June 15, 2012 ─ Montréal assumes eco-responsibility!
Reflecting the cultural milieu’s engagement with principles of sustainable development, Montréal festivals are looking to be increasingly eco-responsible. This practice is translated into concrete actions, and, in particular, with respect to the management of the following five events.
Festival International de Jazz de Montréal
The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal was among the first major events in North America to establish carbon neutrality. Today, more than ever, its duty is to further reduce its ecological footprint by applying the 3RV principle, in conjunction with its partner, Rio Tinto Alcan:
-encourage Reduction at source
-optimize Reuse
-maximize Recycling
-valorize organic materials
The Festival has also launched a plethora of social initiatives reflecting its commitment to sustainable citizen engagement. Details of these actions can be found here.
Piknic Électronik
Since its creation in 2003, Piknic Électronik has taken sustainable development to heart. An event rallying fans of electronic music at Parc Jean-Drapeau, Piknic Électronik continues to vigilantly monitor the social and environmental commitments formalized in its sustainable development plan. It also plays a leadership role among "Pikniqueurs" by promoting sustainable transportation and many other ecological measures (dishes, compost, water bottles, etc.).
Rogers Cup Tennis Tournament
Since 2007, Tennis Canada has followed the path to sustainable development by integrating eco-friendly measures into the Rogers Cup organization, in terms of both respecting the environment and engaging its tennis community. Here are some results of its green plan: a material adjustment rate amounting to 75%; greenhouse gas emissions compensated by the purchase of carbon offsets from Planetair; and tournament accessibility for all, via the Free Family Weekend program.
Cirque du Soleil
In addition to an environmental policy adopted in 2006, Cirque du Soleil has consistently implemented best practices in sustainable development with regards to supply, relationships with business partners, and workplace conditions. This philosophy of "Global Citizenship" follows the organization through all its touring shows across the globe, making it an engaged, key player in host communities.
MUTEK Festival
MUTEK, the digital creativity and electronic music festival, has pledged to put in place eco-responsible measures, which include valorizing local businesses while promoting tourism to Montréal. To compensate for the greenhouse gasses generated by the transportation of festivalgoers, MUTEK offers a Green Pass, which allows for the purchase of carbon offsets from Planetair and can be obtained with the Festival Passport or Weekend Pass.
