Sustainability

Rock am Ring stands not only for unforgettable live moments, but also for responsibility towards the environment and society. That is why we are continuously working to make the festival sustainable. Since 2025, we have gone one step further and strengthened our commitment with our own sustainability team and strategic sustainability management in accordance with ISO 20121.

Our focus: Less waste, more green energy, climate-friendly mobility, and a festival environment that promotes diversity and inclusion. Here you can find out what has already been achieved and what goals we have set ourselves for 2026. And because change is best achieved together: send us your ideas to sustainability@rock-am-ring.com! Together, we are making Rock am Ring fit for the future.

1. Sustainability management

Rock am Ring is supported by a professional sustainability team and external consulting from mediapool. A decisive step in 2025 was the introduction of a sustainable event management system in accordance with DIN ISO 20121. It provides companies and event organizers with clear guidelines on how to plan and implement their events in an environmentally friendly, socially responsible, legally compliant, and economically sustainable manner. Certification according to this standard demonstrates that sustainability is an integral part of your event processes. We have developed a clear sustainability policy that applies not only to us. We actively share this vision with all our partners and invite them to join us on this journey – so that together we can achieve more.

What is already happening in concrete terms?

  • Involvement of all stakeholders and prioritization of key areas of action
  • Analysis of all greenhouse gas emission areas to identify reduction potential and monitor the effectiveness of measures taken
  • Three-year certification process with independent consulting for greater transparency and quality assurance
  • Close cooperation with Rock am Ring for the efficient implementation of sustainability measures

 2. Sustainable catering

A festival without food? Unimaginable! Our catering partner GTB Gastro Team Bremen has been committed to environmentally friendly solutions for years and ensures that delicious, healthy food and sustainability go hand in hand.

What is planned for 2026?

  • Use of reusable cups and a plastic-free food court
  • CO2 footprint monitoring and corresponding labeling of all dishes
  • Expansion of vegetarian and vegan offerings (already 60% by 2025)
  • Complete elimination of single-use plastic throughout the catering area
  • Sustainability guidelines for all catering partners

3. Green energy supply

Stages, light shows, loudspeakers – a festival like Rock am Ring consumes a lot of energy. We want to make this consumption as climate-friendly as possible. Our goal is to largely replace fossil fuels and focus on sustainable energy solutions. We are aware that effective climate protection requires an end to our dependence on fossil fuels.

Our measures:

  • Efficient use of construction vehicles to minimize environmental impact
  • Examination of the use of HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil) as an interim solution on the path to a 100% renewable energy supply
  • Review of the use of battery systems instead of generators
  • Purchase of green electricity for the Nürburgring
  • Continuous monitoring of CO2(e) emissions from fossil fuel energy supply
  • Increased use of e-mobility
  • Review of the efficient use of lighting technology and design

4. Waste prevention & recycling

When you celebrate, you produce waste – there’s no way around it. But we can ensure that as little as possible is produced or ends up in the environment. We are working to minimize the ecological footprint of Rock am Ring with targeted concepts for waste prevention, separation, and recycling.

This is what we are committed to: 

  • Systematic collection and separation of all waste generated to promote sustainable development
  • Introduction of “Side Controlling” for detailed waste analysis in close cooperation with recycling management partners
  • Focus on continuous reduction of single-use plastic
  • Recommendation for a sustainable packing list for all campers
  • Expansion of recyclable material collection in the camping and production areas
  • Separate disposal of food waste
  • Sustainability guidelines for all partners on the premises

5. Campsite & Green Camping

Camping is an indispensable part of the festival experience at Rock am Ring and an area with great potential for sustainable improvements. By expanding our proven Green Camping concept from 2024, we are demonstrating that partying and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive – they go hand in hand.

This is what is happening:

  • Concept for on-site tent rental to avoid lugging and waste
  • Collaboration with initiatives to reduce waste in camping areas
  • Deployment of a trash task force in selected areas
  • Optimization of waste disposal through improved collection points and adapted recycling stations
  • Call for the use of environmentally friendly hygiene products to ensure pollutant-free wastewater disposal
  • Use of Finizio dry toilets
  • Awareness campaigns for sustainable camping

6. Commitment & Diversity

Sustainability is more than just a green concept – it is the interplay of ecological awareness, social responsibility, and respectful coexistence. This is exactly where we come in at Rock am Ring: our goal is to create a space where environmental awareness, diversity, and mutual respect are not only demanded but also practiced.

We are committed:

 We actively oppose racism, sexism, and all forms of discrimination, and we promote fair and safe coexistence.

  • In 2025, we introduced the Code of Conduct, which provides clear guidelines for respectful interaction and active diversity.
  • Through collaborations with experts in the fields of diversity, inclusion, and awareness, we are continuously broadening our perspectives.
  • We are creating a platform for NGOs that are committed to social and environmental issues – for more exchange, inspiration, and joint action.
  • Rock am Ring should be a place where everyone is welcome and can feel comfortable – a safe space with open communication, tolerance, and humanity.
  • This year, we used our guest list at Rock am Ring to collect donations for “Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe” – in aid of a project for children and young people in the Ahr Valley.

 You can find all information about inclusion at here.

Our sustainability goals, which are based on the ISO 20121 process, will be evaluated and independently reviewed after the festival. They serve as the basis for our goals in the coming year.

Rock am Ring is going green – with your help! Because change is most successful when we work together. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Then write to us: sustainability@rock-am-ring.com.

Rock am Ring is about shared experiences, music and freedom; an appreciative and considerate atmosphere is also crucial to this.

What we stand for:

I. Taking responsibility

 Respectful and mindful interaction with one another is the basis for a safe and positive festival experience.

  • Respect: Please treat everyone with respect.
  • Consideration: Please look out for each other and take responsibility for each other’s well-being. This includes respecting and observing one’s own limits, but also those of others.

II. Mindful action

Mindfulness creates an environment in which everyone feels comfortable and safe.

  • Mindfulness & support: Look out for each other. If you experience or observe instances of inappropriate behaviour, address it or contact the established points of contact (e.g. WhatsApp hotline).
  • Communication:. If something is unclear, it is better to ask once more than to simply assume. “No means No”. Physical and verbal proximity is always based on mutual consent and should never be taken for granted.

III. No place for discrimination

There is no place for derogatory or exclusionary behaviour at our festival. This includes statements or actions that are directed against a person’s appearance, gender, origin, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age or social and economic status. Especially we reject all forms of racism and antisemitism.

Anyone who does not adhere to these principles can be excluded from the event.

Let’s work together to make Rock am Ring a place where everyone can party without a care in the world!