Sustainability
The BBC is committed to reducing its environmental impact and is working towards achieving net zero emissions from its direct operations by 2050. BBC Live Events contributes to this sustainability ambition by actively measuring our carbon footprint to understand the environmental impact of our activities. This insight enables us to introduce and scale sustainable innovations that reduce emissions, minimise waste, and support responsible event delivery.
How can you help
Travel
Did you know that around 80% of a festival’s carbon emissions come from audience travel? That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to choose low emission transport when heading to Herrington Country Park Sunderland. Every eco friendly decision—no matter how small—helps reduce the festival’s environmental impact. Let’s make your journey part of the solution!
If you’re able to walk, cycle or use a scooter to get to the festival site, you’ll burn off some pre show energy and arrive with zero carbon emissions. It’s a simple, healthy and sustainable way to kick off your festival experience.
Refill your water bottle
Don’t forget to bring a reusable water bottle with you! You can fill up for free at the water stations located around the site. It’s an easy way to stay hydrated, save money and cut down on waste.
Eating at Radio 1 Big Weekend
Food production accounts for nearly 30% of global emissions but choosing a plant based meal can reduce your impact significantly, creating around 2.5 times fewer emissions than meat based options. At Radio 1s Big Weekend, all food menus are carbon rated using a simple five tier system, making it easy to see the environmental footprint of each dish at a glance.
We’re proud to showcase a fantastic range of food vendors across the event—many of them from Sunderland and the surrounding area, helping us keep things local and support regional businesses. Every trader will offer at least one plant based main, ensuring an exciting mix of sustainable, flavour packed choices for everyone.
To further reduce waste, all serveware—from wooden cutlery to stirrers—is fully compostable, so you can enjoy your meal knowing it’s kinder to the environment.
Fancy a drink at Radio 1's Big Weekend
To help reduce waste, we’ll be operating a reusable cup scheme throughout the event. A single reusable cup creates 87% fewer emissions than using 75 single use cups, making it a simple but powerful step towards greater sustainability.
When you buy a drink, you’ll pay a small refundable deposit for your cup. After you’ve finished, just return your cup to one of the designated Return Points to get your deposit back. It’s easy, eco friendly, and helps us keep the festival greener.
Recycle
We’ve increased the number of waste and recycling points across the site to make it even easier for you to help keep Radio 1’s Big Weekend clean and green. We’re encouraging all festivalgoers to do their bit by using the three-bin system provided:
- Mixed Recycling – For all dry recyclable materials
- Compostable Waste – For all food serveware
- General Waste – For everything else
By sorting your rubbish correctly, you’re helping us reduce waste, improve recycling and keep the festival site tidy for everyone. Thanks for doing your part!
Thank you for helping us to improve our impact on the environment at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.
