Large-scale theatre productions can have a negative environmental impact. High-powered lighting and sound equipment, delivering enough food and drink, printing programmes, heating or cooling an entire auditorium; the impact on our planet can be vast.
At the Shaftesbury, we are continually working to lower our energy use. Our Dramatic Transformation has allowed us the opportunity to improve the efficiency of the Theatre. We have reduced the power consumed by the building by updating our lighting throughout the Theatre, installing LEDs and energy efficient equipment, including our heating boilers. Our recently installed air conditioning system introduces fresh air from the top of the building, heating or cooling it as necessary, the former by use of heat exchange from the building’s exhaust air. The new toilets use significantly less water, saving over 8 million litres of water every year. As we renovate and extend the building, we endeavour to repurpose or reused materials to limit wastage. At every turn throughout our work on the building the impact on the planet has been considered, ensuring we have worked to benefit the environment, not just the Theatre.
We are members of the Camden Climate Alliance and continue to support the Mayor’s Climate Challenge. The Shaftesbury Theatre has been commended for its energy saving initiatives and is committed to working together with our community to become a net zero carbon borough by 2030. With a focus on reducing our carbon emissions through improved energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, we are determined to take action and make changes for a greener future.
We are proud to work with suppliers that put the planet at the heart of their brand. Working with BrewDog and Whitley Neill show that steps are also being taken by our suppliers to lower carbon emissions for the benefit of the environment.
BrewDog is proud to be the world’s first carbon-negative brewery. As a certified B-Corp, BrewDog’s dedication to reducing their carbon footprint is clear. In 2020, they purchased 9,308 acres of land in the Scottish Highlands, with the aim of creating a native, bio-diverse broadleaf woodland to reduce the carbon in our atmosphere.
Over 2.5 million apples are wasted every day in the UK. To cut down on this wastage, Hawkes uses donated apples from within the M25 to make their delicious cider. They also collaborate with The Orchard Project, which works to create more green spaces in urban areas.
Whitley Neill is the UK’s number one premium gin. With ingredients sourced from all over the world, they are able to craft distinctive and intriguing spirits. Halewood, their parent company, have signed up to a five year plan with INENCO Business Utility and Sustainability Consultancy to minimise their carbon footprint and reduce energy use.