A pilot project aimed at making events more sustainable has concluded in Reading.

The Green Events Code of Practice (GECOP) trial involved collaboration between the council and both local and national organisations.

Participants included the East Reading Festival, Reading Festival, and Reading Pride.

The year-long initiative, which involved Reading and nine other UK local authorities, sought to develop consistent national guidance on event sustainability.

The GECOP pilot addressed seven key areas where environmental improvements could be made: governance, energy, travel and transport, food and drink, waste, water, and influence.

Organisers used the Donut Advisory Tool for Events (DATE), which assessed an event's sustainability practices, providing a score and identifying areas for improvement.

Event organisers, including Reading’s Economic and Destination Agency (REDA), participated in workshops and a final feedback meeting hosted by the council.

Festival Republic, which organises the Reading & Leeds Festival, also took part, regularly offering insights into their green policies and actions.

Changes implemented during the trial included offering recycling and food waste bins, providing water stations to minimise plastic bottle use, reducing diesel generator usage, and encouraging the use of LED lighting.

Caterers were also required to use alternatives to single-use plastic, and visitors were encouraged to use public transport.

Suppliers and contractors were favoured wherever possible.

Matt Foster, from the East Reading Festival, said the pilot was an 'ideal opportunity' to assess the festival’s sustainability practices.

He added: "A big benefit of the pilot has been getting together with organisers of other local festivals, large and small, and sharing knowledge while also identifying challenges that we can work on together."

Molly Banbury, Readipop Festival Producer, praised the pilot for providing tools and guidance.

She said: "Being part of this initiative has reaffirmed our belief that community events, no matter their size, can make a significant difference in the move toward sustainability."

The GECOP is being developed by the Vision 25 group, representing members of the outdoor live events industry, with funding from the Arts Council and participating authorities.

John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, highlighted the council’s efforts to make its own events more sustainable.

He said: "The Green Events Code of Practise pilot has been a great way for event organisers to be able to discuss common challenges and share ideas.

"I think the legacy of the trial is that we will all be working closer together to put on greener events in Reading in the future."

The council's involvement in the GECOP trial aligns with its aim for Reading to become a net zero carbon borough.