Sound for the environment
Over the years, Osheaga has implemented multiple sustainability initiatives to ensure that its operations are responsible. Beyond the artistic and cultural experience, Osheaga wants to minimize the negative impact on the environment and maximize the positive influence it has on society and the economy. Here are some of the initiatives being worked on:
CARBON + TRANSPORT
- Public Transit: The festival is only steps away from the metro Jean-Drapeau, making it extremely accessible via public transit.
- Bike Valet: Not only does Osheaga have a free bike valet, but you can also get a free diagnostic of your bike’s condition!
- Gas Generator Reduction: From 2017-2018, Parc Jean-Drapeau (our festival site) was renovated to better connect the grounds to the hydro-electricity power grid of Montreal. By transitioning to hydroelectricity, Osheaga has been able to greatly reduce the number of gas generators used for energy.
FOOD + BEVERAGE
- Water For Everyone: In both 2018 and 2019, National Bank has helped provide Osheaga with more than 31,500 litres of drinking water, 14 additional water refill stations, and 9,000 reusable water bottles.
- Reducing Single Use Plastic: Osheaga enacted a ban on plastic straws in 2018 and has been using reusable Ecocups in onsite concessions for over 8 years now.
- The YUL EAT Gardens: Come find a variety of local restaurants in the YULEAT Gardens! All our vendors are Montreal-based and will prepare you the perfect festival meal.
WASTE
- Recycling Program: We have an on-site sorting centre to reduce waste contamination as much as possible.
- Compositing Program: For the past two years, Osheaga has been piloting composting in our Artist World to see how if it could be scaled to be site wide. We want to ensure that we can successfully compost without contamination before expanding it to the rest of the site!
COMMUNITY + MORE
- Festivalgoer Declaration: Let’s work together to be sustainable! In 2019, we will send out a declaration of actions for festivalgoers to follow. This includes respecting wildlife, properly disposing of waste, and more.
- Economic Impact: Did you know Osheaga becomes a mini city during the weekend? The fans that come for the festival contributes more than $40 million in economic benefits for the city of Montreal!
- BNQ 9700-253 level 2: For 2019, Osheaga achieved level 2 of the Standard BNQ (Bureau de normalisation du Québec) 9700-253» for Responsible event management, delivered by Modus Operandi Logistiques.
Osheaga would like to extend a special thank you to its partners in the sustainability: National Bank, and STM.
