Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024, in collaboration with Ecofixr, achieved an unprecedented 91% waste diversion, setting a new benchmark for large-scale events in Chicago and beyond. This inaugural event demonstrated a bold commitment to environmental accountability, thereby minimizing its impact on the community and planet. The pioneering effort not only sets a new standard for future events but also establishes Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024 as leaders in the film industry, proving that sustainability and excellence can coexist.
Below is a summary of the impact report, which is a crucial step in accountability, detailing Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024’s sustainability achievements and introductory carbon footprint analysis. We urge you to publish this information to help position Chicago as a leader in the film industry’s sustainable movement.
“Investing in Ecofixr was crucial to our sustainability success. The vast job was only achievable thanks to Ellen and the dedicated Ecofixr team.”-Ana Garcia Doyle, Co-Operations Manager
Waste Diversion Efforts
Film screenings and events create a large amount of waste, so we implemented a comprehensive resource recovery process to ensure we minimized landfill contribution. The process included multi-stream bins strategically placed throughout each venue. We also had phenomenal eco-supervisors and volunteers, trained by Ecofixr, that helped attendees and meticulously sorted the materials to rescue any items placed in the wrong bin.
Eliminated Single-Use Plastic
All participating venues eliminated single-use plastic water bottles. Water stations were available throughout each venue to ensure water was easily accessible. Compostable cups were available for those who did not bring a reusable water bottle.
Here are additional sustainable highlights from each venue/vendor:
- Crafty Chicago eliminated individually wrapped plastic and provided compostable utensils, plates, and napkins. Customized glass water bottles were provided for the speakers.
- The Study optimized waste reduction by using glassware and dishes.
- The Logan Center for the Arts predominantly used compostable packaging.
- The Davis Theater served drinks in glassware and used compostable popcorn bags.
- Chicago Cultural Center had zero concessions and used hand dryers instead of paper towels.
Resource Rescue
Food Rescue: Ecofixr engaged with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine to ensure the food was donated to a charity in the neighborhood directly affected by the opening reception. They connected the event with The Kindness Campaign, whose mission is to dismantle systemic, structural racism to achieve health equity, workforce equity, education equity and public equity.
40 pounds of leftover food was rescued from the opening reception to provide, which created 34 meals for The Kindness Campaign & THE STUDY staff. (approx. $2750 value)
Material Rescue: 31.59 pounds worth of high-quality foam board signs were donated for art supplies. Foam board is not recyclable, so all of the material would have landed in the landfill (approx. $1000 value)
Responsible Travel
We eliminated 19.87 metric tons of carbon emissions by avoiding first-class flights. If everyone had flown economy, there would have been an additional 18.23 metric tons of CO2 reduction.
We also eliminated 513 pounds of CO2 by using an electric van for resource recovery transportation.
The Equivalents of the total 20.1 Metric Tons of CO2 saved:
- annual energy use of 2.6 homes
- annual emissions from 4.8 vehicles
- 332 trees grown for 10 years
- 2262 gallons of gasoline
Carbon Reporting
Ecofixr created this third-party audit report* to follow the standardized practice of reporting the emissions of flights, accommodations, and catering directly paid by Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024. With this data, we can create meaningful benchmarks and goals for future events. This transparency is also a vital shift in our industry, and we hope that others will follow so we can collectively take actionable steps to understand the overall climate impact and carbon reduction needs.
Although a full carbon footprint analysis was not requested for Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024, Ecofixr follows the reporting standards from Green the Bid, and includes the above data in the reporting. The analysis assesses the opening reception at The Study, screenings, panel discussions, and workshops directly associated with Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024.
