“Sustainable Practices Highlighted at Dundee Design Festival”

Scotland’s growing focus on sustainability is paving the way for designers to showcase their resourcefulness and creativity. The Dundee Design Festival (DDF) is at the forefront of this movement, emphasizing the importance of utilizing materials and resources in a responsible manner. The festival’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond just a theme, it is an integral part of their approach and values.

Celebrating its fifth edition, DDF has expanded to over 10,000sq m of space, with every festival action and decision being evaluated against a sustainability matrix. The team is dedicated to using less than 30% of virgin materials for the festival, implementing strategies such as recycling beverage cans into steam for heating nearby buildings. Moreover, partnerships in renewable energy and sustainable transport have been established to reduce the festival’s environmental impact.

The venue for DDF, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP), has been transformed into a hub for over 100 designers, showcasing local, national, and international design talent. By repurposing materials from previous exhibitions, such as high-quality structural materials from V&A Dundee and Bard, DDF is working towards its goal of minimal new material usage.

In Scotland, eliminating waste is a common goal, and DDF reflects this ethos by focusing on low-carbon options for constructing festival infrastructure. By working with MSIP, DDF has a longer lead time compared to other events, allowing for transformation of readily available materials into visually stunning displays, strengthening local ties in the process.

Collaborations with organizations sharing similar sustainability values have been a key focus for DDF. By prioritizing sustainability and design, the festival aims to set an example of how cultural events can reduce their collective carbon footprint. Through partnerships with sustainable transportation providers like Ember, DDF is making eco-friendly choices accessible to visitors from all across Scotland.

Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and DDF is constantly learning from designers pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices. By engaging with visitors about these initiatives, the festival hopes to inspire more sustainable choices in everyday life. With a focus on empowerment and education, DDF is setting the stage for a greener future in design and beyond.