A new events policy came into force on 1 March 2018. One aim is that from now on only sustainable events will take place in Amsterdam. All events with more than 2,000 visitors must meet special criteria for organisation, energy, water, waste and mobility. The criteria are being introduced in phases.
Sharing the Rainbow with future generations!
A new events policy came into force on 1 March 2018. One aim is that from now on only sustainable events will take place in Amsterdam. All events with more than 2,000 visitors must meet special criteria for organisation, energy, water, waste and mobility. The criteria are being introduced in phases.
At its core this is about minimising the burden our festival places on the planet and its ecosystems. To achieve that we take measures based on the 3R model (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).
Energy
Our starting point is the Trias Energetica: first reduce energy demand through savings and efficiency, then meet remaining demand with sustainably generated electricity, and finally minimise what cannot be supplied by green power. For the parties this year we will already run on 50% green grid electricity, source at least 10% of our total power need from battery storage, and for the remaining 40% use at least 50% biodiesel.
Water
To prevent pollution of surface water our goal is to switch this year to 100% eco-friendly cleaning products and to deliver all collected pure urine to Waternet, who can recover nutrients from it. We will also try to place more urinal posts along the boat parade route. For this we seek cooperation from residents who have no objection to a portable toilet or urinal post near their door.
Waste
Since 2018 the use of confetti has been strictly banned. To further reduce festival waste we have introduced several measures: there is no festival magazine, we use reusable deposit cups, and we discourage buying cans of beer and soft drinks at supermarkets. Behind the bars and food stalls we separate waste into glass, plastic, cardboard, cans and residual waste.
Other measures
- Deployment of 1,500 mini containers.
- Deployment of 300 mini containers for glass.
- Deployment of 1,500 festival bins.
- Deployment of 150 promotion staff during the day.
- Deployment of 150 cleaners at night.
- Deployment of 19 sweepers, 16 other vehicles and 5 compactor trucks.
Mobility
Mobility is also an important focus in making Pride more sustainable. From of our Dutch visitors come roughly 50% from the city, 25% from the region and 25% from the rest of the Netherlands. With our visitor numbers that generates a considerable amount of traffic movements.
Train
Together with NS we try to get as many visitors as possible to travel to the city by rail. Because NS trains have been running on 100% wind power since 2018, you immediately emit 100% less CO2 than if you come by car.
Car
For those who for whatever reason still want to come to Pride by car, we ask that you park on the edge of the city and continue your journey by public transport.
