Transportation is the biggest polluter at events

When we think about making events more sustainable, we often focus on recycling, reducing waste, or switching to renewable energy. But there’s a surprising reality event organizers face: transport accounts for a staggering 60-85% of an event’s total emissions. This makes it, by far, the largest contributor to an event’s carbon footprint.

Why transport dominates event emissions

The reason is simple: thousands (or even tens of thousands) of attendees need to travel to the event site, often by car. Cars are convenient but highly inefficient in terms of emissions per passenger, especially when most attendees drive alone. Long-distance events, rural venues, and sprawling parking lots only exacerbate the issue.

Even smaller events, with fewer attendees, face this challenge. While they may not match the scale of large festivals, the high concentration of people traveling to a single location over a short timeframe creates an outsized impact on emissions. This is why finding sustainable transport solutions matters for events of every size.

Let’s break it down:

Volume of attendees: Whether it’s large-scale festivals like Lowlands, Glastonbury, and Coachella, or smaller, more intimate events, the high concentration of people traveling to a single location over a short period results in an outsized impact on transport emissions.
Limited alternatives: For many, driving is the default option due to habit, inadequate public transport, or lack of organized ride-sharing.
Event locations: Festivals are often held in remote or rural areas, making car travel unavoidable for many attendees.

Addressing this challenge is essential—not just to meet sustainability goals but to reduce congestion, improve the attendee experience, and create a positive environmental impact.

Solutions that work

The good news? Events are tackling this challenge head-on with innovative solutions. From carpooling platforms like Slinger to dedicated services like the Sziget Express, organizers are finding creative ways to reimagine event travel. Campaigns like Carpoolchella even gamify ride-sharing, proving that greener travel can be just as exciting as the main event.

And it’s not just hypothetical. Major festivals like Lowlands and Down the Rabbit Hole, run by MOJO, use Slinger’s carpooling platform to help attendees share rides. These initiatives save kilometers, reduce emissions, and provide real-time insights into travel behavior. By turning transportation into part of the event experience, Slinger helps attendees connect before they even arrive.

What can event organizers do?

Here are four ways event managers can address transport emissions effectively:

Encourage Ride-Sharing
Ride-sharing platforms like Slinger make it easy for attendees to connect, share rides, and cut emissions. With Slinger’s widget integrated into event websites, attendees can easily find or offer a ride. At festivals like Lowlands, this not only reduces emissions but also builds connections among festival-goers.
Leverage public transport
Public transport partnerships are a game-changer. The Sziget Express and Glastonbury’s Climate Heroes Campaign show how train travel can offer low-emission alternatives while creating memorable experiences. These solutions make public transport part of the event’s brand identity.
Promote cycling and walking
For urban events, encouraging cycling and walking is an obvious win. Offering secure bike parking or partnering with bike-share programs can make this option more appealing to attendees. Events like Amsterdam Dance Event provide massive bike parking facilities close to venues, ensuring convenience and safety for attendees who cycle.
Incentivize sustainable choices
Rewards work. Coachella’s Carpoolchella campaign rewarded carpoolers with perks like VIP upgrades and free merch, turning eco-friendly travel into a fun, interactive challenge.

A call to action

Transport may be the elephant in the room for event emissions, but it’s also the biggest opportunity for change. With platforms like Slinger, partnerships with public transport providers, and creative campaigns like Carpoolchella, events are proving that sustainable travel is achievable.

And with festivals like Lowlands and Down the Rabbit Hole leading the way, it’s clear that greener events are more than just a dream—they’re the new standard.

The journey to your event doesn’t have to be an afterthought.

Make it part of the magic—and part of the solution. 🌍