Tag: environment

Funding confirmed for community climate action in Scotland

Climate engagement programmes to protect our planet

Young people and people with sensory loss are among groups who will be supported by funding for projects aimed at increasing understanding of how climate change is relevant to them and how they can take action.

A total of £273,000 of Climate Engagement funding will be shared among eight organisations in 2025-26 to support activities including climate literacy classes, community workshops and participatory arts sessions.

Since it launched in 2023, more than 15,000 people in Scotland have engaged with the Scottish Government’s world-leading Climate Engagement Fund, with awards totalling more than £1 million to date.

The latest round of funding will support activities including:

  • A roadshow aimed at young people across Scotland demonstrating how sustainable construction can play a role in tackling climate change
  • A community arts programme using the voices of young people to mitigate climate anxiety by showing how others have converted their concerns into action
  • Actions to support people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing to explore sustainability through their local communities.
  • Climate literacy classes and green skills training to support people experiencing barriers to employment.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “To reduce emissions and protect our planet from the threat of climate change and nature loss, it is essential that people understand how they can engage with vital projects within their communities and take their own climate action.

“Scotland is now halfway to our 2045 climate change target. By supporting networks of people coming together to identify local action, the Climate Engagement Fund will help enable individuals and communities to directly contribute to a more sustainable and climate resilient Scotland.

“The projects being supported in this round of funding include a community arts programme using the voices of young people, and green skills training to support people into employment.

“These are vital projects which will build understanding of climate change, enable participation in policy development, and encourage climate action.”

Forth Valley Sensory Centre College Operations Manager Sandy Gillone, said: “I am delighted that our project has been selected for funding as we know we were up against stiff competition.

“It is fantastic to be partnering with FEL Scotland again and we’re looking forward to engaging with the public to find out which points of interest they would like included on our SustainAble for All Trail Maps.

“We’re committed to delivering the maps in engaging and inclusive formats and we believe the consultation and design process itself will lead to increased awareness and understanding of climate change. We’re not just seeking to raise awareness of the problem, we want to empower people to be part of the solution.”

More information on the Climate Engagement Fund: www.gov.scot/publications/climate-engagement-fund/

Details of all the projects receiving funding:

Organisation, Grant amount and Brief project description

Arran Eco Savvy – £29,991.00

To deliver climate-focused events centred on storytelling, practical skills, and community participation tailored for different ages and interests.

Glenkens Community and Arts Trust – £33,100.00

To use local voices to mitigate eco-anxiety in young people aged 18-30 by showing how other people have converted their concerns into action.

Built Environment Smarter Transformation – £46,172.00

To deliver a roadshow programme for young people throughout Scotland demonstrating how sustainable, low-carbon construction can play a crucial role in combating climate change.

Changeworks – £40,250.00

To build understanding among mobile homeowners of the climate emergency, how it relates to their lives and how they can take action while improving their own home environment.

Forth Valley Sensory Centre – £33,000.00

Creating an accessible way for people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, or hard of hearing, to explore sustainability through their local communities.

RIG Arts – £25,290.00

To improve climate literacy and increase climate positive behaviour change in SIMD communities via arts-based interventions.

Jhankar Beats – £30,000.00

To empower communities to reflect, respond, and act using the emotional and connective power of South Asian dance, music, and participatory arts.

Greener Kirkcaldy- £35,942.00

To provide climate literacy and green skills training tailored for employability organisations and the people with barriers to employment

Total – £273,745.00

“Nae Plastics, Ta”: People in Fife and Edinburgh send message to international negotiators

Around the Firth of Forth, people have come together to spell out messages calling for an end to plastic pollution as Global Plastics Treaty negotiations take place in Geneva. The groups have taken this action to send a message to the UK representatives that they want them to support a strong agreement that protects people and nature.

In Dalgety Bay, Fife, locals created a distinctly Scottish message by lying down on the beach to spell out “Nae plastics, ta” in the sand. Volunteers from the Plastic-Free Scotland Communities networks in South Queensferry and Dunfermline also created messages supporting a strong treaty.

The Firth of Forth is a hotspot for plastic pollution in the form of plastic pellets which have escaped from nearby production processes. In Scotland, efforts to reduce plastic pollution have so far failed to curb its harmful impacts. Single use plastic bans have not been enforced, and efforts to increase recycling have stalled.

