Our Sustainability Policy

Since its beginnings, Paléo has always placed sustainability at the heart of its concerns.

From waste sorting to providing public transport, soil protection, installing a solar farm and using reusable tableware, the Festival is committed to 360° sustainability.

Learn more about our values

This commitment has been recognized by the “A Greener Festival” certification awarded by A Greener Future (AGF).

Paléo is the first French-speaking Swiss festival certified by AGF and received the “Community Action Award” in recognition of its commitment to social inclusion and its strong ties with the local community.

Discover all our certifications

Paléo promotes public transport

Providing a public transport network that allows as many people as possible to enjoy the Festival without using a car is a priority. Thanks to an expanded offer of special trains and buses set up in collaboration with SBB, NStCM and TCS, the Paléo Festival enables everyone to return home late at night, from Geneva to Fribourg, via Neuchâtel, Porrentruy or Brig.

Between 2005 and today, the proportion of festivalgoers using public transport to reach the Festival site has increased from 27% to 50%. The objective is now to further increase this figure and reduce the number of vehicles travelling to the site. The Festival therefore encourages everyone to use public transport or carpool. At the same time, Paléo supports active mobility and develops options for reaching the event by bike or on foot.

Free trains and buses from Nyon station to the Festival
Two temporary railway stations connecting around twenty special transport lines
Special night trains serving the Lake Geneva region and Fribourg
PostBus services in the Nyon region
TCS buses connecting major cities in French-speaking Switzerland
Special buses at Lausanne and Geneva stations serving city districts
Lighting on the road leading to the Festival (Route de St-Cergue)
Secure bicycle parking and illuminated signage for cyclists and pedestrians between Nyon/Prangins and the Festival

Paléo promotes waste sorting and reduces waste

The “Aspirators” team cleans the grounds and sorts the waste generated by the Festival. Wearing green uniforms, they maintain sanitary facilities and ensure the many bins on site do not overflow. Thanks to their work, 60% of waste is recycled. The Festival is working to increase this percentage.

Purchase of reusable deposit-based tableware to reduce single-use plastic and rental for regional events 
Logistics chain for dishwashing in the Canton of Vaud in collaboration with Ecomanif 
Full site clean-up including micro-waste (e.g., cigarette butts) 
Specific waste bins (PET, aluminum, waste, glass) and recycling points for food stalls 
Ban on flyering and sample distribution 
Communication materials printed exclusively on recycled paper 
Circular economy measures for equipment and materials 
Gradual replacement of water bottles with drinking fountains 
Bottle holders distributed to volunteers 
Incentive ashtrays 
Prevention measures: big-screen video clips, sorting kits at the campsite 
Plastic straws replaced with compostable starch straws in all bars and stalls

Paléo consumes locally 

A study of Paléo’s ecological footprint shows the significant impact of food and beverage consumption. The Festival therefore works with more local producers to prepare meals for its 5,500 volunteers (nearly 50,000 meals served annually). Food stalls are encouraged to offer more local, organic, and vegetarian products. A wide selection of Swiss wines is available in Festival bars. 

Sourcing local producers 
Seasonal menu and daily vegetarian options in the staff restaurant 
Awareness campaigns for food stalls to reduce environmental impact 
Majority of Swiss wines in bars 
Promotion of eco-responsible stands with the green “fresh & local” label 
Local alternatives to artists’ requested food and drinks

Paléo uses green energy 

Since 2006, Paléo is committed to using a 100% green, renewable, and local energy mix. In 2026, a new milestone is reached with the installation of a solar farm supplying the Festival, its offices year-round, and the Asse district. The Festival continues implementing measures to reduce electricity consumption, aiming ultimately for energy autonomy. 

Solar farm producing 100,000 kWh per year 
100% green energy during the Festival and year-round in offices 
Energy-efficient lighting systems 
One-click shut-off switches for bars and the stalls 
Timers to optimize electrical consumption 
Encouraging suppliers to use Class A equipment

Paléo saves water 

Following an audit, Paléo continues to implement measures to reduce water consumption. 

Flow reducers 
Waterless urinals in selected areas 
Systematic shutdown of water urinals after closing 
Natural heating of water used to clean cups

Paléo produces ethical and eco-friendly merchandise 

The Paléo Shop offers trendy clothing produced sustainably and responsibly, prioritizing short supply chains. 

Reduced cotton use in favor of Modal® 
Products meet at least Oeko-Tex 100 standards 
Collaboration with Fair Wear audited companies 
Partnerships with companies sharing sustainable values 
Stock management optimization 
Donation of unsold/old collections to charities or correctional centers 
Strict regulation of sponsor giveaways 
Priority on reusable and recyclable materials

Paléo preserves soil and biodiversity 

A commitment to preserving the 80-hectare site spanning five municipalities and twenty landowners, crossed by the Asse river and a wooded ecological corridor. 