Let’s Change Culture: Beyond Energy Reduction
A Cultural Sector Approach to Low-Carbon Energy
For cultural organisations, creative venues, and artists, energy use is increasingly part of climate conversations. Many in the sector are being asked to assess their carbon footprints, cut emissions, and even offset their impacts. Reducing energy consumption is vital—but we must also look at the bigger picture.
Rather than just measuring and minimising individual footprints, the culture sector has a unique opportunity to influence the energy system itself—helping shape a transition that is fair, locally beneficial, and creatively inspiring.
The UK's Evolving Energy Landscape
The UK’s energy mix is shifting, but there’s still a long way to go:
Renewable Energy Growth: In 2024, low-carbon renewables—primarily wind, solar, and hydropower—were set to generate more electricity than fossil fuels for the first time.
Decline of Coal: The UK's electricity was the cleanest ever in 2024, with CO₂ emissions per unit falling by more than two-thirds in a decade.
Current Energy Mix (January 2025):
Renewables: 42.3% (Wind 29.5%, Biomass 6.8%, Solar 4.7%, Hydro 1.3%)
Fossil Fuels: 25.3% (Gas 24.8%)
Despite this progress, fossil fuels still play a significant role, and much of the UK’s energy system remains centralised, corporate-controlled, and extractive.
So how can the culture sector help?
Beyond Offsetting: How Cultural Organisations Can Support the Energy Transition
Many creative organisations are being encouraged to offset their carbon footprint, but offsetting is a problematic approach:
Many schemes lack transparency and effectiveness.
Offsetting doesn’t reduce emissions at the source—it just compensates elsewhere.
It often allows the biggest polluters to continue business as usual.
Instead of relying on offsets, we can channel our energy, influence, and resources into real solutions.
Ways to Support the Transition
1. Build Relationships with Local Community Energy Groups
Community energy groups develop local renewable energy projects and can offer cultural organisations a way to contribute meaningfully. By working with them, we can:
✅ Increase the amount of locally owned renewable energy.
✅ Keep the economic benefits within communities rather than flowing to big energy corporations.
✅ Help install energy efficiency measures in the homes of those experiencing fuel poverty.
Find out if there’s a community energy group in your area and explore opportunities to collaborate. Could your venue or workspace host solar panels? Could your organisation help fund or promote a local renewable project?
2. Invest in Real Change Instead of Offsetting
Instead of questionable carbon offsetting schemes, creative organisations can:
Directly support community-owned renewables that displace fossil fuels.
Invest in retrofitting cultural spaces to reduce energy demand.
Fund initiatives that help low-income households access renewable energy and energy-saving measures.
3. Support Organisations Restoring & Regenerating Ecologies
A thriving energy transition must go hand-in-hand with ecological regeneration. Organisations like Devon Environment Foundation (DEF) are leading the way by funding local projects that:
✅ Restore wetlands, woodlands, and marine ecosystems to absorb carbon and support biodiversity.
✅ Support regenerative farming and rewilding efforts to make landscapes more resilient.
✅ Promote nature-based solutions to climate adaptation, such as restoring salt marshes to prevent coastal erosion.
Rather than funding global carbon offsets, creative organisations can donate to and collaborate with local initiatives that actively repair the damage caused by extractive industries. This keeps resources within our communities and creates long-term benefits for people and nature.
4. Advocate for a Just Energy Transition
The cultural sector has a powerful voice—it can:
Call for policy changes that prioritise renewables and local energy ownership.
Highlight stories of communities leading the energy transition.
Work with artists, writers, and performers to reimagine the future of energy and climate justice.
Building a Fairer, Greener Energy Future
Moving to a low-carbon energy system isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, power, and participation. By choosing to engage locally, invest in real change, and support those who need it most, we can help shape an energy system that works for everyone—not just the biggest players.
So, as cultural organisations consider developing their environmental and sustainability policies, it is possible to look beyond installing solar panels, making stuff more efficient, and travelling less - We can actually think at the systemic scale and develop collaborations that can drive culture change for everyone.
What’s happening in your area? Who’s already doing this work? Let’s connect and make it happen together.