Globally, the massive increase in plastic production, use and disposal has created a crisis as people struggle to cope with the health and environmental impacts created. There is growing evidence that microplastics and chemicals within plastic products are harming our health. Plastics also harm marine animals and contribute to climate breakdown as nearly all plastics are made of fossil fuels.

The solution requires an international agreement to change the way plastics are used for good. The final stage of the Global Plastics Treaty is currently taking place in Geneva. These talks are seen by many involved in the UN process as the last opportunity to reach an agreement after three years of negotiations. With unresolved issues, such as whether the treaty should have binding targets to reduce plastic production, it remains unclear if governments will reach an agreement.

Similar messages of support for the treaty have been created across the world, from Malaysia to Armenia, South Korea and Canada, showing the international support for a future free from plastic pollution.

Kim Blasco from Plastic-Free Dalgety Bay said: “The communities of the Inner Forth are confronted with plastic pollution on a daily basis, whether it be the nurdles blighting our beaches that have been irresponsibly allowed to escape into the environment by the nearby petrochemical facility, the sewage-related debris swilling around in our waters and carpeting our shores, or the vast numbers of single-use plastic bottles and wrappers carelessly tossed into the environment where they can remain for hundreds of years.

“Our plastic-free communities try to get as much as possible of this pollution off our beaches, but it’s a thankless task – as anyone who has ever tried to clean up the likes of nurdles and cotton bud sticks knows. It’s like trying to mop the bathroom floor when the tub is overflowing because you left the tap running – you’ll never stop mopping if you don’t turn the tap off first.

“We need the Global Plastics Treaty to turn the tap off by agreeing targets to reduce plastic production. The petrochemical industry has profited for far too long from the plastic-isation of the economy, with single-use plastics that we don’t want or need. The treaty can be an important step towards stopping this environmental and public health disaster.”

Janet Thomas, from Plastic-Free Queensferry, said: “In 2024, South Queensferry was named as the most beautiful town in Scotland. However, in common with other beaches around the Forth, we are drowning in plastic – the same tourists who enjoy our wonderful town leaving behind all types of litter.

“We need to stop the litter at source – and that’s where the Global Plastics Treaty comes in. We must end the world’s reliance on single use plastic that pollutes for hundreds of years, breaking down into microplastics and entering our food chain. The time to act is now and we call on the world’s governments to take a principled stand against the tide of plastic that is overwhelming our planet.”

Kim Pratt, senior campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “People in Scotland are joining the growing chorus of voices from across the world calling for an end to harmful plastic pollution.

“The plastic crisis has been created by greedy corporations, willing to put profit before people’s health and the protection of nature and the environment. Now governments must listen to their citizens and come together to hold corporations to account.

“A strong treaty is a vital part of tipping the balance away from corporate power and towards people and nature. As well as supporting international efforts to curb plastic pollution, the Scottish Government must act now to reduce the damage done by plastic here, including standing up to big businesses and getting them to pay for the cleanup of the plastic products they sell.”

Made up of 11 communities across Scotland, the Plastics-Free Scotland Communities network is fighting back against plastic pollution from the Clyde to the Northwest Coast, the Outer Hebrides, the Moray Firth and the Firth of Forth.

Tracy Gilbert MP welcomes Tram Consultation and calls for ‘strong community voice’

Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has welcomed the upcoming public consultation on Edinburgh’s proposed tram expansion, describing it as a “vital opportunity for communities to shape the future of their city.” 

The 12-week consultation, beginning Monday 25 August 2025, will gather views on a new north-south tram line stretching from Granton to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary, alongside wider proposals for a city-wide tram network. 

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This is a much-needed investment in our city’s infrastructure. Expanding the tram network will help deliver a more connected, sustainable Edinburgh. But it’s vital that local people have their say and that their voices shape how this project moves forward.” 

The plans include potential routes through existing walking and cycling corridors such as the Roseburn Path, which has prompted strong feelings from residents and active travel groups.

Tracy Gilbert emphasised the importance of listening carefully to community concerns. She added: “While I support the ambition behind this project, I know there are legitimate concerns, especially around preserving green space and existing active travel routes.

“Those must be properly heard and respected. This can’t be a top-down decision.” 

The consultation will inform the next stage of the project’s development, including the preparation of a Strategic Business Case, expected to go before the Transport & Environment Committee in 2026. 

