Massive Attack’s eco-conscious approach to music festivals has set a new standard. Their plant-based festival, Act 1.5, held in Bristol last August, has now officially broken a world record for producing the lowest carbon emissions at an outdoor event.

The festival, hosted at Clifton Downs, was carefully designed to minimize its environmental impact. Measures included using renewable energy, encouraging attendees to walk, cycle, or use public transport, and banning glitter and disposable vapes. The highlight was the plant-based food offerings, with local vegan caterers like Chiki Monkey and Soy Ahoy providing food, and all vendors serving completely animal-free menus for the event.

A report by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research revealed that Act 1.5 produced 98% fewer emissions compared to a typical outdoor festival. The use of plant-based food reduced catering emissions by 89%, while the biggest emissions came from the small percentage of attendees who flew in. This group accounted for 64% of the total emissions, highlighting the impact of air travel on sustainability.

Professor Carly McLachlan from the Tyndall Centre noted that the festival could help redefine outdoor events, offering a model for how other festivals can significantly reduce their carbon footprints. Research has shown that plant-based diets are one of the most effective ways to reduce environmental damage, cutting emissions, land use, and water pollution.

Act 1.5, named after the Paris Climate Agreement’s 1.5°C global warming target, serves as an example of how large-scale events can be organized with minimal environmental impact. It provides a blueprint for other festivals to follow in order to lower their climate impact.

Lead producer Mark Donne emphasized the growing demand for sustainable events, noting that the challenge for promoters and government now is to make these kinds of events more common.