Matthew Griffiths, CEO of PLASA, who welcomed the guest speakers and audience members to the launch, told LSI: "We're very proud to be able to host the launch of the Mayor's Green Theatre Plan at PLASA08. Many of the manufacturers represented here on the show floor are already playing an active role in developing new equipment and technologies to help theatres achieve the goals set by the Mayor's Plan, and the lighting and sound industry still has a great contribution to make. PLASA and its members are very keen to work with theatres and other industry bodies, not only to help improve the power efficiency of lighting and sound systems themselves, but also to support and encourage the adoption of the many small, common-sense and practical steps which together will make a huge contribution to reducing the theatre industry's carbon emissions."
Launched in association with The Theatres Trust, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), Arts Council England and the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA), Green Theatre is an action plan for the theatre industry, outlining the most practical and effective measures that can be taken to reduce energy use in buildings while also saving money in energy bills.
The plan identifies how London's theatre industry creates 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year - the equivalent of emissions from 9,000 homes. It concludes that if all actions recommended in the plan were taken, the industry could reduce carbon emissions by almost 60% by 2025 - the equivalent of converting over 5,000 London homes to zero-carbon.
Climate change is one of the Mayor's key priorities and the launch of the initiative at PLASA08 builds on his commitment to reducing London's carbon emission by 60 per cent by 2025. The Plan, compiled in close collaboration with a range of key stakeholders, offers practical advice to the industry on how emissions can be cut and includes a carbon calculator that can be used to identify areas of production that create the largest amount of emissions. Advice includes identifying where changes need to be made, designating 'green' responsibilities to staff, and writing 'green' policies into contracts to ensure that suppliers are also helping to cut emissions.
The Plan also details a number of successful case studies such as a battery recycling scheme launched by the Mayor in partnership with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), which helps London's theatres start recycling their waste batteries.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson has commented: "London's theatres make a vital contribution to the capital's economy and its productions and venues are renowned worldwide. The power of the theatre industry to set an example in the fight against climate change is immense. I have been impressed with the genuine leadership and commitment shown by the industry bodies we have worked with in developing this Plan. I am fully committed to reducing the capital's emissions by 60 per cent by 2025 and forward-thinking contributions such as 'Green Theatre' will inspire many industries to help us meet this target together."
Mhora Samuel, director of The Theatres Trust said: "I'm delighted to be supporting the launch of the Mayor's Green Theatre Programme at PLASA08. As the national advisory public body for theatres, The Theatres Trust is playing its part by helping to disseminate the report's recommendations and raise awareness of the actions that theatres can take to reduce their carbon footprint. This report represents a major milestone for the theatre sector in London and demonstrates how much is possible through theatres, suppliers and manufacturers all working together to address climate change and reduce energy use.
"For their support in working with us to make the Launch a truly s
