Our commitment

The Fringe development goals are a series of collective commitments to ensure the festival is more inclusive, fair and sustainable. The goals were launched as part of our 75th anniversary in 2022, and include targets for climate action, including becoming a carbon net zero event by 2030.

Find out more about the Fringe development goals

Where we are now

Since 2015, the Fringe Society has reduced its carbon footprint by 77%. 

Quantities are in kg CO2e 2016–2017 % ↑ / ↓ 2017–2018 % ↑ / ↓ 2018–2019 % ↑ / ↓ 2019–2020 % ↑ / ↓ 2021–2022 % change since 2016–2017
Electricity 40,645   35,063   27,128   8,311   18,773  
Gas 4,595   10,354   8,411   5,442   370  
Water 260   257   178   97   57  
Recycling 181   181   160   20   58  
Landfill waste 3,550   3,360   2,569   212   32  
Travel 28,922   21,636   43,831   18,686   1,140  
Total 78,154 -9% 70,851 16% 82,277 -60% 32,672 -37% 20,429 -74%


Please note: due to pandemic-related office closure, we do not have data for 2020-2021.

Our actions going forward

We have identified six pillars that will support our approach to sustainability. Each pillar further develops our current activities and commitments.