Resources
Where to come when it all gets a little overwhelming. Easy, straightforward advice.
Getting Started
At Green Arts NI, we are a collective of arts organisations committed to working together to ensure that Northern Ireland's vibrant arts sector thrives sustainably. We believe that through collaboration and shared knowledge, we can make meaningful strides toward a greener future for our arts community.
This resource page is designed to provide you with straightforward, easy-to-follow checklists and helpful materials relevant to your organisation—whether you are a venue, a small organisation, or an individual artist. Here, you’ll find practical ideas for implementing sustainable practices that can have a positive impact on our environment.
Let's dive into our checklists to help you get started on your sustainability journey!
Checklist 1: For Small Organisations
The following checklist is a great way to get started:
- Sign up to the THEATRE GREEN BOOK.
- COMMIT to reducing your environmental impact, and starting the transition to net zero.
- Create an Environment Policy that is annually reviewed.
- Build a Green Team including a member of the senior leadership team or Board, with members assigned to key areas: Productions, Travel and Transportation, Operations and (if relevant) Buildings.
- Contribute to sustainability through your creative practice and raise awareness about the environmental crisis.
- AGREE a Green Plan: an action plan setting out the steps you need to reach the next Green Book stage, and a timescale to achieve it.
- Make a DATA PLAN to set out what you are going to measure and who is responsible.
- Set a COMMUNICATIONS PLAN to explain how you will share your targets and achievements, involving staff, partners and audiences.
Some Helpful Ideas:
- Use recycled paper and limit printing.
- Reuse stationery (ink cartridges, envelopes, batteries).
- Recycle and reuse costumes/sets or purchase second hand.
- Source materials from local providers.
- Limit unnecessary energy use by turning off lights and equipment.
- Be mindful of travel; consider reducing transport use, shared travel or using bicycles/public transport.
- Investigate carbon offsetting for necessary air travel.
- Ensure compliance with relevant environmental regulations.
- Keep all staff informed about sustainability practices.
Remember:
- Focus on what you can control and don’t worry about what you can’t.
- Prioritize actions that have the most impact.
Checklist 2: For Venues
The following checklist is a great way to get started:
- Sign up to the THEATRE GREEN BOOK.
- COMMIT to reducing your environmental impact, and starting the transition to net zero.
- Create an Environment Policy that is annually reviewed.
- Build a Green Team including a member of the senior leadership team or Board, with members assigned to key areas: Productions, Travel and Transportation, Operations and (if relevant) Buildings.
- AGREE a Green Plan: an action plan setting out the steps you need to reach the next Green Book stage, and a timescale to achieve it.
- Make a DATA PLAN to set out what you are going to measure and who is responsible.
- Set a COMMUNICATIONS PLAN to explain how you will share your targets and achievements, involving staff, partners and audiences.
Good Practices
- Reduce energy use with an energy-efficient heating system and LED lighting.
- Use environmentally friendly cleaning materials.
- Minimise waste with digital tickets, digital displays, and reusable cups and plates.
Better Practices
- Produce a Sustainability Policy.
- Source locally produced food and drink. Vegetarian where possible.
- Provide recycling and composting facilities.
- Eliminate single-use plastics.
- Use water-saving appliances in restrooms and kitchens.
- Encourage the use of public transport.
Best Practices
- Appoint a Sustainability Expert to coordinate initiatives.
- Convene a Green Team with representatives from each part of the business.
- Seek Sustainability Certification (e.g., Green Tourism, ISO 20121).
- Join a sustainability network (e.g., Green Arts NI, Net Zero Carbon Events).
- Make a Net-Zero Pledge (e.g., 80% carbon reduction by 2030 and Net-Zero by 2040).
- Contribute to sustainability through your creative practice and raise awareness about the environmental crisis.
Checklist 3: For Creative Individuals
The following checklist is a great way to get started:
- Sign up to the THEATRE GREEN BOOK.
- COMMIT to reducing your environmental impact, and starting the transition to net zero.
- Create an Environment Policy that is annually reviewed.
- Contribute to sustainability through your creative practice and raise awareness about the environmental crisis.
Here are some tips for your sustainable practise:
- Use workshop materials, props, and costumes that have been pre-used—avoid new purchases if possible.
- Collaborate with your colleagues in the arts; they may lend you what you need.
- If you must buy new, support local shops or choose smaller, ethical online retailers rather than large companies.
- Store materials, props, and costumes for future use when possible; consider shared storage options if space is an issue.
- Recycle whenever you can, especially when disposing of materials.
- Whenever feasible, use public transport, walk, or cycle for work travel.
- For journeys from NI to the UK, consider using ferry services instead of flying.
- Limit paper usage—use devices for scripts and documents instead.
- Choose banks and phone contracts from suppliers known for their ethical and sustainable practices.
Further Resources
Theatre Green Book
Theatre Green Book is an industry-wide initiative to work more sustainably in response to the climate crisis. It is a free resource for everyone in the performing arts, working in any role and at all scales, providing a framework for planning, best practice guidance, a measurement system and shared standards. https://theatregreenbook.com/gettingstarted/
Carbon Literacy
Carbon literacy training Accredited Carbon Literacy Training from Business in the Community Northern Ireland (bitcni.org.uk)
Visit Belfast /Green tourism accreditation
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