SUSTAINABILITY

Portola will feature a series of sustainability initiatives to account for our emissions, improve waste diversion, and pilot new programs and technologies. With every festival pass, a $2 Sustainability Fee is included to help support these goals and initiatives. Each contribution is a huge step in growing these ideas and getting operations and organizations off the ground. We look forward to making positive change, together!

Portola’s sustainability program is supported by AEG Sustainability, our long-standing sustainability department and its vision to inspire the world’s many voices to protect our planet.

CARBON & ENERGY

We are committed to reducing carbon emissions by decreasing our energy consumption and increasing our use of renewable energy. Highlighted efforts:

Employing solar battery generators and electric utility carts across operations
Tracking and measuring event-related carbon emissions
Discouraging vehicle idling on-site
Using energy efficient technologies like LED lights
Promoting public transportation, low-emission vehicles, and biking

WASTE & MATERIALS

Our team implements a comprehensive waste diversion and sustainable materials strategy to divert waste from the landfill. This includes:

Creating signage and décor pieces that can be reused at future events
Providing reusable cups for cold beverages to be collected, sanitized, and reused at future events
Composting food scraps and compostable serviceware
Recycling plastics, aluminum, paper, cardboard, and glass
Donating leftover food and materials to local nonprofit organizations

WATER

We are committed to reducing our water consumption and reducing the use of single-use plastic water bottles. Our approach:

Providing water refilling stations throughout the festival and work areas
Replacing virgin plastic water bottles with 100% recycled content, canned water, and reusable drinkware
Encouraging staff and attendees to bring their own reusable water bottles

STEWARDSHIP

We are dedicated to supporting local environmental protection, conservation, and reclamation efforts. Our actions:

Working with vendors committed to sustainability and employing environmental best practices
Encouraging vendors to source food from local producers, prioritizing ingredients from within a 250-mile radius, as well as organic and fair-trade foods
Encouraging vendors to offer more vegan and vegetarian options
Encouraging vendors to source items manufactured in the USA

ENGAGEMENT

We are committed to leaving a positive environmental legacy and engaging attendees in our sustainability strategy. Highlighted initiatives:

Placing sustainability staff throughout the festival to support waste diversion and provide education on composting and recycling practices
Including sustainability program details on our website and in our mobile app
Educating and engaging our staff, vendors, and artists on our sustainability initiatives

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

We invite YOU to join us in making Portola more sustainable! You can join us by:

Returning your r.Cup to designated collection bins located throughout the festival
Joining the BYOBottle campaign and bringing your own reusable water bottle
Biking, using public transportation, or using low-emission vehicles
Turning off lights and appliances when you leave your home or hotel room

2024 SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERS

Our sustainability initiatives are aligned with AEG Sustainability’s overall strategy and organized by strategic impact areas. Each impact area is mapped to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The inclusion of corresponding SDGs demonstrates the importance of each initiative in addressing global challenges and building a more sustainable future for all.