Sustainability
Our Commitment
Illuminate Adelaide is committed to a brighter, more sustainable future.
We are committed to a range of sustainability initiatives to ensure our environmental impact is as small as possible, with the goal of being a carbon neutral event.
Our aim is to create an event that not only showcases outstanding creativity, art, light, music and technology, but that also demonstrates our deep commitment to environmental sustainability, reducing our emissions and adapting to climate change.
Image: EDEN by Flora&Fauna Visions, Illuminate Adelaide 2024
Credit: Tyr Liang at Xplorer Studio
As a proud member of Festival City Adelaide (FCA), the peak body for festivals and events in South Australia, Illuminate Adelaide has committed to developing and implementing a Sustainability Action Plan.
In alignment with FCA’s Leading Environmental Sustainability and Responsible Practice – Climate Action Roadmap, this Sustainability Action Plan will help us achieve our environmental sustainability goals.
The plan is supported by FCA and Green Industries South Australia.
In 2025 and its pilot year, our SAP will be implemented across our event with actions focussing on five key themes: Transport, Energy, Food, Waste, Water.
- Renewable energy first – our installations use renewable energy through a combination of the City of Adelaide’s Carbon Neutral Adelaide program and local carbon offset schemes.
- The carbon emissions from the burning of materials for the performances of Fire Gardens in 2024 was approximately 62 tonnes of CO2 - these emissions were fully offset by Illuminate Adelaide through the tree planting programs of Greening Australia.
- The use of a new initiative battery cell bank generator at Base Camp in 2024 saved 3500L of diesel over 21 days - a 65% reduction in fuel use compared to running a standard generator full time! Read more about it here.
- Paperless tickets across all events.
- Promotion of local solar, battery and other solutions to inspire action amongst our audience.
- Waste-free initiatives at our bars and outdoor events with 100% of bin waste diverted from landfill in 2024 to compostable and recycling solutions.
- All compostable or reusable cutlery/crockery at outdoor events.
- Bringing your own bottle rather than a single-use bottle is the best choice you can make for the environment. We have collaborated with SA Water to make refill stations available at Illuminate Adelaide events. In 2024 proceeds from the sale of 801 SA Water bottles went to Foodbank SA & NT, helping create 8010 meals to those in need in the community.
- Accessible public transport and bike parking at all events.
- Partnering with local organisations.
- Dark design website for lower energy use.
Illuminate Adelaide is a Sustainable Tourism Accredited Business.