Eurovision’s green ambitions go beyond ‘eat your salad’
Throughout the history of Europe (and Australia’s) favourite music contest, there have been numerous entries raising awareness of the climate. Most notably the entries of Germany 1971, Norway 1988, Ukraine 2019, Finland 2011 & 2019 and of course the cheeky, ‘Eat Your Salad’ from Latvia in 2022.
Eventually the EBU took the musical hint and began implementing plans to ensure an environmentally sustainable contest for the future of our fandom and planet. Early in 2023 a report estimated that the carbon footprint of Eurovision is 65,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. This figure is based on a calculation of flights, venue energy consumption, accommodation for delegations and fans, food & beverages, audience travel and the broadcasts.
A little over a decade ago, the concept of a ‘Green Eurovision’ was born. Back in 2014, Copenhagen, Denmark was named the European Green Capital. Coincidentally, the same year they hosted Eurovision following the victory of Emmelie de Forest. The cycle-friendly city initiated a plan to host a sustainable Eurovision using new cycle pathways to the venue, promotion of clean tap water and urban gardening in the Eurovision Village. All fairly modest, but it set in motion the large-scale initiatives we see today.
One year later Vienna, Austria hosted what it labelled a ‘Green Event’. During the week, Vienna provided all ticketed guests, artists and delegations with free public transport. Water refill stations were available around the city and recycled materials were used for merchandise. In the production itself, low-energy LED bulbs were used and the energy to power the event came from renewable sources. Local vendors were also encouraged to provide locally sourced produce. Along with the provision of mixed recycling bins to reduce waste.
“For me, it was certain from the very beginning that we will do anything to organise the Song Contest in Vienna as a green event.”
ORF President Alexander Wrabetz.
In the aftermath of the 2020 cancellation due to the pandemic, the teamwork of the EBU, the organising committee and local governments have made significant strides in developing an environmental conscience towards its Eurovision hosting and production. For the first time in June 2024 the EBU included sustainability as part of its ‘Welcome Pack’ during its first meeting with the Malmö team ahead of its hosting. During the last three contests the hosts have made sustainability a key ambition.
Liverpool
During the Liverpool hosted contest in 2023 the BBC and local city council stepped this up to a new level. The two combined in a first-of-its-kind agreement to monitor the sustainability of Eurovision and use the data gathered to create a sustainable legacy for future Eurovision host nations, as well as future events in the city of Liverpool. As part of its wider Net Zero by 2030 ambition, this instigated the city council to fast track its plans into its Eurovision hosting bid.
Throughout the week fans attending Liverpool saw:
- All vendors used recycled materials – single use plastic banned.
- Mixed recycling bins.
- All waste recycled off-site.
- Refillable water stations.
- Turquoise carpet recycled.
- Street decorations recycled into merchandise.
- Stage props donated to schools, drama groups and auction lots.
- Running generators on HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil).
Malmö
Not to be outdone, Malmö placed sustainability at the core of its hosting bid. The ambition of Malmö was to work in partnership with the company Greentime certification to enact a sustainable policy with 148 aspects to focus on. This led to the Malmö contest being certified a ‘sustainable event’.
Throughout the week fans attending Malmö saw:
- Sustainable infrastructure and venues.
- Fossil-free transportation.
- 100% of the meals served in Malmö were vegetarian with a low carbon footprint.
- 50% of the produce was organic.
- Recycled glitter.
- Low carbon footprint postcard introductions before the performances.
- 90% of all street decorations were reused or repurposed.
- 70% of the items used in the Eurovision 2024 design were rented, borrowed, reused or second hand.
Basel
Using the framework from the Swiss Association for Sustainable Events and Green Motion Label, Basel built on the efforts and achievements of previous host nations. The Canton aimed to stand by its decision to become climate neutral by 2037 and implemented its organisational planning and hosting of Eurovision 2025 with that in mind.
Throughout the week fans attending Basel saw:
- Free public transport with tickets and accommodation bookings – additional bus, train and tram services added. Discounts were provided on trains for those commuting from further away.
- Volunteers, delegations and accredited members were given complementary transport.
- 75% of food options were vegan or vegetarian.
- 200 water fountain stations.
- Reusable cutlery.
- Reusable decor.
- Donation of surplus food.
- Recycling and waste management.
- Single-use plastic phased out.
- 100% green electricity.
- Energy efficient LEDs and lighting effects.
- 80% recycling of outfits for the presenters and performers.
- Stage sets designed to have a low environmental impact and with repurpose value.
- Indoor Eurovision Village offered a sustainable festival area, reducing logistics and the impacts of weather.
As more host cities strive for environmental sustainability, how affordable is it to ‘go green’?