Festival venue takes bold step towards greener Fringe

Sustainable souvenir scheme tackles single-use cup waste

FRINGE-GOERS picking up a drink at one of the capital’s busiest venues are being asked to make a small change with a big impact – as part of a bold new drive to reduce waste and support charitable causes.

In a new initiative Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has introduced a £2 reusable cup policy, replacing throwaway plastic with souvenir-style cups that support good causes.

Customers pay a one-time £2 charge for a reusable cup, which is theirs to keep. When returning for another drink, they’ll receive a fresh, clean replacement cup at no extra cost.

Surgeons Quarter has a longstanding reputation for leading with innovation through environmental initiatives and investing heavily in the wellbeing of its staff.

Ten Hill Place Hotel, part of the Surgeons Quarter portfolio, was first awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2008 and has proudly retained this accolade for 17 consecutive years.

One of the hotel’s many sustainable efforts has been the removal of single-use plastic bottles from guest bedrooms. It’s a change which has saved over 100,000 bottles to date. In their place, guests are gifted Scottish wildflower seed packets to take home, encouraging biodiversity in their own gardens and extending memories of their stay at the hotel.

Other green initiatives have included a £20,000 investment for installation of EV charging stations at the hotel, as well as a £60,000 investment in new staff members uniforms made from

recycled plastic bottles with each uniform preventing 45 bottles from reaching landfills or oceans.

But sustainability is only part of the picture. Surgeons Quarter also goes above and beyond for its team.

Recognised by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF), it ensures all staff, regardless of age, are paid above the LWF Living Wage. In addition, all employees contribute at least 12% of their salary toward their pension, with 7.5% of that contributed by the employer, more than double the required minimum.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter said: “We’re always looking at how we can help improve the planet, improve the guest experience and also improve the working environment for our team.

“That’s why we continually invest in initiatives prioritising long-term sustainability and staff wellbeing. We believe these aspects go hand in hand.”

The reusable cup policy reflects this commitment. Surgeons Quarter invested over £20,000 in the upfront cost of the cups, making the £2 charge fair and necessary, so it can continue running operations that pay staff fairly, reduce environmental impact and maintain the support for its local charity partners.

Scott added: “This step is a part of a wider commitment to doing what’s right, even when it costs more. That’s why we’re asking the public to support the reusable cup chaange as it helps us improve standards across the board.”

Some of the reusable and dishwasher safe cups feature the striking silhouette of the iconic Playfair Hall, while others are branded with the logos of theSpaceUK, which hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the Festival Fringe, and Surgeons Quarter itself.

The variety of designs provides visitors with eye-catching tangible reminders of their Festival experience as well as supporting the drive to reduce single-use waste.

Scott said: “After testing the concept in 2024, we’ve streamlined the system and are excited to launch the full initiative.

“We’re trying to shift the mindset. Rather than something disposable, we want people to see these as souvenirs that do good.

“We know some will be resistant to change but when it’s a minimal cost for an item that supports local and global causes, we hope people will get on board.’’

A portion of proceeds from cup sales will support three key causes: carbon offsetting initiatives through Ecologi; a special Supper Soirée hosted by Surgeons Quarter in support of Cyrenians, the homelessness charity tackling isolation and homelessness; and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s global efforts to improve patient outcomes around the world.

Under the new guidelines, festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own clean reusable cups for wine, spirits, bottled beer and soft drinks only — provided the cup is visibly clean.

However, if the cup is not SQ-branded, it is your responsibility to ensure it is hygienic, as staff are unable to wash or handle personal cups. Single-use plastic cups, including supermarket-style cups, will not be accepted.

Scott added: “This isn’t about jumping on a trend. It’s a long-term commitment to reducing our footprint and boosting our social impact.

“A single-use plastic cup has an impact of 0.07kg CO2e, and a reusable equivalent has an impact of 0.0084kg CO2e per use. Every cup that isn’t thrown away is a small win for the environment and every cup that helps someone in need makes that win even sweeter.”

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus.

These include facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, and weddings, as well as its own four-star hotel, Ten Hill Place, Café 1505, and SQ Travel.

