Three steps to net zero
Quick start
Before you start
Quick start
Step 1
COMMIT
Commit to reducing your environmental impact and starting the transition to net zero.
There’s more in the Detailed Guidance available here.
Step 2
GREEN COMMITTEE
Establish a GREEN COMMITTEE including a sustainability lead, a member of the senior leadership team, and a lead for each area – Productions, Operations and Buildings – and key staff members.
There’s more in the Detailed Guidance here.
To reach basic
Quick start
Sustainable Productions
Reuse and recycle
REUSE AND RECYCLING: Keep an inventory of materials: sets and scenery, props and furniture, costumes. 50% of each category should have been used previously. 65% should be used again after the show.
DONE? Download a record sheet here
- Download an easy calculator here
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At intermediate level, the percentages will increase.
Harmful Materials
NEW MATERIALS : Source new materials sustainably if possible. Avoid PVC, tropical hardwoods and polystyrene where possible.
Done? Download a record sheet here
- Download an easy calculator here
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At advanced level, these materials must be avoided
Technical Theatre
TECHNICAL : Use re-used or hired equipment where possible. Make a plan to reduce the impact of your practice across all technical departments (see Technical worksheet).
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- The Technical Worksheet is part of the full Production Calculator here
- There’s more in Detailed Guidance here
- At intermediate level, you will start to implement the plan
Prioritise sustainable transport
CO-PRODUCTION / TOURING: Use sustainable transport methods where possible. Choose accommodation within walking distance of venues.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
Separate WASTE
Separate WASTE
Sustainable Operations
Share the message with staff and partners
COMMUNICATE your sustainability goals and systems to staff, visitors and the public. ENGAGE your audiences on the journey.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- Download an easy calculator here
- You can download an Operations Tracker here
- At intermediate level you will need to introduce Climate Literacy training and share your knowledge with other theatres.
Make a plan to reduce paper
Make a plan and timetable to REDUCE PAPER and switch to digital alternatives for tickets, documents etc.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There’s more in the Detailed Guidance here.
- You can download an Operations Tracker here. It contains suggestions for a plan.
- At intermediate level you will need to start implementing the plan and make a plan for digital.
Make a plan for single-use plastics
Make a plan and timetable to reduce SINGLE-USE PLASTICS in your front and back of house operations.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There is more detailed guidance here
- You can download an Operations Tracker here. It contains suggestions for a plan.
- At intermediate level you will need to start implementing the plan.
Manage building systems to cut energy
RECORD energy readings every month.
TRAIN staff and visitors in energy-saving behaviour. Set CONTROLS (timers and thermostats) to minimise energy use.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There’s more detailed guidance here.
- You can download an Operations Tracker here. It includes suggestions for reducing building energy use.
- For IMPROVEMENTS to the building see the buildings section here.
Separate waste
Separate WASTE between recycling and general waste and measure both.
DONE? Download a record sheet here
- There’s more detailed guidance here.
- You can download an Operations Tracker here. It includes suggestions for how to reduce waste.
- At intermediate level you will need to measure and reduce waste.
Promote sustainable transport
Provide STAFF, ARTISTS, VISITORS and AUDIENCES with information on sustainable transport options.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There’s more detailed guidance here.
- You can download an Operations Tracker here.
- At intermediate level you will make a Sustainable Transport Plan.
Sustainable Buildings
Make a plan for your buildings
Prepare a Sustainability PLAN identifying Easy Wins, Maintenance projects and Capital Projects.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- You can download a Building Survey tool here.
- There’s more in the Detailed Guidance here
- At intermediate level you will need to develop the plan further, with professional help.
Do the easy wins for service
Learn all you can about your BUILDING SYSTEMS, identify easy wins. Put them in hand and list next steps:
- Heating and colling (eg. timers / thermostats)
- Lighting (eg. movement detectors)
- Hot water (eg. timers / thermostats)
- Ventilation (eg. CO2 detectors)
- Other (eg. lifts, catering equipment)
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- You can download a Building Survey tool here. It helps you identify easy wins.
- There’s more in the Detailed Guidance here
Install planters
Install PLANTERS around your building where possible. Identify opportunities for new planting or GREEN ROOFS.
DONE? Download a record sheet here.
- There’s more in the Detailed Guidance here.
- At Intermediate level, you will need to expand your planting where possible.
Separate WASTE
Separate WASTE
Separate WASTE
You'll find all you need in the RESOURCES area
Sustainable Productions
for…
- Downloadable Production Calculator
- More detailed guidance
- Case studies
- Toolkit
Sustainable Operations
for…
- Downloadable Operations Tracker
- More detailed guidance
- Case studies
- Toolkit
Sustainable Buildings
for…
- Downloadable Building Survey Tool
- More detailed guidance
- Case studies
- Toolkits
Certification
for…
- Downloadable Self-certification forms
- Sustainability Glossary