A round-up of environmental sustainability projects, both large and small, being undertaken by arts organisations from across the UK
1. Arcola Theatre, London
Arcola Theatre’s work to become the UK’s first carbon neutral theatre is well documented. Its work in environmental sustainability doesn’t end here however. In 2011 it will be running a series of green technology workshops. It has a Climate Week planned and has commissioned a new play on climate change to be written by a group of young people. Arcola is also continuing its work with BOC and White Light to develop a hydrogen-powered lighting system that will be trialled at Latitude Festival.
2. Arvon Foundation/The Hurst, Shropshire
With support from Arts Council England, Arvon Foundation is redeveloping The Hurst writers’ retreat to reduce long-term costs and carbon emissions. The aim is that the building, which dates from 1812, can become a model for energy reduction projects at other arts organisations that work in historic venues. As part of this work, Arvon is researching a number of renewable energy generation schemes. A major part of the funding will be used to install a ground source heat pump to heat the building.
3. The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
An excellent example of how even an organisation whose artistic output has little to do with sustainability can still benefit from incorporating sustainable practices into its work. A report by the Carbon Trust estimates that the work this theatre had done to reduce its energy use will result in savings of £29,989 and 240.6 tonnes of CO2 over 18 months. Energy reduction initiatives include converting lighting to low energy bulbs (including fitting new dimmable LED lights in the auditorium) and fitting sensor and splitter switches. The theatre has also reduced waste and energy use in its administration, catering, production, and community and education departments.
4. Croissant Neuf Summer Party, Monmouthshire
Croissant Neuf Summer Party won the ‘Greenest Festival’ category at the 2010 Greener Festival awards. Its work includes running an entirely solar-powered 1,000 capacity venue. At full volume, its high-quality sound system uses less power than a domestic fan heater. The Festival’s caterers also use solar power, the bar uses hand pumps and the beer glasses are biodegradable. At last year’s party, three trees were planted for every car that arrived and audiences were transported around the site by horse and cart, and wheelbarrow!
5. Glyndebourne, East Sussex
The days when helicopters could land on the lawn for this summer opera festival are long gone. Glyndebourne’s environmental priorities for 2011 include establishing and training a team of environmental champions, promoting public transport for audiences and staff, and continuing the carbon audit and energy reduction work that had been carried out with Julie’s Bicycle. Glyndebourne is also investing in renewable energy and waste reduction technology, with plans to construct a wind turbine and to buy a composting machine.
6. Hall for Cornwall, Truro
Hall for Cornwall received a ‘Highly Commended’ in the 2010 Cornwall Sustainability Awards for its energy and waste reduction initiatives. Its work includes weekly monitoring of energy and water use to identify waste and introducing low energy LED lights. Since 2005 it has reduced its energy use by 26%. The venue has also trained the housekeeping team in cleaning without chemicals, encourages staff and audiences to use public transport, and is committed to using local suppliers.
7. Kilter Theatre, Bath
Environmental sustainability is central to the whole ethos of this small West country theatre company. In 2010, Kilter was keen to start reaching new audiences and organised the first low-carbon tour of its production ‘Roots Replanted’. All the props and costumes were made from recycled materials, and the sets were made from salvage found at each site. Kilter’s stage manager also built a wind turbine to enable the company to light its set in the evenings with four LED floodlights. One full car battery gave the production 60 hours of lighting.
8. Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, London
The OAE recently completed its first 'Green Tour': a UK concert tour with a focus on green initiatives. The orchestra started by establishing a green team in the office, with representatives from each department. It then used Julie’s Bicycle’s Green Orchestras Guide to brainstorm a range of ideas. The principal areas of focus were musicians and audience transport, print and administration. Initiatives included organising group travel for performers, booking environmentally-friendly hotels, encouraging audiences to travel by public transport and including a carbon calculator on its website. The OAE also held a green week in the office to raise awareness and enthusiasm amongst the entire organisation.
9. Manchester International Festival
MIF has an internal Green Team and has worked with Positive Impact to introduce a range of sustainable working practices. Projects include reducing use of disposable water bottles, introducing eco loos, employing taxi companies that use hybrid cars and working with suppliers to increase recycling and composting. The Festival has also introduced sustainability themes to its artistic programme; 2011 will see the launch of a ‘Vertical Farm’ located in a disused Manchester tower block.
10. University of the Arts, London
The six colleges of the UAL are encouraging the next generation of artists and designers to incorporate environmental sustainability into their work through a range of initiatives. These include launching a fund to enable staff and students to address sustainability through the curriculum. The fund consists of ten grants of £3k that staff and students can bid for. Funded projects include introducing a course module where students produce sustainable performances and increasing the work that fashion students undertake on sustainability.
Read Lindsay's article on becoming eco economically by clicking here.