To find out more about Surgeons Quarter, visit: 

https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/festival-fringe-2025/

ECCAN: Free Ticket giveaway for A Citizen’s Assembly

Ready to explore what people power means in the face of nature breakdown? We’re giving away tickets to a powerful and FREE Fringe show, “A Citizen’s Assembly“!

This ECCAN outing is an opportunity to:

➡ Engage with a unique theatrical experience that puts you at the heart of the climate conversation.

➡Meet new people

➡ Discover what’s possible when we come together.

“A Citizen’s Assembly” is an immersive experience where we are the citizens, grappling with the climate emergency: What are we doing? What are we not doing?

What more could and should we be doing? Be prepared to join the debate and be part of the story!

How to claim your free ticket:

➡ Be a member of ECCAN (it’s free to join!).

➡ Email edinburgh@eccan.scot

Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so get in touch soon!

🧷 Check link in our bio for more info

#giveaway

#edinburghfringe

#freeticket

#edinburghcommunity

Scotland’s Water: Calls for apology following ‘inaccurate comments’

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT WANTS WESTMINSTER RETRACTION

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin has written to Steve Reed calling for a retraction of comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.

The text of Ms Martin’s letter in full:

To: Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP

From: Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin

Dear Steve,

Independent Water Commission

I am writing following the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, and to request that you retract inaccurate and misleading comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.

The Commission’s report notes that 66% of Scotland’s water bodies are of good ecological status as compared with 16.1% in England and 29.9% in Wales. Whilst we of course need to be careful how these figures are used, as they are not calculated on the same basis, it is clear that Scotland has a higher performance.

The report correctly points out that this is, in part, due to population density. However, it is also worth reflecting that much of the improvement is due to significant investment in the water industry to reduce pollution driven by Scottish Water and SEPA and efforts made by SEPA to address pollution from other sources such as agriculture.

I was therefore extremely disappointed to hear you make inaccurate and misleading comments regarding performance in Scotland and to dismiss out of hand the value of public ownership of a key asset like water.

During a Channel 4 News interview last night, when asked about public ownership, you stated:

“In any case, it is not guaranteed to work…and we know that from looking north of the border where, in Scotland, they have a nationalised water company but pollution levels in Scotland are worse than they are in England.”

Leaving aside my slight confusion at a Minister in the United Kingdom government referring to Scotland as ‘they’, I cannot understand how you could make such an inaccurate comment when the very report that you were on the programme to discuss clearly states the opposite.

Your comments sought also to undermine the idea of public ownership in the minds of voters, yet this is clearly what the people of Scotland continue to want. Indeed, it is the very fact of that public ownership and control which has allowed us to keep water bills lower for people, compared to what people with privatised water supplies in England have to pay.

While there is clearly more to do, 87% of Scotland’s entire water environment is assessed by SEPA as having a ‘high’ or ‘good’ classification for water quality – up from 82% in 2014. That is also, in part, due to water being a publicly owned asset, allowing for investment without shareholder returns or the pressure to make profits.

I am therefore asking that you acknowledge that your comments were inaccurate, that you apologise publicly for making them and seek to correct them.

The Commission’s report makes a number of recommendations which may have cross-UK impacts or opportunities which I would welcome further engagement across the four Nations.

I hope this can be done in an attitude of mutual understanding about the collective challenges we face – but also with a clear understanding of what delivers the best outcomes for the public.

Gillian Martin

Edinburgh Permaculture Festival

Coming Up This Weekend 🙂 …

The Edinburgh Permaculture Festival Weekend 2025

🗓️ Friday 25 – Sunday 27 July 2025

Join us, all welcome, for an inspiring weekend of visits, tours, workshops, and connection celebrating the richness of permaculture across Edinburgh and beyond! …

This year includes:

—–

★ Friends of Granton Castle Walled Garden (limited tickets left)

tour and visit, inc. forest garden + mushroom talks 😊

★ Redhall Walled Garden

group visit

★ East Neuk Seaweed (limited tickets left)

Coastal foraging workshop (inc. the intertidal zone + beach cook up lunch)

★ Bowhouse

Short visit

★ East Neuk Market Garden

Guided market garden tour with Connie + talk on Scotland The Bread (miller for 5 years)

★ Syd’s West Lothian 2 Acre Permaculture Small Holding (tickets going fast)

—–

From coast to countryside, walled garden to forest garden, come explore “Using the edges, value the margins” (#Permaculture Principle 11) as part of this year’s festival theme …

Details & Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/edinburgh-permaculture…

—–

Discover how small and larger places and spaces can grow big ideas and inspire

—–

#Edinburgh

#Permaculture

#EdinburghPermaculture

#EdinburghFestival

#EdinburghPermacultureFestival

#PermacultureFestival

UK Government pledge to cut sewage pollution in half by 2030

ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY TAKES ON ENGLAND’s WATER COMPANIES

Sewage pollution from water companies will be cut in half by the end of the decade, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed will pledge today. 

