1. Introduction / Statement of Commitment

The London Latino Film Festival CIC (LoLaFF) is committed to celebrating Latin American cinema in a manner that respects the environment, advances social equity, and fosters long-term sustainability. As a new festival, we recognise our responsibility to embed sustainable practices across all aspects of operations, including screenings, workshops, panels, educational programmes, and audience engagement.

Our sustainability strategy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By integrating these principles into our programming and operations, LoLaFF aims to minimise environmental impact while fostering cultural exchange, education, and inclusion.

We are committed to building a festival that celebrates creativity and diversity while serving as a model for responsible cultural practice in the UK and globally. Sustainability is not only an operational imperative but a central value that guides all decision-making and partnerships.

2. Objectives

The objectives of LoLaFF’s Environmental Sustainability Plan are to:

• Reduce environmental impact across all festival activities, including energy use, waste generation, and materials consumption.
• Promote low-carbon travel for staff, artists, guests, and audiences, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with attendance and participation.
• Partner with sustainable venues, suppliers, and collaborators who demonstrate commitment to eco-friendly practices and responsible sourcing.
• Raise awareness among audiences and participants about environmental responsibility and the role of cultural organisations in achieving sustainability.
• Collect data and establish a baseline for environmental impact, enabling measurable improvement over successive editions of the festival.
• Embed sustainability education into programming, including panels, workshops, and discussions highlighting environmental practices in filmmaking and film exhibition.
• By achieving these objectives, LoLaFF directly contributes to the advancement of the SDGs, particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while also fostering community awareness of environmental issues.

3. Actions / Practices

3.1 Sustainable Venues

• Prioritise cinemas, galleries, and screening spaces with energy-efficient facilities and comprehensive recycling programmes.
• Minimise energy use during screenings and events, employing LED lighting, timers, and efficient audiovisual equipment.
• Select venues that are accessible via public transport to reduce audience carbon footprints (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).

3.2 Low-Waste Practices

• Implement digital tickets, online programmes, and electronic communications to minimise paper use.
• Print only essential materials using recycled paper and vegetable-based or eco-friendly inks.
• Reduce single-use plastics and disposable items in catering, hospitality, and festival operations.
• Encourage reuse and recycling by providing clearly labelled bins and partnering with vendors committed to circular economy principles (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).

3.3 Responsible Travel

• Promote public transport, cycling, and walking for audiences, staff, and artists.
• Prioritise local and UK-based filmmakers, speakers, and collaborators to reduce travel emissions.
• Explore carbon offsetting options for international travel, in partnership with certified offset programmes (SDG 13: Climate Action).

3.4 Sustainable Partnerships

• Work with local suppliers, caterers, and partners who prioritise ethical sourcing, minimal environmental impact, and fair labour practices.
• Source locally-produced, seasonal, and ethically certified food, beverages, and materials wherever possible.
• Engage partners in sustainability training and encourage shared responsibility for reducing environmental impact (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

3.5 Education and Awareness

• Integrate sustainability discussions into panels, workshops, and educational sessions.
• Highlight environmental considerations in filmmaking, production, and exhibition practices.
• Provide audiences with guidance on reducing their own environmental impact while attending the festival (SDG 4: Quality Education).

3.6 Continuous Improvement

• Collect and analyse data on energy use, waste generation, and travel practices to establish a baseline.
• Use findings to develop a detailed Environmental Action Plan for subsequent editions.
• Review and refine sustainability targets annually to ensure continuous improvement.

4. Monitoring & Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To embed accountability and measure success, LoLaFF will monitor:

• Energy efficiency: target a reduction of 5% in energy consumption per screening in the first year.
• Waste reduction: aim for at least 70% of festival materials recycled or reused.
• Sustainable travel: target 50% of staff, guests, and audiences using low-carbon transport options.
• Supplier engagement: ensure 80% of vendors and partners meet basic sustainability criteria.

Data collected during the first festival edition will establish baselines for future improvements, allowing LoLaFF to progressively increase targets, adopt recognised standards (e.g., BFI and Julie’s Bicycle), and track performance against global best practices.

5. Alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

LLFF recognises its role in advancing sustainability through culture, arts, and education. Key alignments include:

• SDG 4 – Quality Education: embedding sustainability and environmental awareness in panels, workshops, and public engagement.
• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: prioritising energy-efficient equipment, venues, and operations.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: promoting low-carbon travel and accessible venues.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: reducing waste, minimising resource consumption, and partnering with ethical suppliers.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: monitoring carbon footprints and exploring offsetting solutions.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: incorporating biodiversity awareness in catering, production, and supplier choices.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: collaborating with local and international partners to drive systemic sustainability impact.

6. Future Plans

The 2025 edition represents the beginning of LoLaFF’s environmental sustainability journey. Future initiatives include:

• Adopting recognised environmental certification schemes for cultural organisations.
• Expanding green procurement policies and sustainable supply chains.
• Implementing more robust carbon tracking and reduction strategies.
• Strengthening partnerships with environmental NGOs, arts networks, and sustainability consultancies.
• Creating a long-term strategy to embed circular economy principles across all festival operations.

7. Conclusion

The London Latino Film Festival CIC is committed to delivering a festival that is vibrant, culturally rich, and environmentally responsible. By embedding sustainability into every aspect of programming, operations, and partnerships, LoLaFF seeks to create a lasting impact — not only in celebrating Latin American cinema but also in modelling how cultural institutions can actively contribute to a more sustainable world.

We believe that sustainability and artistic excellence are mutually reinforcing, and through this approach, LoLaFF will continue to inspire audiences, artists, and partners to act responsibly and creatively, ensuring that our festival is both culturally transformative and environmentally conscious.