First NZ festival to win Greener Festival award

Splore is the first New Zealand festival to win an international ‘A Greener Festival Award’.

Splore received a Highly Commended award announced in Wales last Friday 18th October for the outstanding sustainability results from Splore festival in February 2014.

The results included 73 percent diversion from landfill, 25 percent reduction in vehicles and 14,000 reusable cups circulated during the event preventing 55,000 single serve cups going to landfill.

The Highly Commended Award is given to festivals who prove they are well managed, environmentally aware and have taken significant steps to reduce waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and engage with the audience.

Amanda Wright, Splore’s founder and former Festival Director says having an insightful audience is part of Splore’s success. “The audience helped Splore achieve this award. They responded positively to the sustainability initiatives we introduced in 2014 and they were willing to become part of the solution.

“Being sustainable has a very positive impact on the audience as everyone respects their environment resulting in no rubbish which in turn creates a great vibe. Our mantra was ‘love this space, leave no trace’ and we purposely delivered our sustainability messaging in a humourous and engaging way which the audience embraced.”

Wright set the festival’s sustainable strategy and action plan, engaging Dave Watson as Sustainability Manager for Splore. Splore 2014 was the first time the festival had contracted a Sustainability Manager and Wright says it meant the difference of having someone to implement the strategy and put the plan into action.

"Without an expert in your team to run this aspect of the festival it is impossible to achieve what you set out to do with so many other areas of a festival to organise. Dave implemented and delivered the sustainable pathway with an exceptional understanding of what needed to be done and forged partnerships with organisations such as Auckland Zero Waste Alliance, Wash Against Waste, RELIEVE, Friendly Pak, Sunsonics and Clean Event. These partnerships were vital in the collaborative approach and were key contributors to the festivals success" says Wright.

Splore has set a precedent and a new benchmark for events with Auckland Council , the event and waste industry and other sustainable organisations aspiring to move into the sustainable event space. Splore has proved an event can have a positive impact beyond the event itself.

Wright and Watson recently set up an advisory business ‘GreenShoot Pacific’ to help other festivals and events to be environmentally sound, socially equitable and economically strong productions. They are continuing to work with Splore to support the festival work towards a higher benchmark.

-ENDS-

Note to editor: Link to media release from A Greener Festival for additional background on the awards

http://www.agreenerfestival.com/2014/10/first-greener-festival-award-winners-announced/

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