Guest mobility

  • For journeys lasting up to ten hours, taking the train significantly reduces CO₂ emissions.

  • Especially within Germany and for journeys shorter than 600 km, avoiding flights makes a significant contribution to climate-friendly travel.

  • If air travel is unavoidable, direct flights can reduce emissions and optimise travel times.

  • Travelling can be avoided and emissions reduced by means of digital meetings and discussions.

  • The organiser can make it easier for guests to get around in an environmentally friendly way with rental bikes or cooperation with local bike hire companies.

  • If travel by taxi is the only option, for example due to accessibility issues, using an e-taxi is more environmentally friendly.

  • Anyone who wishes to avoid travelling for one-off performances can combine the event with workshops or other residencies.

  • Limiting car travel to what is strictly necessary reduces emissions and conserves resources.

  • Information on the best cycle route makes it easier for guests to cycle to the venue in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

  • Detailed route descriptions and information on long-distance transport connections make getting there stress-free and sustainable.

  • Organisers can select hotels based on whether they rent out bicycles. This also facilitates sustainable mobility.

  • Information on apps from local transport associations helps guests to plan their journeys in an efficient and climate-friendly manner.

  • Planning tools for guest trips and tours make it easier to arrange sustainable and resource-saving routes.

  • Shorter journeys are created when several venues offer events concurrently when planning tours and guest performances. To achieve this, the venues need to be located in close proximity.

  • Travelling can be avoided by pooling multiple meetings in one visit. Digital meetings are an alternative to on-site meetings.

  • The incorporation of sustainability clauses or addendums into contracts
    with guests ensures commitment to environmental standards.

Good to know

Artists with disabilities or chronic illnesses require accessible paths for their journey. In this case, a direct travel connection may be preferable to a more sustainable one.

Optimal protection against attacks motivated by group-based hostility is needed when travelling. For example, travelling without changing trains offers protection. But the choice of venue is also helpful: in some places there is a lower risk of discrimination and harassment.

If guest performances are combined, there is a risk that artists will have fewer performances. It is recommended that careful consideration be given to “green touring” and diversity and international exchange in the artistic programme here.

In the interests of accessibility and inclusion, carbon accounting should not include CO₂ emissions from those accompanying people with disabilities.

Further reading

Interrail – Eurail: Angebote für günstige Zugreisen durch Europa (Reservierungspflicht, Kontingente und länderspezifische Regelungen sind zu beachten.)

Green Touring Network: Green Touring Guide – Ein Leitfaden für Musiker, Künstler‐ und Tourmanager, Veranstalter, Venues und Bookingagenturen

Gallery Climate Coalition: Quick Carbon Estimate Calculator

atmosfair: Möglichkeiten zum klimafreundlichen Reisen

Touring Artists: Mobilität und Nachhaltigkeit (Handbücher, Leitfäden und Guides, Webinar, Förderung u.m.)