Can Entertainment Venues Embrace Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness?

Exploring the potential for a greener future in live entertainment, examining the pros and cons, and offering recommendations for eco-conscious venues.

As environmental concerns continue to gain traction around the globe, businesses across various industries are reevaluating their practices to minimize their ecological footprint. The live entertainment sector, which encompasses theatres, concert venues, and other performance spaces, is no exception. In this article, we’ll delve into the question of how entertainment venues can become more sustainable and eco-friendly, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of implementing green initiatives, and provide recommendations for balancing cost and benefit.

Case Study: Newhampton Arts Centre’s Reusable Cup System

One example of a venue taking steps toward sustainability is the Newhampton Arts Centre (NAC) in the United Kingdom. In an effort to reduce single-use plastics and their contribution to the 8 million tons that end up in the ocean every year, NAC introduced a reusable cup system at their bar.

The new cup deposit system requires patrons to pay a £2 deposit for a cup on their first drink, which can then be reused or exchanged for a clean one throughout the event. At the end of the night, patrons can return the cup and receive their deposit back or take it home as a memento. Since implementing the system, NAC’s Moonshine bar has prevented over 10,000 pieces of plastic waste from being discarded.

In collaboration with resident artists, NAC has taken the initiative one step further by creating unique, collectible designs for the cups. The first design, created by tattoo artist Hollie Smith, features a nautical theme, with a classic diver’s helmet for half-pint cups and an NAC kraken for the full-pint version.

Bar Manager Chris Meddings said:

“We are super proud to be able to provide sustainable drinkware for our events and I am delighted to get the help from some of our resident artists and showcase some of their fantastic design work.”

By introducing the reusable cup system and collaborating with local artists, NAC has not only made strides in reducing plastic waste but also fostered a sense of community and creativity among its patrons.

Advantages of Sustainable Entertainment Venues:

• Reduced environmental impact: Implementing eco-friendly measures, such as reusable cups, energy-efficient lighting, and waste reduction programs, can significantly lower a venue’s ecological footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
• Enhanced public image: Adopting sustainable practices can improve a venue’s reputation, garnering public support and potentially attracting more environmentally conscious patrons.
• Long-term cost savings: While the initial investment in sustainable solutions may be higher, long-term cost savings can often be realized through reduced waste disposal fees, energy savings, and lower maintenance costs.

Disadvantages of Sustainable Entertainment Venues:

• Higher upfront costs: Implementing eco-friendly initiatives can entail significant initial investments, which may be prohibitive for smaller venues with limited budgets.
• Operational challenges: Transitioning to more sustainable practices may require changes to existing workflows and operational procedures, potentially causing temporary disruptions or a learning curve for staff.
• Limited options: In some cases, sustainable alternatives may not be readily available or feasible for a particular venue, making it challenging to adopt a fully eco-friendly approach.

Recommendations for Balancing Cost, Benefit, and Sociopolitical Factors:

• Start small and scale up: Venues can begin by implementing smaller, more affordable green initiatives, such as using reusable cups or installing energy-efficient lighting, and gradually scale up their efforts as resources allow.
• Collaborate with local partners: Working with local environmental organisations, suppliers, and policymakers can help venues identify cost-effective solutions and gain support for their sustainability efforts.
• Educate patrons and staff: Raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and eco-friendly practices among staff and patrons can help foster a culture of environmental responsibility and encourage ongoing support for green initiatives.
• Pursue grants and incentives: Venues should explore available grants, tax credits, or other incentives aimed at promoting sustainable practices, which can help offset the costs of implementing eco-friendly measures.
• Advocate for industry-wide change: Venues can use their influence to advocate for more sustainable practices across the entertainment industry, encouraging suppliers, performers, and other stakeholders to adopt eco-friendly practices and create a greener future for live entertainment.
• Learn from successful case studies: Venues can take inspiration from successful examples like Newhampton Arts Centre, which implemented a reusable cup system and collaborated with local artists to create unique designs. Such initiatives not only help reduce waste but also foster a sense of community and creativity among patrons.

While transitioning to more sustainable and eco-friendly practices may present challenges, the long-term benefits of reducing environmental impact, improving public image, and realizing cost savings make the endeavor worthwhile for entertainment venues.

By learning from successful case studies like Newhampton Arts Centre, starting small, collaborating with local partners, educating staff and patrons, and advocating for industry-wide change, venues can strike a balance between cost and benefit while addressing social and political aspects. Ultimately, embracing sustainability in the live entertainment sector can contribute to a healthier planet and a more conscientious, eco-aware audience for future generations.