Sustainability Team of ROBOT Festival

By project MINEV

Published on 28 August 2024

Italy

Emilia-Romagna

About this good practice

ROBOT festival is organised by Shape Associazione Culturale APS, which is committed to identifying and adopting best practices to progressively reduce the environmental impact of its events. The festival has obtained the EcoActions certificate from Legambiente, which guarantees the event's low environmental impact.
With a view to improving environmental sustainability practices, a Sustainability Team has been set up to work constantly to ensure higher standards and to spread the importance of the message during the Festival. The team is coordinated by a Sustainability Manager and is involved in all areas of the festival, from behind-the-scenes production and logistics to direct contact with the public, from reception to administration. The team consists of 7 staff members and around 100 volunteers who receive special training each year. Each member is easily recognisable by a personalised gilet.
Waste management during the event is careful and adapted to the venue. Communication is visual and direct, and items are pasted on top of each litter basket for greater understanding. Particular attention is paid to the use of reusable hard plastic or compostable cups. In addition, water vending machines are available during events for free use. Finally, the festival promotes sustainable mobility through public transport or car and bike sharing services, activating conventions (partnerships with Bologna Welcome, Corrente, RideMovi and Tesla) and discounts for the public.

Resources needed

Human resources for the organisation and management of sustainability actions are provided by the Sustainability Team and the Social Security Team.
Each edition also sees the participation of around 100 volunteers (each with their own task), after appropriate training by the team.

Evidence of success

In 2022 and 2023, the Festival was awarded the EcoActions certification by Legambiente. Controlled separate waste collection at all festival venues: around 30 bins at the main venue. Free water point for each venue with distribution of over 165 litres of water in 2023 (+50% from 2022). 7 members of the sustainability and security team in 2023 (3 in 2022). Continuous training before and during the festival.

Potential for learning or transfer

Informing the public and guiding them toward more conscious and sustainable consumption habits is the mission of Shape and ROBOT festival.
They do this both on-site, thanks to the support of the Sustainability Team, present at all locations and recognizable by personalized bibs, and online, communicating their sustainability efforts and initiatives through social media.
Shape supports skills exchange and peer learning in the arts, music and technology with projects and workshops dedicated to children (ROBOT Kids), youth and young professionals in the field (ROBOT Learn).
To encourage the public towards a greener sustainable mobility, Shape and ROBOT festival are committed to activate several partnerships including Tesla, Bologna Welcome x Trenitalia and Italo, Corrente, RideMovi. These agreements are joined by others in the hospitality, food & beverage and culture sectors.
Awareness-raising also of the team through specific training, to admit limitations and be aware of improvement.