ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
Sustainability as an ongoing commitment
At Nordisk Panorama Film Festival, sustainability is an integral part of how we plan, produce and develop the festival. We recognise that cultural events have an environmental and social impact, and we continuously work to reduce our footprint while creating a festival that contributes positively to society.
Our sustainability work is long-term and evolving. Rather than relying on one-off initiatives, we aim to embed environmental, social and economic sustainability into every stage of our planning, decision-making and partnerships.
Everyone working with Nordisk Panorama plays a part in this commitment.
Our sustainability goals
Our work is guided by three key areas:
Environmental sustainability
We strive to reduce our environmental impact by:
- working towards becoming a climate-neutral organisation
- choosing renewable energy wherever possible
- considering environmental impact in travel and transport
- reducing the use of environmentally harmful products and substances
- complying with environmental legislation while continuously improving our sustainability practices.
Social sustainability
We believe film can inspire change. Through our programme and activities, we aim to promote dialogue around environmental and social issues while creating an inclusive festival where diverse voices are represented and heard.
Economic sustainability
Sustainability is integrated into our everyday decisions. We consider the environmental impact of planning, procurement, purchasing and production to help ensure responsible use of resources.
A festival that benefits society
Nordisk Panorama strives to make a positive contribution beyond the festival itself. We believe culture has an important role in addressing societal challenges and inspiring future generations. Through our programming, collaborations and year-round activities, we aim to strengthen our role as a sustainable film festival within the Nordic region.
Sustainability in practice
Transport
Reducing transport emissions is an important part of our environmental work.
Whenever possible, we collaborate with local suppliers and partners to minimise unnecessary transport of goods. Our film handling is also fully digital whenever possible, reducing shipping and physical distribution.
We encourage guests and visitors to travel to the festival by train, bus or bicycle rather than by car or air. When air travel is unavoidable, we recommend choosing airlines with strong climate policies.
During the festival, guests are encouraged to explore Malmö on foot or by bicycle, using public transport whenever longer journeys are needed.
For staff business travel, we aim for at least half of all journeys to be made by public transport or bicycle, choosing the most climate-conscious alternatives whenever this is not possible.
Purchasing and materials
We work according to circular principles wherever possible.
Before making new purchases, we prioritise renting, borrowing or reusing existing materials. When new products are required, we choose environmentally certified alternatives whenever possible.
This includes items such as paper, printed materials, festival publications and merchandise, which are selected with recognised environmental certifications whenever available.
Food and drink
Sustainability also guides the food and beverages served during the festival.
In our office, we choose organic products whenever possible, including coffee and milk. Food served to staff and volunteers is vegetarian or vegan and sourced locally whenever possible.
For guest dinners, participating restaurants are expected to offer both vegetarian and vegan options and, wherever possible, use local and organic ingredients.
We also prioritise organic and fair trade beverages, including coffee and tea, while encouraging visitors to refill reusable bottles with free tap water available at festival locations. Where reusable cups cannot be used, we provide more sustainable alternatives.
Waste
Reducing waste and improving recycling are central parts of our festival operations.
Within the organisation, waste is sorted at source, including separate collection of organic waste for composting.
Together with our venue partners, we work towards ensuring that at least 70% of festival waste (by weight) is sorted correctly.
Whenever possible, we avoid disposable products and work with our partners to encourage reusable systems, including rented glassware, porcelain and deposit schemes.
Diversity and equality
Nordisk Panorama is committed to creating an inclusive and representative festival.
We actively work towards diverse recruitment and ensure that diversity is reflected throughout our communications and programming.
We follow all relevant legislation regarding equality and workplace rights, including equal recruitment practices, equal opportunities, protection against discrimination and harassment, and fair working conditions for all employees.
Across our film programme, seminars, talks, concerts and special events, we strive to showcase a broad range of perspectives and provide platforms for underrepresented voices and young people.
Accessibility
We believe culture should be accessible to everyone.
Together with our partners, we carefully select venues that are as accessible as possible. Where accessibility challenges remain, we work to find appropriate solutions so that as many people as possible can participate.
Accessibility also extends to our workplace, where we aim to ensure that staff members can fully participate regardless of physical ability.
Staff wellbeing
Creating a sustainable festival also means creating a sustainable working environment.
We follow all applicable labour legislation regarding working conditions and working hours.
Staff and volunteers receive appropriate safety information and training before the festival, including security briefings delivered by qualified professionals.
We also recognise the importance of recovery after intensive festival periods and work to ensure that opportunities for rest are built into our planning.
Finally, we make sure that everyone joining Nordisk Panorama receives clear information about the organisation, their rights and responsibilities, and our sustainability commitments.
Looking ahead
Sustainability is an ongoing process rather than a finished goal. As Nordisk Panorama continues to evolve, so too will our environmental and social commitments.
By working together with our staff, volunteers, partners, filmmakers and audiences, we hope to create a festival that not only celebrates Nordic film, but also contributes positively to the communities and environments in which it takes place.
Partners with Sustainable Outreach
more to follow….