The organisations involved include the Arts Council London, the Theatres Trust, the Independent Theatre Council, Equity and a number of key players from the industry who have all agreed to work with the Mayor to produce a Climate Change Action Plan for London Theatre.
Climate change is a key priority for the Mayor and this announcement builds on his Climate Change Action Plan launched in February this year. The Plan states that London can achieve the 60% reduction in carbon emissions that the latest science shows is necessary to avert catastrophic climate change, while without action, London's carbon emissions will grow from 44 million tonnes to 52 million tonnes by 2025.
The Mayor's statement read: "Like every other part of London life, its theatres have a role to play in the fight against climate change and today the theatre industry is setting an example to other London sectors with today's announcement. The first stage of work will involve theatres undergoing an energy audit to establish the carbon footprint of the sector. Assessments will then be made to decide the most appropriate energy efficiency measures to reduce theatres carbon emissions. These could include using energy efficient lighting as the National Theatre is already doing, improving building insulation, as well as plans to encourage theatre-goers to use the most sustainable travel option to travel to and from shows."
Livingstone commented: "London is known around the world for the quality of its theatre offer. Theatre makes a vital contribution to London's status as a world class cultural capital as well as contributing significantly to the economy - last year revenues for commercial theatre broke box office records and reached £400m for the first time.
"Tackling climate change doesn't mean we have to stop enjoying ourselves, but it does mean that every sector of London life has to consider its impact on global warming. It is extremely encouraging to see the key players from across the theatre sector showing real leadership and commitment to reduce emissions and tackle climate change by coming together to produce the first ever Climate Change Action Plan for London Theatre, so that theatres across the capital can go green".
Mhora Samuel, director of The Theatres Trust, said: "As The National Advisory Public Body for Theatres, The Theatres Trust is pleased to be supporting this initiative. We are committed to developing a total industry approach to helping theatres find ways of tackling climate change in their construction, refurbishment and building operation."
Nick Starr, executive director of the National Theatre said: "The National Theatre is delighted to be supporting this. There's so much that can be done to make ourselves more energy-efficient - whether it's attention-grabbing initiatives, or the incremental DIY stuff that delivers the extra percentage points. The NT is on a track to take 20% of its historical electricity consumption. There's no need to switch the lights off - it's about being smarter and getting everyone involved."
Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA (the Professional Lighting and Sound Association), said: "Theatre is all about collaboration and clearly there are a number of parties that need to join forces to address this issue. As the trade body representing the manufacturers and designers of entertainment technology we are fully committed to playing our part under the leadership of the Mayor."
(Lee Baldock)
