EDINBURGH SUMMER SESSIONS | SUSTAINABILITY
SUSTAINABILITY
At Edinburgh Summer Sessions, we’re always looking for new ways to reduce our environmental impact and make your festival experience more environmentally sustainable. This year, we’ve introduced a number of exciting initiatives that will help us take a big step forward, and we need your help to make them a success.
SUSTAINABILITY
At Edinburgh Summer Sessions, we're working to reduce the environmental impact of our events while continuing to create unforgettable live music experiences.
Our focus is on the areas where we can make the biggest difference, together.
Let’s Play Our Part:
Plan your journey before you travel
Return your reusable cup
Bring a soft reusable water bottle
Choose the right bin
Go plant-based when you eat
Small actions across thousands of people can make a big difference
Getting to and from the event is one of the biggest contributors to our environmental impact.
We're encouraging fans to travel by public transport, coach, walking, cycling or by sharing journeys where possible.
Use the Edinburgh Summer Sessions Travel Assistant to explore the best route for your journey before you travel.
We’re working to reduce our reliance on diesel generators by using cleaner and more efficient ways to power the event.
In 2026, we trialled hydrogen power for two shows: Heather on the Hill and The Cure. Hydrogen power was also used for Bar 2 and a run of food traders throughout the event.
At Heather on the Hill, a portable Instagrid battery system powered another smaller stage.
The majority of the event’s remaining power came from existing grid connections, helping us reduce the number of generators required onsite.
We’ll continue to build on what we learned from these trials as we plan future events.
Drinks will be served in reusable cups across the event to reduce waste and emissions.
Simply return your cup to the bar when ordering your next drink, or to any designated return bin before leaving the arena.
Please do not put reusable cups in the general waste or recycling bins.
Free drinking water refill points will be available throughout the event.
You can bring an empty, soft reusable water bottle under 500ml. Glass, metal and hard plastic bottles are not permitted.
Remember to check the full list of permitted and prohibited items before travelling.
Please help us keep the venue clean by using the correct bins.
You'll find clearly sing-posted waste points throughout the site.
Free drinking water refill points are also available, so remember to bring a reusable water bottle where permitted.
These initiatives are only possible with your support. By exchanging your cup or choosing greener travel options, you’re playing a part in protecting the planet while enjoying incredible live music.