As you may recall, one of the International Nightlife Association’s (INA) most significant achievements this year was becoming the first nightlife organization to join the United Nations Conference of the Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO). As part of CoNGOthrough ECOSOC, the INA aligns its initiatives with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda, advocating for a more sustainable nightlife industry through innovation, social responsibility, and energy efficiency.
Following this achievement, we are proud to announce that the INA recently presented a Sustainability and Nightlife Report before the CoNGO, reaffirming its commitment to promoting environmental responsibility within the global nightlife industry. This academic-scientific report, developed in collaboration with the Appleton Private University through its Faculty of Nightlife Studies, highlights the industry's challenges, innovative solutions, and ongoing initiatives designed to align nightlife operations with sustainability principles.
The key highlights of the report are the following:
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The International Nightlife Quality Service (INQS) seal, which was created in 2017, incorporates sustainability criteria to encourage responsible venue management. This distinction is part of the Triple Excellence in Nightlife.
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The Triple Excellence in Nightlife distinction, promoting best practices in safety, quality, and sustainability.
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Strategic alliances, including INA’s collaboration with Bye Bye Plastic that’s been ongoing since 2023, to eliminate single-use plastics and implement circular economy models.
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The Faculty of Nightlife Studies launch in 2024, in partnership with Appleton Private University, will offer courses, diplomas, and training on sustainability for nightlife professionals by the end of this year.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in INA’s distinctions, Golden Moon Awards, and the Faculty of Nightlife Studies
For the past two years, the International Nightlife Association (INA) has partnered with the Bye Bye Plastic Foundation to drive sustainability within the nightlife industry. Bye Bye Plastic, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating plastics from the music and events sector, has worked alongside INA to implement eco-friendly practices internally and within clubs and venues worldwide.
This partnership has embedded sustainability into INA’s distinctions and award programs, including the International Nightlife Quality Service (INQS) distinction. Moreover, last Earth Day, INA strengthened its sustainability requirements within INQS—part of the Triple Excellence in Nightlife—focusing on reducing single-use plastics, lowering carbon footprints, using clean energy, prioritizing local products, and promoting social responsibility. The INA also participates with Bye Bye Plasticin events promoting sustainability in nightlife, such as the recent participation in the Night Time Economy Summit organized by the Night Time Industries Association(NTIA UK), a member of the INA, in Birmingham, UK, this past February.
Furthermore, in the annual Golden Moon Awards framework the award for Most Sustainable Venue highlights venues that have gone above and beyond with sustainability initiatives. Some recognized clubs include Club La Feria from Chile for having 100% renewable energy and Port du Soleil from Sweden for various energy efficiency measures. Also, sustainability will play a decisive role in the confection of The World's 100 Best Clubs™ 2025 list. Remember, nominations are open until March 31, and public voting will run from April 15 to October 31. An expert panel will evaluate nominees from October 1 to November 1, with sustainability practices being considered with the professional jury accounting for 50% of the final decision. The rankings will be announced at the 10th Golden Moon Awards Gala on November 19.
Additionally, the INA, in collaboration with Appleton Private University, launched the world’s first Faculty of Nightlife Studies, to educate and empower professionals while positioning nightlife as a leader in responsible and sustainable management.
INA & Bye Bye Plastic: Two Years of Collaboration for a More Sustainable Nightlife
At last, the International Nightlife Association (INA) also proudly celebrates Zero Plastic Club, a pioneering initiative by Bye Bye Plastic that has driven sustainability in nightlife. As an official partner, INA is committed to promoting eco-friendly practices worldwide in clubs and entertainment venues.
In just two years, Zero Plastic Club has helped eliminate 323,000 plastic bottles annually, saving nearly 5 tons of plastic and cutting CO₂ emissions. This initiative proves that sustainability and nightlife can coexist. INA supports innovative solutions like the International Nightlife Quality Service (INQS) certification, which promotes plastic-free operations, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
Alongside Bye Bye Plastic, INA is committed to creating a greener nightlife industry by working with clubs, festivals, and hospitality leaders to implement sustainable alternatives. Notable Zero Plastic Club venues include La Machine du Moulin Rouge, Rex Club, Badaboum, Le Sucre, Macadam, IBOAT, Kilomètre25, Glazart, Rosa Bonheur, A La Folie, and more.
As INA continues to align with global sustainability goals, we remain dedicated to supporting venues and professionals in their transition towards a greener future. Through strong partnerships, industry-leading certifications, and innovative initiatives, we are shaping the next era of nightlife—one that is safe, sustainable, and socially responsible.
