Sustainability at Vivid Sydney 2026

Vivid Sydney on Sydney Harbour
Vivid Sydney on Sydney Harbour

Sustainability at Vivid Sydney is embedded across the festival — from renewable energy and waste reduction to inclusive design, community participation and responsible procurement. As the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of Light, Music, Minds and Food, Vivid Sydney recognises the responsibility that comes with scale.

 

Impact at a glance

  • Offset 100% of reported emissions
  • 648 tonnes of Co2 offset
  • 95% Powered by GreenPower
  • 2.72M Litres of Water Saved
  • 12,058 Plastic Bottles Avoided
  • 739 Volunteers
  • Gold IFEA Award – Accessibility Program
  • Silver IFEA Award – Volunteer Program

 

Our approach

Sustainability at Vivid Sydney is guided by three core pillars.

  • Climate & Environment

    Reducing emissions, increasing renewable energy, minimising waste and measuring impact annually.

  • Community & Inclusion

    Creating accessible, welcoming and representative experiences for all.

  • Measurement & Accountability

    Collecting and analysing data to inform continuous improvement across Festival design and delivery.

 

Community, Volunteering and Inclusion

Sustainability at Vivid Sydney extends beyond environmental outcomes — it includes social impact, accessibility and meaningful community participation.

In 2025, 739 volunteers contributed 27,696 hours across Vivid Light, Ideas and Music, supporting guest services, wayfinding and accessibility initiatives. The program generated an estimated $1.29 million in social and economic value and was recognised internationally with a Silver IFEA Award for Best Volunteer Program.

Vivid Sydney also delivered its most comprehensive Accessibility Program to date, including:

  • 122 wheelchair-accessible installations and events
  • 46 audio-described artworks
  • 4 Auslan-interpreted events
  • 12 hearing loops installed
  • 5 accessible viewing areas
  • 600+ Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyards distributed

The program received Gold at the 2025 IFEA Awards for Best Accessibility Program, recognising global leadership in inclusive event design.

From accessible infrastructure and quiet spaces to community-led creative initiatives such as Colour the City, Vivid Sydney continues to ensure the Festival is welcoming, representative and inclusive for all.

2026: What's next
Building on progress, accelerating impact.

  • Towards 100% GreenPower.
  • Expanding refill infrastructure.
  • Reducing single-use plastics.
  • Increasing digital signage over disposable materials.
  • Continued expansion of accessible infrastructure and inclusive programming.

 

How you can help

  • Minimise your footprint – use public transport or carpool.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle or coffee cup.
  • Follow the signage at our recycling and waste stations.
  • Avoid single-use plastics.
  • Go digital – switching to mobile ticketing removes the need for unnecessary printing.
  • Turn off water taps after washing your hands.
  • Avoid plastic straws in favour of recyclable paper straws.
  • Carry your rubbish – if bins are full, take you rubbish home or to the next waste station to ensure proper disposal.  
  • Consider carbon-offsetting flights or travel.
  • Consider donating to Vivid Sydney’s Official Charity partner (partner to be announced).

 

Partners and governance

Sustainability expectations are embedded within procurement, supplier contracts and operational planning. Vivid Sydney measures and reports environmental and social performance annually to inform continuous improvement.