Lichtfest Leipzig mit Kerzenpodest zur Feier der Friedlichen Revolution im Herbst 89 in Leipzig
© Philipp Kirschner/LTM

As a public event that is free to attend, the Leipzig Festival of Lights is open to everyone who is interested. This also aims to address the specific aspect of social participation. At the Festival of Lights, we see sustainability as an ongoing process of improvement. Our current focus is primarily on materials, such as tea lights and candle holders, consistent waste separation, event technology, energy consumption monitoring, as well as mobility and communication.

The video provides an insight into the measures implemented at the Leipzig Festival of Lights 2024. These included 20,000 reusable cups at the candle stands, which are to be collected and stored after the event for reuse at future Festivals of Lights. The video also highlights individual approaches to the use of materials, waste separation, transport and digital communication. The measures presented relate to the planning and delivery of the 2024 Festival of Lights and form part of the ongoing process of improvement.

  • At the 2024 Leipzig Festival of Lights, 20,000 reusable cups replaced the previous PET cups for candles for the first time. The cups are collected after the event, placed in storage and reused for future Festivals of Lights. The reusable cups are made of polypropylene and designed for repeated use. According to the manufacturer, they are also recyclable. The reusable cups are supplied by EmotionVibe, a company based in Chemnitz - this can shorten transport distances in this area of procurement compared with suppliers located further away.

  • The Leipzig Festival of Lights also avoids conventional tea lights made from paraffin wax with aluminium casings. Instead, tea lights made from rapeseed wax with casings made from recycled plastic are used. Tea lights already purchased will be used up first to avoid disposing of functional materials and making unnecessary new purchases.

  • Reusable materials will also be used on the 9ᵗʰ of October for the candle stands and to provide refreshments for the volunteers on site (candle stands with information about digitally available content, vacuum flasks and reusable drinking cups).

  • Together with Stadtreinigung Leipzig, collection points have been set up for waste separation. All volunteers on site will be briefed so that they can also provide visitors with accurate information.

The tender documents for participating artists request specific information on sustainability aspects, including travel planning, use of materials, reusability of installations and technical energy efficiency. For collaborations, we primarily consider local partners. Where organisationally possible, coordination takes place digitally to avoid additional business travel. Unavoidable business travel is recorded and calculated using a greenhouse gas calculator (primarily E-Tool). To address the resulting emissions, LTM supports regional and local (climate action) projects to a corresponding extent.

We consciously select and work with local service providers (in Leipzig and the surrounding region) for technology, infrastructure and procurement, thereby reducing the necessary transport distances. For new structures, we primarily consider materials containing recycled content and designs that can be reused after the Leipzig Festival of Lights. For subsequent use, we seek collaborations with local associations and initiatives. Wherever possible, we use LED technology and reusable technical equipment for event production. Energy consumption on the day of the event is recorded and evaluated when planning future editions of the Leipzig Festival of Lights.

Since 2021, we have calculated the carbon footprint of the Leipzig Festival of Lights. This takes account of electricity consumption, mobility (artists and the transport of materials and technical equipment), printed materials, and catering for project partners and volunteers), among other factors. We use the results to identify potential savings for future events. Since 2022, LTM has also supported regional (climate action) projects,  such as NABU Leipzig, through donations. This support does not replace reducing emissions from the event itself; it complements our measures to reduce energy consumption, the use of materials and avoidable travel.

For work-related journeys connected with the Festival of Lights, we prioritise travel on foot, by bicycle, public transport and rail wherever organisationally possible. We assess air travel on a case-by-case basis and avoid it wherever a suitable alternative is available. If flights are taken, we record the associated emissions and also support local projects. Donations to local projects do not offset these emissions.

On the 9ᵗʰ of October, the Festival of Lights team mainly travels around the city centre on foot, by bicycle or cargo bicycle. We recommend that visitors travel by public transport, bicycle or other shared mobility services. Information about public transport stops and bicycle parking facilities will be provided in good time before the Festival of Lights. 

Information about the Festival of Lights is primarily published digitally. Printed materials are used only where necessary to provide information to visitors. Poster designs are also made available digitally. Wherever possible, designs for items such as roll-up banners are kept general (without a year) so that they can be reused for many years. 

When planning the programme, we ensure diverse participation and aim for the most balanced gender representation possible among the participating artists. We use gender-inclusive language in our own texts.

To ensure that the Festival of Lights and its individual projects are as accessible as possible, we provide services including sign language interpreters, audio guides and wheelchair-accessible routes to the installations. Further detailed information about accessibility at the Leipzig Festival of Lights and its projects will be provided soon. 

© LTM/Emilie Dias

© Punctum/Alexander Schmidt

© Punctum/Alexander Schmidt