The Black Box
The Black Box is an award-winning arts venue based in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast City Centre. It is a vital incubatory space where creative risk-taking is celebrated, supporting emerging artists, organisers and cultural activists.
Our core values include supporting equity, access, and social inclusion, and ensuring environmental sustainability in how we achieve this. We are committed to minimising the environmental impact of the everyday in the venue, and continue to operate side by side with our customers and stakeholders to reinforce our policy. We have received the Bronze award from Green Tourism NI, and continue to refer to the valuable input provided by The Theatre Green Book to develop our policies.
As an organization we recognise the impact our activity has on the environment and that we have a responsibility to act on climate change and environmental sustainability. Music, the arts and venues are great connectors, and we can lead by doing.
We recognise by the nature of the activity we carry out there is a lot of paper, plastic, and cardboard waste. Stage lighting, PA systems and fridges use a lot of energy from non-renewable energy sources. We are committed to reduce waste, save energy, be proactive in raising awareness and integrate this attitude at every level of operations.
We will achieve these goals through our commitment to:
Recycling waste,
Donating empty plastic kegs and other packaging to the Play Resource Centre,
Using paper straws, biodegradable cups, and napkins,
Using ceramic crockery where possible,
Only turning on aircon or heating 30mins before events,
Powering down all electrical equipment when not in use
Encouraging paperless ticketing
Enforcing ‘Green Riders’ to reduce food waste and no plastic water bottle policy
Promoting free water bottle refilling
Promoting fun incentives like reusing craft beer cans as plant pots.
We are committed to:
Complying with all relevant legislation and regulations.
Continually assessing and improving energy efficiency,
Continually working to reduce waste, and reuse and/or recycle materials produced by activity of the venue.
Reduce the amount of water and electricity used in the venue,
Enforce and involve our Green Policy with stakeholders, staff, performers, promoters and the public.
Regularly review the environmental impact of the venue and our activities to reduce our overall environmental impact and prevent waste using best practice techniques, update policies and practices when needed
Work closely with Belfast City Council other environmental advisors and regulators to receive energy and waste reducing advice and improve our overall environmental impact.