DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
Article Source: DF Concerts & Events
Last Updated: 11 December 2025 10:10
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025, reaffirming the company’s commitment to reducing their environmental impact and promoting greener practices within the live music industry.
The company believes great live music and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. From Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT at Glasgow Green to Summer Sessions at Bellahouston Park and Royal Highland Showgrounds, DF Concerts implemented a wide range of impactful initiatives designed to cut waste, reduce emissions and engage fans in positive climate action.
Scotland’s largest reusable cup trial in an outdoor live music setting, the use of an innovative travel assistant and a GeoPura hydrogen-powered bar - the first of its kind to be used at this scale in Scotland - were standout sustainability innovations at DF Concerts’ summer events.
DF Concert’s reusable cup trial was the largest of its kind in Scotland, reaching over 150,000 fans across both Glasgow and Edinburgh Summer Session shows. Fans engaged well with this, with the trial achieving a 90% return rate. Additionally, DF Concerts surpassed the 2025 Scottish Government target of recycling 70% of waste, with 90% of all waste from these events being recycled or composted, and the remaining 10% going to waste for energy. This also meant that for fourth year in a row, DF Concerts sent zero waste to landfill. At Glasgow Summer Sessions, waste per head was reduced by 23%, and at Edinburgh Summer Sessions this reduction was even higher at 44%.
Edinburgh Summer Sessions made history with Scotland’s first bar powered by a GeoPura Hydrogen Power Unit at an outdoor music concert of this size in Scotland. By investing in hydrogen power units rather than diesel for distribution and refrigeration, emissions were dramatically reduced. The system eliminated the need for more than 2,000 litres of fuel, delivering zero-emission electricity for the drinks service. The only by-product was water which was then reused elsewhere on site such as festival toilets. This marked a significant shift away from diesel reliance and demonstrated potential for hydrogen technology to be used at scale within the live music sector, in Scotland and beyond. DF Concerts intends to further invest in the use of renewable energy at future events.
DF Concerts also partnered with You.Smart.Thing., an innovative travel assistant, to promote sustainable travel choices. Fans were encouraged to use public transport to attend Glasgow and Edinburgh Summer Sessions, encouraging greener practices outside of the events. Thousands of fans used You.Smart.Thing, demonstrating how technology can aid climate-conscious choices for audiences. As a result, public transport use at Glasgow Summer Sessions increased from 23% to 46.5% compared to 2024 and increased from 41% to 59% at Edinburgh Summer Sessions. The number of people cycling to the events also saw a notable increase, with 150 attendees opting for two wheels.
2025 also seen continued effort from DF Concerts to ensure sustainable food options were available across events. Implemented in 2023 and continued in 2025, all food vendors at TRNSMT and Summer Sessions were required to have vegan and vegetarian options on their menus for festival-goers. Through DF Concerts Play Our Part campaign, fans are continuously encouraged to choose these options when eating at events, and red meat was removed from backstage menus for artists to reduce food emissions.
DF Concerts Sustainability Manager, Kevin Mackay said: “Every show is an opportunity to prove that live music can contribute to a sustainable future. From hydrogen-power to reusable cups and promoting low-carbon travel and sustainable food choices, we’re creating the blueprint for a new generation of green events in Scotland.”
DF Concerts also believes that live music should be accessible to everyone and has worked tirelessly throughout 2025, and in previous years, to remove barriers and create an inclusive environment across all events. By actively listening to what fans needed, several key improvements were made including the expansion of the Accessibility and Customer Service team in-house and on-site, the creation of in-depth accessible information guides for pre-event planning and an increase in accessible spaces across event sites.
These efforts led to a 33% rise in TRNSMT Accessible Applications compared to 2023, and an impressive 999.24% increase in accessible attendance at TRNSMT since 2017. In recognition of this work, the DF Concerts Accessibility Team received the National Inclusion Award at Visit Scotland’s Scottish Thistle Awards 2025.
As industry leaders, DF Concerts invited colleagues from the live events industry onsite to share how these initiatives were put into practice. By collaborating openly with others, best practices can be shared throughout the live music industry.
These achievements showcase DF Concerts’ dedication to leading the way in sustainable and inclusive live events, and setting new standards for the industry, as well as contributing to their own Play Our Part campaign. With innovation, collaboration and fan engagement at the heart of their approach, they are proving that eco-friendly and inclusive practices are an integral part of exciting, life-affirming live music experiences.
See the full lineup and ticket options for TRNSMT at trnsmtfest.com, and the announced Edinburgh and Glasgow Summer Session shows and tickets at smmrsession.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
Easter fun at the Alona Hotel
The four-star Alona Hotel in Strathclyde Park is to host an Easter children’s special show, Ms R and Friends, on Sunday 12 April.
READ MORE
Top 10 family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this February half term
From the World of Illusions to dazzling jellyfish lanterns, Scotland is packed with unforgettable adventures for the whole family to enjoy!
READ MORE
Des Clarke brings new comedy show, Life After Des, to Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow
After more than a decade away from touring (yes, ten full years), Des Clarke is back where he belongs... under the lights, mic in hand, oversharing for your entertainment.
