Recognizing the urgent need for sustainability in the live event industry, Nimblist launched the Planet First Initiative (PFI) department dedicated to tracking and analyzing emissions for internal operations as well as events, equipping organizers with the insights needed to measure and reduce their environmental impact.
We partner with event organizers to implement sustainable practices into every stage of event planning and execution—from energy efficiency and waste reduction to carbon offset strategies.
Case Study – Trailfest
The inaugural Trailfest at Wizard Ranch Nature Preserve was not only a celebration of nature and music — it was a real-world example of how small shifts can make a meaningful environmental impact. In an effort to reduce on-site emissions and noise pollution, both the food trucks and live music were powered entirely by battery-electric energy using all-electric Ford Lightning trucks, eliminating the need for traditional diesel generators.
Music by Colebrook Road
Tracking Our Emissions
We are acknowledging our impact, we are measuring our impact and we are taking steps to align our actions and business practices with a regenerative mindset.
2024 Highlights
23%
Reduction in overall scope 3 emissions compared to a 2023 baseline
23%
Reduction in emissions tied to purchased goods and services compared to a 2023 baseline
17%
Reduction in overall business travel and accommodation compared to a 2023 baseline
50%
Remote employee electricity emissions avoided thanks to be the participation in renewable energy programs
Top 10 gigs with the highest carbon footprint (Metric Tons of CO2e)
PFI Goals for 2025
- Event Sustainability
Collaborate with 30% of our clients to track and reduce event-related carbon emissions by replacing diesel generators with battery-electric solutions, increasing landfill diversion rates, and promoting plant-based catering options. - PFI Investments
Expand our sustainability investment portfolio and maintain our partnership with ‘1% For The Planet’ to support global initiatives. - Better Tracking
Begin transitioning from spend-based to activity-based emissions reporting in 2025 to improve the accuracy of our carbon footprint analysis.
Climate Action Plan
’22-’24
Evolved efforts to operationalize sustainable practices across our events
Built Nimblist’s Climate Action Plan
Began collecting necessary data for 2024 emissions report
2025
Launch of the Planet First Initiative department
Began transitioning from spend-based to activity-based emissions reporting
Collaborate with 30% of clients to reduce gig emissions through clean energy, waste diversion, and sustainable catering options
2028
Achieve 50% reduction in scope 3 emissions based on a 2023 baseline
50% of emissions reporting will be based on activity-level data for improved accuracy
Collaborate with 50% of clients to reduce gig emissions and aid them in building their own sustainability initiatives
2030
Become a recognized climate leader in the live event production industry
Track emissions using fully activity-based reporting across all operational areas
Read the full report here
We are committed to supporting and encouraging our industry partners in creating new pathways for sustainable events.
Resources
A Greener Future
Leaders in event sustainability, with global services for organizations, including consultancy, training, and certification, to elevate live events worldwide towards sustainability
Vision for Sustainable Events
Vision for Sustainable Events supports the live events industry with tools, resources, and inspiration to take action on the climate crisis.
GHG Protocol
Provides standards and tools that will help companies track progress toward climate goals.
Julie’s Bicycle
Leading not-for-profit, mobilizing the arts and culture to take action on the climate, nature and justice crisis
Music Sustainability Alliance
Learn, innovate, and collaborate; advancing sustainability in the music business with science-based solutions, business case analyses, best practices, and tools for operational change across the industry
REVERB
Creates and executes comprehensive programs to reduce concert and tour footprints from eliminating single-use water bottles to coordinating local farm food to fueling sustainable biodiesel in tour buses to composting and donating food waste and more
Science Based Targets
Drives ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets.
Overdrive Energy Solutions
Provides sustainable energy for the live entertainment industry using intelligent energy battery power stations.
r.World
Reusable serveware system including cups, plates, & to go containers, eliminating single-use waste at your event, festival, or venue.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
US EPA ‘s mission is to protect human health and the environment