SXSW London celebrates innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Our commitment to sustainability aligns with our values by integrating environmental responsibility into every aspect of our event—from logistics and operations to programming and partnerships
MISSION
At SXSW London, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability. We aim to reduce our environmental impact while promoting innovative environmental initiatives. We empower artists, suppliers, and attendees to engage in sustainable practices and discussions, igniting a shared commitment to a greener future.
LOCAL CONTEXT
SXSW London acknowledges that our event is part of a broader environmental landscape within the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Islington. These areas have set ambitious climate action plans, and we are committed to aligning our operations with these goals. Through collaboration with local authorities, we seek to actively contribute to these plans, enhancing both our environmental performance and that of the wider community.
OUR COMMITMENTS
Our Commitments: SXSW London 2025
As we kick off our inaugural year, SXSW London’s sustainability strategy will focus on establishing a baseline of environmental data to guide future efforts. From year two onwards, we will set specific, measurable reduction targets informed by the data we collect in our first year. Our approach is built on the following three key principles:
Champion Circular Economy
We aim to reduce waste and regenerate nature by ensuring that materials remain in circulation. This involves reuse, refurbishment, recycling, and composting, creating a closed-loop system for all products and resources.
Accurately Measure and Report on Impact
Transparency is central to our sustainability efforts. We will closely measure and report on our environmental performance, using this data to continuously improve our practices.
Minimise Waste
We aim to prioritise reducing waste at every stage, from planning to execution.
HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE THIS, 2025?
MEASUREMENT
We will use TRACE, an industry-specific tool, to track carbon emissions and waste generation.
We will publish a sustainability report that shares our impact, challenges, and successes to ensure accountability and inspire action.
ENERGY USAGE
We will prioritise energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources.
TRAVEL EMISSIONS
We acknowledge that our travel emissions from both staff and attendees will likely be our largest impact area. When choosing to travel to our event, please consider lower carbon travel options such as train or coach and consider offsetting your travel emissions with Onboard Earth.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
We will reduce our food emissions by not serving red meat in our back stage and hospitality areas, making sure our food vendors all provide plant based options and by prioritising plant based alternatives at hosted parties and events.
We will eliminate single-use plastic water bottles by providing sustainable alternatives such as canned water and filtered tap water where needed. All single-use serveware will be recyclable and/or compostable.
WASTE
We encourage our attendees to reduce their own waste by bringing their own water bottles and transportable coffee cups.
We will provide separate recycling bins and general waste bins at all our venues.
We will work with our supply chain on how to reduce waste throughout design conception through to event derig.
We will work to divert waste from landfills by using waste separation strategies and collaborating with Hackney Council to monitor waste reduction efforts.
CREATIVE PRODUCTION
We will emphasise the use of sustainable materials and designs that facilitate recycling and reuse.
We will prioritise the reduction of waste through well designed procurement practices within our supply chain.
We will implement closed-loop production processes, focusing on reusing and repurposing event materials.
We will find onward homes for featured assets that would otherwise be sent to landfill wherever possible.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We recognise that continual progress and adaptation are essential to achieving long-term success. Our sustainability efforts are guided by an evolving action plan with clear targets, specific actions, and ongoing assessments.
Both our policy and strategy will be regularly updated and reviewed by senior management to ensure it aligns with our strategic goals, available resources, and stakeholder feedback. This plan will be reviewed annually to assess progress, reset priorities, and set new objectives.