Eindhoven’s events are becoming more sustainable and socially responsible

On Thursday, March 9, Park Hilaria, ten other Eindhoven-based event organizers, and the municipality of Eindhoven signed the “Green Deal Events”. In this agreement, each party committed to taking responsibility for reducing the environmental impact of their events. Together, we’re also ensuring that events become more inclusive, so that everyone feels welcome.

“Events are vital to a city — they bring liveliness and connect residents and visitors. We want to organize events in Eindhoven in a sustainable way, and make sure they are welcoming to everyone,” says Alderman Monique Esselbrugge (Events). “We’re very pleased that these eleven event organizers share and take on this responsibility. The event sector has many opportunities to reduce its environmental impact. And an event is the perfect place to inspire visitors, crew, and artists to engage positively with this topic.”

Themes

The Green Deal Events focuses on five key themes: energy, materials and plastics, food and drinks, mobility, and diversity and inclusion.
Examples include using renewable energy sources, reducing (plastic) waste, and offering more vegetarian, organic, and locally sourced food and beverages. Climate-neutral travel options are also encouraged, as well as reflecting the diversity of people in our region — in the organization, performers, and audience alike.

11 Frontrunners

Eleven frontrunners in Eindhoven’s event sector, both large and small, have signed the agreement. Within six months, they must each develop an action plan, and within two years, achieve the goals set out in the covenant. They will also share their knowledge and experience with other event organizers.

The Green Deal stems from the Event Vision that the Municipality of Eindhoven established in October 2021. The municipality plays a facilitating role in implementing the deal and will adjust event permit policies where needed. This ensures that all organizers hosting events in the city meet the same sustainability and inclusivity standards.

Participating event organizers

Dutch Design Week, GLOW Eindhoven, Klokgebouw Cultuurhallen, Liberation 040, Minority Events, Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, Stichting Federatie Eindhovens Carnaval, Stichting Koningsdag Eindhoven, Park Hilaria, Wasven, and Yzzo.

The covenant was developed jointly with these organizers under the guidance of Green Events, the knowledge platform for a sustainable and socially responsible event industry.