Sustainability

Sustainability
Strategy

Mission Statement

 

Since 2019 we have partnered with AGF (A Greener Festival) to create an Environmental Impact Report to help us recognise where we are and how we can improve. This independent reporting process has been invaluable in allowing us to truly understand our environment impact. It’s helped us decode a very complex subject and we’ve made many changes as a result. 

AGF also carries out an annual Carbon Audit, allowing us to understand our carbon footprint. As a result, since 2019, we have offset our total known emissions by planting 10800 trees, reforesting 8.4 hectares of land and capturing 1311.78 tonnes of CO2 across Nicaragua, Tanzania, Nepal and Madagascar. The projects that we support are CommuniTree, Eden Projects and Usambara Biodiversity Conservation. The projects are a mixture of certified reforestation and certified conservation projects. 

In 2021 we implemented a new cup process, that allows us to operate an entirely circular system, removing the need for single use plastic cups or bottles. Once used our cups are returned to the bar, where they are taken away, cleaned and placed back into the system. As with reusable bags or bottles, the real benefits come when the cups are reused as much as possible. As Lost Village only takes place once a year, the same cups are then used for many other events and festivals in the same year — vastly increasing their positive impact. This is why we have no branding on the cups. You can read about our various other initiatives below. 

We offset our total known emissions each year, aiming for carbon neutrality. We understand that the real long-term goal is not simply offsetting carbon, but constantly reviewing every element of the business and driving down our impact in every corner of what we do. With every passing year, new ways to improve become known, new technologies become apparent and new systems become available — so constantly reviewing, learning and evolving our practices is absolutely essential. 

We hope our commitment is clear, however if you have any questions or ideas please email us at [email protected] 

Finally, the fact you’re reading this page means you clearly care about the environment too. Please help spread the gospel amongst fellow Villagers, as the best results will come by us working together.

Single Use Plastics

  • Banned the use of plastic straws
  • Banned the sales of drinks in single use plastic
  • Banned single use condiments sachets (e.g. milk, sugar, salt and pepper and sauces)
  • Banned the use of non-biodegradable glitter and confetti 
  • The vast majority of bars utilise reusable cups across the Lost Village site, in a fully circular carbon offset system. One or two cocktail bars use compostable or biodegradable cups.
  • We have replaced single use plastic cutlery and serve ware with reusable or compostable cutlery and serveware
  • We promote the use of reusable drinking bottles (crew and artists are encouraged to use reusable cups and bottles, whilst customers are recommended to bring their own or purchase one on site) 
  • Free water points are available across site to refill your reusable water bottle.
  • All water sold on site is in partnership with NOBL WATR, using sustainably packaged cartons made from 95% plant-based materials, 100% responsibly sourced materials and produced using 100% renewable energy. We have an assigned collection for these cartons and are aiming for a 100% recycle rate at a dedicated waste facility.

Recycling and Waste Management

  • Reusable / circular cup system. The system is a fully offset carbon neutral scheme in partnership with SQSTR. 
  • Biodegradable, compostable or reusable serveware used in all food outlets and crew catering. 
  • Traders are provided with a guide on recycling the following waste streams: plastics, cans, cardboard, food waste, other waste and glass.
  • Food waste is collected separately at crew catering and handled by ELLGIA who send all food waste to a local anaerobic digestion plant, where it is then broken down to produce biogas and bio-fertiliser. 
  • Waste is sorted manually onsite, by our long-standing waste partner Green Box, before being entered into high quality recycling streams wherever possible.

Procurement

  • A large amount of materials used for stage/ camping/ office areas are hired or re-used (decor). 
  • Stage design utilises a high quality system which allows for year-on-year repurposing, even when aesthetics are dramatically altered. 
  • Closed-loop approach for sustainable pre-pitched camping.
  • Lost Village are collaborating with Vintage Threads to create a new merchandise line that utilises vintage materials to create new items of clothing. 
  • Compostable serveware is used in all food stalls and crew catering.

Sustainable Camping

  • We have introduced a closed-loop approach by offering sustainable pre-pitched camping, utilising reclaimed tents. 
  • We now offer click and collect reconditioned camping equipment to reduce single use purchases

Power

  • All lighting is LED technology (low power) 
  • Monitoring equipment used on each generator, allowing a granular area breakdown of power usage to assist future optimisation. 
  • Contractors guide encourages all suppliers to reduce power usage
  • Ban of equipment that fails to meet current regulations and metering installations before the connection is made.
  • Using fuel data from 2021 will be able to check generator usage / sizing is correct. We will also be able to set percentage targets for fuel reduction in 2023.
  • Trickle charge batteries to power all boutique structures. 1 small set will power the reception and be used to charge batteries.

Travel and Transport

  • Lost Village continues to work with Big Green Coach to provide national coaches heading north and south, for customers. 
  • To reduce long-distance journeys for customers and artists, we offer local ground transport from the closest train station. 
  • In cases where international artists are flown into BHX, MAN or LON airports, we encourage them to take the train to the local station. Also, efforts are made for artist shuttles to be shared as much as possible.
  • Most contractors, staff and crew stay on site or within walking distance to the festival. A smaller percentage of suppliers stay in a local hotel, 4.8 miles away, where carpools are operated to/from.
  • The management team use bicycles to navigate the site during the build, show and break periods.
  • On site buggies are electric.
  • A second Carbon Analysis is performed, taking into account travel from the staff, catering crew and all contractors. Artist transfers are measured and included in the carbon analysis as well as audience travel and transport methods.

Carbon Footprint and Offset

  • The CO2 analysis and audit from 2019 and 2021 editions were assessed and calculated through the independent body; A Greener Festival (AGF). Lost Village then works in partnership with Tree Nation to offset CO2 emissions implemented through authenticated reforestation and conservation.
  • Rather than only offsetting our direct emissions, in 2019 we chose to offset our total known carbon footprint including all customer and artist transport. 
  • In 2021 we also included the offsetting of all food and beverage procurement 
  • Net Zero Website – automatically compensate all the CO2 emissions generated by our website.
  • Net Zero Team – we now offset the emissions directly related to full time employees, such as office space, electricity at work, food, small office material and short distance travel.
  • Dedicated on site sustainability manager making sure new and existing initiatives are implemented.

Our Local Impact

  • Lost Village has supported local tree planting (in addition to the reforestation projects noted above) and has worked with Hill Holt Wood extensively (a local environmental social enterprise). 
  • Litter picks happen in the area post-event, and donations are made to several local causes each year. In the last few years Lost Village has been able to support wellbeing, sports, theatre, archaeological and education groups, as well as help local parish councils, schools and individuals with suitable projects.