Introduced on October 18, 2024, the Duurzaamheidsladder Evenementen (DLE), or Sustainability Ladder for Events framework helps event organizers adopt sustainable practices and align with national and European goals. Developed by Green Events in partnership with Green Deal Circular Festivals, government bodies, municipalities, and industry experts, the DLE is designed to provide clear and practical guidance for making events more environmentally friendly, inclusive, and well-governed. The DLE aims to harmonize sustainability standards and provide a clear roadmap for greener practices across the sector. The Sustainability Ladder builds on the GDCF Model, and gives concrete actions that festival organizers can take to reach the circularity targets as defined in the GDCF Model.
What is the DLE?
As the event sector grows, so does its impact on the environment and society. Festivals, sporting events, and public gatherings generate significant waste, emissions, and resource use. At the same time, these events hold immense potential to drive positive change, set examples, and inspire the public. The DLE is a step-by-step framework with five levels of sustainability. Each level guides event organizers on actions they can take, starting with compliance with legal req§s tiered approach is intended to accommodate the diverse capacities and ambitions of event organizers, allowing both small and large organizers to work at their own pace and ambition level.
By following the DLE, events can contribute to broader sustainability goals, including those set out in the European Green Deal Circular Festivals.
Key focus areas
The DLE covers 13 themes across three main areas: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).
- Environmental: Energy, food & drinks, water, travel & transport, and materials;
- Social: Diversity, accessibility, and inclusion;
- Governance: Strategy, organizational culture, and stakeholder engagement.
From energy and material use to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, the DLE reflects a holistic approach to sustainability. By integrating ESG principles, the DLE is not just about reducing emissions or waste; it is about building awareness, and engaging towards a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and long-term resilience.
The Sustainability Ladder for Events also aligns with reporting standards like the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), ensuring its relevance in a broader regulatory and ethical context.
Broad collaboration
The DLE was developed in consultation with over 25 experts and 50 sources, including the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Green Deal Circular Festivals, Handicap NL, and cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Haarlem. This collaboration ensures the framework is both practical and widely supported.
By using the DLE, cities and policy makers, suppliers, and organizers can work together more effectively, with clear guidelines to follow.
Free and ready to use
The DLE is freely available and can be downloaded online. To help organizers understand and use the framework, Green Events hosted an online information session on November 20, 2024. This session provides practical tips and answer questions from the field.
The framework will also be updated yearly based on feedback and new developments, ensuring it stays relevant. Go to https://www.greenevents.nl/projecten/duurzaamheidsladder-evenementen/ for more information.
How governments can support
Ministries and municipalities play an important role in promoting the DLE. By using the framework for government-organized events or requiring its adoption in grant criteria and permits, public bodies can help make sustainability a standard practice in the sector. The initiative also raises questions about the balance between ambition and feasibility. While many organizers are eager to embrace sustainability, the resources required to reach the highest levels of the DLE may be intimidating, especially for smaller organizations. This tension underscores the importance of government support and industry-wide collaboration in achieving the DLE’s goals.
As pointed out before, the DLE also supports broader goals like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), aligning the event sector with national and European reporting standards.
To download the DLE or join the information session, visit greenevents.nl. The Sustainability Ladder for Events (DLE) is currently available in Dutch only. For more information on the GDCF Model and how to implement and reach circularity targets, please visit the Green Deal Circular Festivals website at circularfestivals.com/model.
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The DLE initiative is supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management in partnership with Green Events, Green Deal Circular Festivals, and other stakeholders.