The planet is on track to reach a global temperature rise of 3˚C before the end of the century. The evidence of catastrophic environmental collapse is growing ever clearer, from extreme weather events to widespread extinction of species.
Theatre, like all industries, has an impact: we create work that is inherently temporary; that makes use of raw materials, of heat, light and sound; that asks people to travel to a particular location at a particular time.
However, we believe theatre can be part of the solution. We tell stories, shape culture and encourage empathy and understanding. Our industry is made up of creative and inspiring people who are motivated to make change.
We have already made significant progress towards reducing the carbon impact of the National Theatre. The scale of the change required means we are already scrutinizing every part of the way we operate. We are on track to achieve the goals we initially set in alignment with the Paris Agreement, taking us to carbon neutrality by 2050.
But we believe this is a climate emergency - and it is our responsibility to aim for a carbon neutral National Theatre faster.
Our commitments
- To embed environmental sustainability at the heart of National Theatre’s practice.
- To work to the baseline standard of the Theatre Green Book for all 21-22 productions.
- To set year-on-year carbon reduction targets.
- To report on our progress annually.
- To share our experience and learn from others within the wider sector.
Monitoring and reporting:
Our Environmental Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis by our Board and updated as necessary. The policy is supported by our Environmental Strategy, and implementation and performance will be continuously evaluated through departmental action plans and environmental monitoring and measurement.