Goal Zero Emission

Towards a sustainable future

Classical:NEXT is committed to promoting sustainability in all aspects of our event and minimising our environmental impact. We recognise the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce our carbon footprint and inspire positive change in the music industry.

Our sustainability strategy

Our evolving strategy focuses on key areas such as transport, energy, water, catering, waste, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), the local community, and external reach. Here’s how we’re working towards a more sustainable event:

1. Sustainability policy and certification

In 2024, we launched our comprehensive Sustainability Policy and Guidelines to reinforce our commitment to making Classical:NEXT sustainable. These documents communicate our goals and provide clear guidance to our team, suppliers, and partners, ensuring alignment on the steps we are taking to reach them.

We began the ISO 20121:2024 certification process in 2024, reaffirming our commitment to sustainable event management and aligning our practices with internationally recognised standards.

2. Transport

Promoting Sustainable Transportation: Our venues are conveniently located near subway, tram, and bus stations. We encourage you to walk, cycle or take public transport to the event. For longer trips, please consider lower-impact travel options like trains.

Minimising Negative Impact: We prioritise service providers within the Berlin area and arrange accommodations close to the venue to reduce ground transportation. This year, through a collaboration with Tourlounge, our local travel solutions employ low-emission vehicles equipped with resource-efficient technology.

3. Water

Raising Awareness: We actively promote responsible water use among all participants. We can conserve water together.

4. Catering

Local Vegetarian Food: Our culinary offerings have been shaped with sustainability in mind. Our entire menu is vegetarian and vegan and we aim to serve as many local and seasonal food choices as possible, sourced from regional Berlin catering, with clear allergen labelling.

Serveware: Crew catering will use reusable dishware to reduce waste.

5. Waste

Reducing Waste: We’ve eliminated single-use plastic cups, plates, and cutlery. Our deposit systems for returnable glass bottles and reusable cups for the Classical:NEXT team and volunteers are in place. We have also decided not to provide paper-based inserts in our conference bags to minimise waste.

Digital Programme and Paper Reduction: We use digital screens, reusable signage and the Classical:NEXT event app for our event programme, minimising unnecessary printed materials, to reduce waste. Essential documents are printed on recycled paper.

Recycling: Attendees will find dedicated bins for paper, packaging, and general waste to encourage responsible sorting. Additionally, we’ll use separated waste containers in the disposal process to support recycling efforts.

Continuous Improvement: We continuously monitor our waste and strive to improve our waste management strategies.

6. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Social Sustainability: Social sustainability is an essential pillar of sustainability. We promote Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all.

Accessibility: We have taken measures to improve accessibility across the event sites. Companions of event participants with disabilities can access the event without registration, and we inform participants about barrier-free routes, access points and parking opportunities to the venues. We are also working in partnership with Attitude is Everything, an organization connecting disabled people with live events in our approach and in the conference programming, supporting advocacy.

We are doing our best to make the venues more inclusive and to foster an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and welcome.

We are also implementing a real-time language-to-text translation provided by Interprefy.

Noise Reduction: Earplugs will be available at the Awareness Stand to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all Classical:NEXT Showcase Festival attendees.

7. External Reach

Communication: We actively communicate about our sustainability measures with all our stakeholders on our website and social media, keeping attendees informed about our efforts and inviting their participation.

Community Engagement: We support and involve initiatives like Attitude is Everything and Black Lives in Music, supporting their missions while amplifying and extending messaging on sustainability.

We encourage everyone — including our team, suppliers, partners and sponsors to join us in embracing sustainability and to follow our guidelines. We also invite you, our audience, to help us on this journey. Please support our efforts by choosing eco-friendly travel options like walking, biking, or using public transport when possible, using the trash separation system correctly. We also encourage you to foster a socially inclusive environment by making our events welcoming for all, and following practices that benefit the wider community.

Together, we can inspire positive change within the music industry and set an example for others. Join us at Classical:NEXT as we work towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible future. Let’s make a difference, one step at a time.