Our rivers, lakes and seas will be the cleanest since records began, meaning millions of families will benefit from cleaner beaches and rivers.  

For the first time the Government has made a pledge to cut sewage pollution with a clear target which they will be held accountable to, but campaigners say the Government’s pledge is ‘too little, too late’.

The Government, in partnership with investors, has secured funding to rebuild the entire water network to clean up our rivers. 

In one of the largest infrastructure projects in this country’s history, a record £104 billion is being invested to upgrade crumbling pipes and build new sewage treatment works cutting sewage pollution into rivers.  

Over the past year, the Government has introduced a package of measures to slash pollution levels. Bills are now ringfenced to force companies to invest in upgrades and over £100 million of water fines are being spent on local clean-up projects.  

The commitment comes as the Government vows “root and branch reform” to usher in a revolution in the water industry, ahead of the Independent Water Commission’s final report, which will be published tomorrow.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “Families have watched their local rivers, coastlines and lakes suffer from record levels of pollution.

“My pledge to you: the Government will halve sewage pollution from water companies by the end of the decade.

“One of the largest infrastructure projects in England’s history will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.” 

 The Government has already taken decisive action to clean up England’s waterways:

  • Record investment: with £104 billion to upgrade crumbling pipes and build sewage treatment works across the country.  
  • Ringfence customers’ bills for upgrades: customer bills earmarked for investment must now be spent on new sewage pipes and treatment works – not spent on shareholder payments or bonuses.  
  • Reinvesting company fines into local projects: with over £100million being invested into local clean-up projects in communities.  
  • Largest budget for water regulation: the Environment Agency received a record £189 million to fund hundreds of enforcement officers to inspect and prosecute polluting water companies. 
  • Polluter Pays: companies will now cover the cost of prosecutions and successful investigations into pollution incidents, enabling the regulator to hire more staff and pursue further enforcement activity.  
  • Banning wet wipes containing plastic in England: introducing legislation to reduce microplastics in our waters. 
  • The Water (Special Measures) Act: banned unfair bonuses for ten polluting water bosses this year and threatened prison sentences for law-breaking executives. 

This package of measures will slash storm overflow spills by 50% by 2030 and halve phosphorus from treated wastewater by 2028. 

Both contaminants choke our rivers, suffocate wildlife and destroy ecosystems. In 2024, sewage spilled into waterways for a record 3,614,428 hours.  

Pollution levels were a decisive factor in the Government launching the Independent Water Commission last October – the largest review of the sector since privatisation.     

Led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, the Commission’s final report will be published tomorrow with recommendations on regulation, strategic frameworks and support for consumers.

The Government will respond to the recommendations in Parliament on Monday.  

Environment Secretary Steve Reed’s pledge is based on:   

  • A 50% reduction in spills from storm overflows – an outlet from the public sewer that spills both sewage and rainwater into the environment – by 2030. 
  • A 50% reduction in the amount of phosphorus from water company treated wastewater entering our waterways by the end of January 2028. 
  • Work with devolved governments to ban wet wipes containing plastic across the UK. We will go further to tackle the issues caused by unflushables to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution, particularly in our waters. 
  • Continued work on pre-pipe measures, such as sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) which help to reduce pressure on the sewerage system.     
  • The start of trials by water companies of nature-based solutions, such as constructed wetlands, to investigate if they can be used in the treatment process to reduce harm. 

