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.