Edinburgh, Scotland – The Edinburgh International Festival, one of the world’s most prestigious arts and culture events, has found itself at the lower end of the latest Green Events Index, a ranking of the most sustainable festivals worldwide. Despite its reputation as a global cultural beacon, the festival scored just 0.1025, placing it 23rd among UK festivals in terms of sustainability.
The ranking, conducted by Eclipse Global, analyzed festivals based on their energy consumption, waste management, and use of renewable resources. The findings highlight a stark contrast between the Edinburgh International Festival and leading green events such as ACT 1.5, which topped the index with a score of 80.7.
Cultural Excellence, Environmental Struggles
While the Edinburgh International Festival is celebrated for attracting world-class performers and productions—this year featuring the return of Succession’s Brian Cox to the stage—its sustainability credentials remain underdeveloped.
Compared to leaders like ACT 1.5 (100% renewable energy, zero waste to landfill) and BST Hyde Park (advanced water conservation and waste reduction), Edinburgh’s premier arts festival shows minimal integration of sustainability measures.
Spokesperson at Eclipse Global, commented:
“Edinburgh International Festival is a cornerstone of Scotland’s cultural identity, but our data shows that its environmental impact is far from ideal. Festivals like ACT 1.5 and BST Hyde Park demonstrate that world-class events can operate with sustainability at their core. The challenge now is whether EIF will take steps to improve its ranking.”
How Does Edinburgh Compare?
| Festival | Green Index Score | Key Sustainability Features |
| ACT 1.5 (Bristol) | 80.7 | 100% renewable energy, ultra-low energy use, 100% waste diversion |
| BST Hyde Park (London) | 80.445 | Zero waste to landfill, exceptional water conservation |
| Glastonbury Festival (Pilton) | 60.745 | Strong renewable energy use, high waste diversion |
| Edinburgh International Festival | 0.1025 | Minimal renewable energy, basic waste management |
The Future of Sustainability at EIF
Despite its low ranking, the Edinburgh International Festival has an opportunity to make meaningful changes. Other events have successfully introduced energy-efficient staging, sustainable transport partnerships, and improved waste management systems without compromising artistic quality.
The festival has yet to announce any major sustainability initiatives for its 2025 edition, which is set to open with James Graham’s Make It Happen, starring Brian Cox. With sustainability becoming a greater priority in the events industry, will EIF rise to the challenge and commit to greener practices?
For more information on the Green Events Index, visit Eclipse Global.
