Can Theatreland Go Green With Mayor's Help???

As part of the ongoing battle against global warming, the Mayor of London’s ‘Green Theatre: Taking Action on Climate Change’ plan was launched this week (9 September) at the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA) annual conference.

The plan aims to cut emissions from London’s theatre industry, which currently creates an estimated 50,000 tonnes of carbon waste per year (the equivalent of 9,000 homes), by up to 60 per cent by 2025. Such a reduction would, according to the calculations, be equivalent to converting over 5,000 London homes to zero-carbon.

The plan offers practical advice to the theatre industry on how emissions can be cut and includes a ‘carbon calculator’ that can be used to identify areas of the production process that create the largest amount of emissions. It recommends designating ‘green’ responsibilities to staff, and ensuring that ‘green policies’ are written into contracts.

Mayor Boris Johnson said in relation to the proposal: “London's theatres make a vital contribution to the capital's economy and its productions and venues are renowned worldwide … I am fully committed to reducing the capital's emissions by 60 per cent by 2025 and forward-thinking contributions such as 'Green Theatre' will inspire many industries to help us meet this target together."

Nica Burns, chief executive of Nimax Theatres and president of the Society of London Theatre, endorsed the plan: "As a high-profile and economically important British industry, London theatre is determined to lead from the front in minimizing our environmental impact. That’s why we support the Green Theatres initiative.”

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