READ MORE
Half term savings at Dobbies
Families looking for great-value half-term days out will find plenty to enjoy at Dobbies Garden Centres this February.
READ MORE
The fastest growing multi arts festival in Scotland returns for 2026
Kelburn Garden Party returns this July to the enchanted grounds of Kelburn Castle in Scotland, celebrating its 16th year of music, art, nature and adventure!
READ MORE
Commonwealth nations confirmed for 3x3 Basketball at Glasgow 2026
Glasgow 2026 has confirmed the nations set to compete in the 3x3 Basketball competition at this summer's Commonwealth Games.
READ MORE
February events at New Lanark promise chills and romance
New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site is set to deliver an exciting and atmospheric programme of events this February, offering something for both thrill-seekers and romantics alike.
READ MORE
The Scottish Motorhome, Caravan and Holiday Home Show: Everything You Need To Know
With up to 200 exhibitors showcasing everything from motorhomes to boats, e-bikes, tents and awnings, this year’s show has something for every type of adventure.
READ MORE
Dobbies launches Easter events with fun for families and four legged friends
Dobbies is inviting families and pets to join the Easter fun, with a fantastic selection of events to enjoy!
READ MORE
Record breaking Celtic Connections delivers message of hope and unity to the world
Celtic Connections has celebrated a stunning festival packed with live performances, record-breaking ticket sales and unique events!
READ MORE
Give mum a meaningful day at Dobbies
This Mother's Day, treat mum to a special experience at Dobbies Garden Centres, one that she'll cherish long after the day itself.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble set for Spring string quartet tour
Scottish Ensemble's first tour of 2026 will see luminous string quartet performances bringing the first light of Spring to venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
Aldi giving away vouchers every week to new parents with return of Mamia New Parent Fund
Aldi commits to supporting families with the return of its Mamia New Parent Fund for 2026, following the success of the programme last year, which saw thousands of parents apply.
READ MORE
A brand new international theatre show, dedicated to the music of Cher, is coming to Scotland
Rachael Hawnt, the winner of ITV's Starstruck, is leading a brand-new theatre show celebrating the incredible music of Cher.
READ MORE
Entries go live for Scottish Golf events season
Scottish Golf is excited to build on a successful 2025 championship season as entries go ‘live’ for a wide-ranging 2026 calendar of events.
READ MORE
itison launches itison Now, a new instant dining service
itison has launched itison Now, a new dining service that lets members enjoy 50% off food at some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
READ MORE
BBC Debate Night Comes to New Lanark
New Lanark World Heritage Site is delighted to announce that BBC Debate Night will be filmed at the World Heritage Site on Wednesday 4th February.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools return to The Events by David Greig
Wonder Fools, in association with Cumbernauld Theatre, will tour their new staging of David Greig's modern classic The Events across Scotland next month.
READ MORE
Scotland... the wait is over
After years of passionate requests, capital-letter enthusiasm and a steady stream of “BRU??” in their DMs, IRN-BRU has finally arrived at Cineworld Scotland.
READ MORE
Enjoy valentine and galentine days at M&Ds
If you're looking for a fun date night with your Valentine or a great time out with your pals for Galentine's Day, then head to M&D's Scotland's Theme Park!
READ MORE
Five unique Valentine experiences to enjoy across Scotland
With Valentine's Day falling on a Saturday this year, couples have the perfect excuse to celebrate with experiences rather than traditional gifts.
READ MORE
DF Concerts summer events generate 164.5million for Scottish economy
DF Concerts has today announced that its programme of summer 2025 live music events generated £164.6 million in total economic impact for Scotland.
READ MORE
The Glencairn Glass Crime Short Story Competition returns
The official glass for whisky, the Glencairn Glass, is once again raising a toast to crime fiction with the return of its popular annual Crime Short Story Competition.
READ MORE
Over half of British holidaymakers to opt for touring holiday over flights abroad in 2026
Survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers commissioned by Scotland's largest touring and holiday home show reveals shift in UK's holiday of choice.
READ MORE
Adoption event offers residents in Greater Glasgow the chance to change a life
A series of relaxed, no commitment, information events are being held by Kibble, a national children’s charity, for individuals and couples keen to explore adoption.
READ MORE
Tour de France unveils route for Scottish stage
The official route of the opening stage of the Tour de France in 2027, known as the Grand Depart, has been revealed with the event starting in Edinburgh on Friday 2nd July.
READ MORE
Explore heritage, creativity and adventure at New Lanark
New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site is inviting visitors to step into a rich programme of events running through January and February 2026.
READ MORE
World Party: Celtic Connections lights up winter as global festival begins
Glasgow bursts into life today welcoming the world to the biggest traditional winter music festival on the planet - as Celtic Connections kicks off 18 days of music, culture and celebration!
READ MORE
The best of British theatre takes centre stage at Vue
There's lots for theatre lovers to be excited about at Vue, with several productions taking over the big screen in the coming months.
READ MORE
Cow smart watch to go on display at National Museum of Rural Life
A new display at the National Museum of Rural Life will explore the future of farming in Scotland, from cutting edge scientific advances to the resurgence of crofting.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links