Edinburgh International Festival To Be First Charity on Net Zero Pathway 

2025 FESTIVAL PROGRAMME RUNS FROM 1–24 AUGUST 2025

eif.co.uk / @edintfest

  • Edinburgh International Festival has become the first charity and the first arts organisation in the UK to achieve the British Standards Institute’s (BSI) Net Zero Pathway verification, highlighting its commitment to genuine emissions reductions
  • Operational progress includes a 56% reduction in electricity and 26% in gas emissions at The Hub,42% reduction in general waste through sustainable concessions and 58% reduction in printed paper since 2023, with a switch to freesheets and leaner print runs.
  • Progress in artistic programme includes the development of an artist residency model for touring orchestras, putting climate-themed works on stage and a sustainable approach to building locally for large-scale productions.  

Edinburgh International Festival is the first charity, and the first arts organisation, in the UK to achieve the British Standards Institute’s (BSI) Net Zero Pathway verification, as part of its commitment to sustainable practice. 

This achievement underpins the International Festival’s commitment to Net Zero by 2045, in all its activity, from delivering year-round work with workshops, community engagement projects, and support for emerging artists, to an August festival programme that features world-class performers from the worlds of dance, opera, music and theatre.  
 
Aligning with BSI’s Net Zero Pathway’s ISO 14064-1 (for greenhouse gas reporting) and IWA 42:2022 (for strategic planning), the Festival has set a clear roadmap to reach Net Zero emissions. A three phased plan involves reaching Net Zero for gas, electricity and staff hired vehicles by 2030, waste, water, coach travel, printed materials and commuting by 2035 and freight, hotels and staff travel by 2045. 
 
Unlike other approaches that rely on offsetting, the BSI Net Zero Pathway prioritises actual emissions reductions, ensuring that organisations are making genuine progress towards Net Zero. Its robust science-based approach is based on international standards, evaluating an organisation’s carbon footprint and reduction targets to ensure credibility.  

The BSI certification builds upon several initiatives from the International Festival to embrace new models of working with artists, audiences and employees to reduce carbon impact.

This includes reducing gas and electricity usage at The Hub, the Festival’s HQ on the Royal Mile, by 26% and 56% respectively, as well as appointing a full-time Environmental Sustainability Manager.

In 2023, the International Festival was proud to achieve the Green Tourism Silver Award, providing third-party verification that the Festival upholds globally recognised sustainability standards. 

In 2024, the number of printed programmes was reduced, and coupled with a switch to freesheets across most events, printed paper amounts reduced by 14% compared to 2023’s output. This year, fewer printed brochures and a new highlights leaflet will see a 38% reduction in printed pages from 2024, a 58% reduction since 2023. 

Terry Roberts, Edinburgh International Festival Sustainability Manager, said: “Our journey to net zero is an ongoing process, and we are actively seeking new ways and partners to reduce our environmental impact.

“The BSI certification provides a structure to achieving our ambitions, allowing us to understand where we are and what we need to do progress.

“We know this will be difficult and we can’t achieve anything alone, but by working together with our artists, suppliers, partners, audiences and the wider community, we are confident we can play our part in creating meaningful change. ” 

Matt Page, Senior Vice President, Assurance Services EMEA, said: “Achieving meaningful emissions reduction is a key priority for many in the cultural sector, but turning that ambition into action is a real achievement. The Edinburgh International Festival should be congratulated for this demonstration of leadership and action.

 “BSI’s Net Zero Pathway is an independent process designed to build credibility around an organization’s journey and ultimately build societal confidence in the progress being made.

“Edinburgh International Festival’s commitment to science-based targets and meaningful emissions reductions sets a powerful example for how cultural institutions can help shape a more sustainable future, benefiting people and planet.” 

Across artist travel, the International Festival have used an artist residency model since 2023, offering a more sustainable model for presenting large-scale orchestras.

Inviting world-leading orchestras for an extended stay in Edinburgh, featuring multiple performances and moments of community engagement, reduces the environmental impact through scaled-back travel and increases the performers’ engagement with Edinburgh – its audiences in the concert halls, as well as its communities.

This year’s resident orchestras include NYO2, a youth orchestra from the United States making its European debut, the world-renowned London Symphony Orchestra; and NFM Leopoldinum, leading the Focus On Poland programme. 

The Festival also takes a sustainable approach to large-scale productions, as seen in this year’s European premiere of Orpheus and Eurydice, which brings together Australian and Scottish talent. By building the set locally and collaborating with Scottish ensembles like the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the production strengthens local and international artistic ties while significantly reducing emissions. 

Each year on stage, the International Festival seeks to challenge and inspire debate amongst audiences through platforming artists who explore climate change and justice in their artistic work.

