegradable alternatives. Collaborate with local coffee shops and other outlets to encourage the use of reusable cups/containers.

• 1.2. Paperless Approach:

Embrace digital communication and minimise the use of paper. Promote online registration and ticketing, digital programmes, and e-brochures. Utilise white/blackboards, electronic displays and projection screens instead of printed materials wherever possible. Crucially, when using digital formats, we will ensure they meet digital accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) for all users. Request sustainable and eco-friendly options for printed materials/posters/brochures.

2. Energy Conservation

• 2.1. Efficient Lighting:

When appropriate for us, we will use energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the festival venue and backstage areas. Promote natural lighting and make use of daylight whenever feasible. Encourage the use of energy-saving techniques, such as motion sensors and timers, plugging out electrical equipment when not in use, to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

• 2.2. Renewable Energy Sources:

We will ask venue providers about their climate action policy and invite them to collaborate with us with the aim to increase energy efficiency during our festival. When feasible, we will explore opportunities to power the festival using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. Collaborate with local clean energy providers to offset our energy usage and contribute to a sustainable energy grid.

3. Transportation

• 3.1. Public Transport and Carpooling:

Encourage participants and attendees to use public transportation or carpool to reduce carbon emissions. Provide information on public transport options, promote carpooling initiatives, offer incentives for those who choose sustainable transportation methods, and clearly highlight accessible transportation options and routes.

• 3.2. Bike Parking:

Provide secure bike parking facilities and promote cycling as an alternative mode of transportation. Collaborate with local cycling organisations to provide bike valet services and organise group rides to the festival.

4. Sustainable Partnerships

• 4.1. Local and Sustainable Vendors:

Give preference to local vendors and suppliers who follow eco-friendly practices. Encourage the use of locally sourced, organic, fair-trade, and sustainable products. Provide guidelines to vendors on waste reduction, recycling, and environmentally friendly packaging.

• 4.2. Collaborations with Environmental Organisations:

Partner with local environmental organisations to raise awareness about sustainability issues during the festival. Organise workshops, panel discussions, or presentations on eco-literature and environmental conservation.

5. Education and Engagement

• 5.1. Eco-Literature Focus:

Promote literature that addresses environmental issues and encourages sustainable practices. Feature authors and speakers who are knowledgeable about sustainability and ecology. Offer panel discussions, workshops, and book signings centred around eco-literature.

• 5.2. Eco-Awareness Programs:

Organise interactive activities and exhibits that educate attendees about eco-friendly initiatives. Offer workshops on topics such as composting, urban gardening, upcycling, and sustainable living. Engage children and families through eco-themed storytelling sessions and art workshops.

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

• 6.1. Sustainability Metrics:

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and track the festival’s sustainability progress. Monitor metrics such as waste diversion rates, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and participant feedback on eco-friendly initiatives.

• 6.2. Continuous Improvement:

Regularly review the effectiveness of eco-friendly initiatives and identify areas for improvement. Seek feedback from participants, attendees, and staff to ensure ongoing commitment to sustainability. Keep digital records of our monitoring.

Additional Climate Action Initiatives

• Sustainable Venue Selection: Prioritise selecting venues that have implemented sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy sources, and waste management systems, and that are fully physically accessible to ensure maximum participation. Consider proximity to public transportation and encourage festival attendees to use sustainable modes of transportation.
• Carbon Offset and Emissions Reduction: Offset the festival’s carbon emissions by investing in verified carbon offset projects or initiatives. Encourage festival attendees to offset their own travel emissions voluntarily. Explore opportunities to reduce emissions from festival operations, such as efficient energy usage, utilising renewable energy sources, and encouraging low-carbon transportation options.
• Sustainable Food and Beverage: Collaborate with food vendors to prioritise sustainable and locally sourced food options. Promote vegetarian and vegan choices to reduce the festival’s overall carbon footprint. Encourage the use of reusable cutlery, plates, and cups, and ensure that any disposable items are compostable or recyclable.
• Education and Awareness: Use the literary festival as a platform to raise awareness about climate change and sustainable practices. Organise panel discussions, workshops, and talks featuring renowned authors, scientists, and environmentalists who can address climate-related topics. Distribute educational materials and encourage attendees to take action in their personal lives.
• Green Partnerships: Collaborate with environmentally conscious organisations and sponsors to support and promote sustainable initiatives. Partner with local environmental nonprofits or community organisations to amplify the impact of climate action efforts.
• Sustainable Merchandise: Opt for eco-friendly and sustainably sourced merchandise for the festival, such as recycled materials, organic fabrics, or products made from renewable resources. Encourage attendees to purchase merchandise sparingly and consider offering digital alternatives, such as e-books or audiobooks, to reduce the production of physical materials.
• Water Conservation: Implement water conservation measures throughout the festival, such as using water-efficient fixtures and encouraging attendees to minimise water usage. Promote reusable water bottles and provide water refill stations to discourage the use of single-use plastic bottles.
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess the effectiveness of the climate action policies and initiatives implemented during the festival. Seek feedback from attendees, vendors, and stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and refine strategies for future editions.

A pdf version of this policy can be downloaded here