This year’s programme features several works that delve into our human connection to the natural world, including Nederlands Dans Theater’s Figures in Extinction, Works and Days by Belgian theatre collective FC Bergman and William Kentridge and Handspring Puppet Company’s Faustus in Africa!.   

Other green initiatives the Festival is undertaking this year include an optimisation of web servers working with Supercool to a cloud-based set up that has resulted in an energy reduction of 2,866kWh, equating to 595.4kgCO2e, and the use of algae ink, a biodegradable and carbon-neutral product, in Festival-branded flags created by GH Digital.  

Beyond being the first arts organisation in the UK to be certified by BSI standards, the International Festival also plays a key role in leading the sector, collaborating with many organisations to share knowledge and experiences, and learn from colleagues.

The Festival are members of a number of sustainability groups and panels, including the Edinburgh Festival City Sustainability Working Group, Green Arts Initiative, Edinburgh Climate Compact and the European Sponsorship Association Sustainability Group.

The Festival also hosted a Sustainability in Practice event in 2025, welcoming an audience from across the worlds of culture and sustainability that included Creative Scotland, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Festivals Edinburgh and Scottish Ballet.

Looking ahead, the Festival is actively seeking partnerships with organisations that share its commitment to sustainability, with the aim of collaboratively achieving meaningful environmental goals.  

Tickets to world-class performances across a handpicked programme of music, theatre, opera and dance at the Edinburgh International Festival in August 2025 are available at www.eif.co.uk.  

For full information about the International Festival’s year-round work, visit https://www.eif.co.uk/social-impact.  

GreenFox Energy powers up Party at the Palace with Scotland’s first solar festival stage 

This summer, Party at the Palace is hitting a high note for the planet. Thanks to renewable energy pioneers GreenFox, the festival will host Scotland’s first solar-powered festival stage, the GreenFox Energy Breakthrough Stage, twinning clean energy and the joy of live music. 

Over 7,000 music lovers will head to Bonnytoun Farm in Linlithgow on Saturday, 2, and Sunday, 3 August and, for the first time, a large part of the festival will be sun-powered. 

The new solar setup will supply sound, lighting, and equipment using a combination of solar panels and battery storage. The battery will be fully charged with green energy generated in the days before the event. 

The system is expected to produce up to 100 kilowatt-hours of clean energy over the weekend. This is enough to power an average UK home for about 10 days and will prevent around 20 kilograms of CO₂ emissions. 

“Festivals are full of energy – and now we’re bringing the renewable kind too,” said Eddie Curran, co-founder of GreenFox Energy. 

“It’s brilliant to now be part of the action and help power a festival that’s such a big part of the local community.” 

In a world where most festivals still rely on diesel generators, the GreenFox initiative proves solar power is a viable, vibrant alternative and a great fit for a family-friendly, future-focused event like Party at the Palace. 

Eddie added, “It’s a small step with a big message: at Party at the Palace alone, switching to solar saves around 20 kg of CO₂ and that’s just one stage, at one festival. 

“If every festival across the UK did the same, we could save over 12.8 tonnes of emissions each year. It shows how small changes, delivered at scale, start to really add up.  

“This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to explore even more ways to make Party at the Palace a leader in sustainable, low-impact events in the future.” 

Now in its 11th year, Party at the Palace continues to grow and so does its commitment to doing things differently. 

“We’re always looking for ways to make the festival better, not just for the fans, but for the planet too,” said John Richardson, director of Party at the Palace. 

“We’re very much a family festival so it’s important to us to help create a better future for the next generation. We are passionate about leading by example, both through our work in the local community and encouraging people to make more eco-friendly choices.  

“That’s why bringing in solar power with GreenFox Energy is such a proud moment. It’s a simple idea to use the sun’s power to drive our second stage but one that shows small changes can make a big difference – and it’s fine to start with what is doable now, with the goal to build on it in the future.” 

Headliners for this year’s festival include Boney M and Squeeze, alongside a vibrant lineup on the GreenFox Energy Stage with standout performances from Laurie Wright, Forgetting the Future, and Pistol Daisys. 

Festival goers can also plug into the movement by showing their Party at the Palace ticket to get 15% off solar installations with GreenFox Energy*. 

For more information visit: Solar Energy Company UK | GreenFox Energy